Columbus police arrest man in connection to multiple violent crimes
The Columbus Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit has arrested a man accused in connection with multiple violent incidents that occurred in late April 2026.
According to police, officers responded to the area of Irwin Way and Ida Drive on April 24, 2026, at approximately 3:11 a.m. after receiving reports of a person shot. When officers arrived, they found an adult female suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to Piedmont Columbus Regional in critical condition.
Following an investigation, detectives identified 27-year-old Bobby Beaird as a suspect and secured warrants charging him with:
Armed Robbery
Aggravated Assault
Criminal Attempt to Commit Hijacking of a Motor Vehicle
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime
Investigators also linked Beaird to a separate motor vehicle hijacking that occurred on April 20, 2026, at the Southside Court Apartments. In that case, additional warrants were obtained charging him with:
Hijacking a Motor Vehicle in the First Degree
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Members of the Columbus Police Department’s Fugitive Unit later tracked Beaird to the Lanett, Alabama area, where he was taken into custody with assistance from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Authorities said Beaird has since been extradited back to Columbus and remains in custody at the Muscogee County Jail.
He is scheduled to appear in Recorder’s Court for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
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