Columbus police say that they recovered more than $100,000 in stolen property from several area communities after arrests and searches recently in an ongoing investigation.

The investigation started with a suspicious vehicle at a property in the 2800 block of Riverside Drive earlier this month. When officers confronted the two people in the vehicle, police noticed miscellaneous items inside including jewelry, dishes and clothing. After finding out that the two were not authorized to be on the property, the driver tried to flee.

Police arrested 35 year old Brian J. Stewart and 34 year old Norma J. Holley, both of Columbus, says Lt. Matt Harris, with the Columbus police. A search of the car revealed a handgun, more than 70 syringes, methamphetamine and items that had been reported stolen from Columbus, Edinburgh, Franklin, Seymour, Freetown, and Whiteland.

Officers served search warrants at a storage facility and a garage in the 1400 block of Lafayette Avenue, where they recovered more stolen items including tools, lawn equipment, stereo equipment, televisions and a shot gun. They also recovered a vehicle stolen from Rensselaer.

Stewart and Holley are facing charges of receiving stolen auto parts, three counts of theft, possession of a handgun without a license, trespass and three counts of conversion, Harris says. They are also being charged with possessing a legend drug injection device, methamphetamine and a controlled substance.