City of Columbia, MO
07/03/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/03/2022 20:10
CORRECTION: Columbia police arrest one and detain four in connection to water bead gun incident in the area of East Broadway and Ninth Street, July 2
600 E. Walnut Street
Columbia, MO 65201
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 3, 2022
CONTACT: Christian Tabak
Public Information Specialist
Columbia Police Department
City of Columbia
573.289.9516
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Toni Messina
Communications and Outreach Supervisor
Columbia Police Department
City of Columbia
573.874.7660
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CORRECTION: Columbia police arrest one and detain four in connection to water bead gun incident in the area of East Broadway and Ninth Street, July 2
(COLUMBIA, MO)- Correction: The firearm previously identified as belonging to Hunter Johnson belongs to one of the juveniles.
Columbia police arrested Hunter Johnson, 18, of Columbia, and detained four juveniles for fourth-degree assault in connection to a report of shots fired with a water bead gun in the area of East Broadway and Ninth Street.
On July 2 at approximately 8:30 p.m. it was reported that several males were masked and firing pellets at bystanders from an SUV. After investigating, officers located and stopped the vehicle at approximately 9 p.m.
Officers learned the suspects were firing pellets from a water bead gun. Officers also recovered an actual firearm from one of the juveniles, which had not been fired during the incident.
While three persons reported being struck, no injuries were reported.
"Thankfully, no one was injured, and no property damage occurred during this incident," said Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones. "The behavior of these individuals, however, created a significant risk for themselves and the public. Anyone who is masked and brandishing a weapon while driving through a crowd is going to get attention."
Jones said that if an officer is responding to a call of shots fired or a person with a gun, they will respond as if the gun is real. When they arrive on the scene, officers won't initially know if it's a real gun or if it's a paint gun, a BB gun or something other than a real weapon.
"A split second interaction could escalate if the person with the paint gun or BB gun points it at officers or bystanders," Jones said. "We encourage parents, guardians and community members to be vigilant and if you have a child, family member or young person in your life, please urge them to be responsible. The well-being of our youth and our community is our top priority, and we ask for your help in keeping Columbia safe."
City Ordinance 16-234 prohibits the firing of "any gun, pistol, revolver or any other firearm or air rifle" within the City of Columbia. Paint, BB or airsoft guns can be unsafe when handled incorrectly or discharged in urban areas.
The investigation is ongoing and more information may become available at a later time.
If you know something, say something. Columbia Police are asking for your help. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652.
To report a tip without including your name or contact information, call CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477). A tip that leads to an arrest or helps solve a felony crime could result in a cash reward.
Columbia police arrested Hunter Johnson, 18, of Columbia, and detained four juveniles for fourth-degree assault in connection to a report of shots fired with a water bead gun in the area of East Broadway and Ninth Street.
On July 2 at approximately 8:30 p.m. it was reported that several males were masked and firing pellets at bystanders from an SUV. After investigating, officers located and stopped the vehicle at approximately 9 p.m.
Officers learned the suspects were firing pellets from a water bead gun. Officers also recovered an actual firearm from one of the juveniles, which had not been fired during the incident.
While three persons reported being struck, no injuries were reported.
"Thankfully, no one was injured, and no property damage occurred during this incident," said Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones. "The behavior of these individuals, however, created a significant risk for themselves and the public. Anyone who is masked and brandishing a weapon while driving through a crowd is going to get attention."
Jones said that if an officer is responding to a call of shots fired or a person with a gun, they will respond as if the gun is real. When they arrive on the scene, officers won't initially know if it's a real gun or if it's a paint gun, a BB gun or something other than a real weapon.
"A split second interaction could escalate if the person with the paint gun or BB gun points it at officers or bystanders," Jones said. "We encourage parents, guardians and community members to be vigilant and if you have a child, family member or young person in your life, please urge them to be responsible. The well-being of our youth and our community is our top priority, and we ask for your help in keeping Columbia safe."
City Ordinance 16-234 prohibits the firing of "any gun, pistol, revolver or any other firearm or air rifle" within the City of Columbia. Paint, BB or airsoft guns can be unsafe when handled incorrectly or discharged in urban areas.
The investigation is ongoing and more information may become available at a later time.
If you know something, say something. Columbia Police are asking for your help. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652.
To report a tip without including your name or contact information, call CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477). A tip that leads to an arrest or helps solve a felony crime could result in a cash reward.
Case number 2022-006320
City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.
City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.
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