Howard County man arrested with firearms after chase and SWAT standoff

HOWARD COUNTY, Ind. – A man is facing multiple felony charges after he led police officers on a foot chase while armed with firearms in Howard County Thursday night.

According to the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, officers saw Xavier Brown walking in the area of ​​the 400 block of South Washington around 8 p.m. Thursday. Brown had several outstanding warrants, so officers attempted to approach him, according to the HCSO.

Brown ignored their commands and allegedly ran away, initiating an active foot pursuit. Officers reportedly observed Brown running with multiple firearms, the HCSO said.

At one point during the chase, according to HCSO, officers saw Brown enter the backyard of a residence in the area. Officers decided to call for assistance from the HCSO SWAT team because they saw a weapon during the chase.

The SWAT team arrived at the scene and set up a security perimeter around the house. Brown was arrested a short time later without further incident. According to HCSO, investigators later found two firearms on the property after gaining access to the interior. The serial number of one of the weapons is said to have been tampered with.

Brown was arrested and taken to the Howard County Jail where he was preliminarily charged with:

• Resisting law enforcement, level 5 felony
• Weapon/Instrument of Violence – Altered Weapon Identification, Level 5 Felony
• Possession of a firearm by a dangerous person, a misdemeanor charge