Columbia’s police chief confirms last weekend’s shooting in downtown Columbia was gang-related, saying 30 total shots were fired by multiple suspects.
A 36-year-old woman was shot in the back and the bullet exited out her chest, according to court documents. She remains hospitalized. Columbia Police Chief Jill Schlude briefed reporters Friday at a city hall press conference, saying what happened on Halloween morning is unacceptable:
“Our investigation indicates that at least seven individuals fired weapons during a dispute in a crowded area in downtown Columbia. Close to 30 shots were fired during this incident,” Chief Schlude says.
The chief says it’s remarkable that more people were not injured or killed. The chief tells reporters that CPD has worked around the clock to investigate the shooting:
“Our officers have executed eight residential search warrants and recovered 11 firearms including an AR-15 pistol that was used in this incident. These results reflect the relentless work of our detectives, our SWAT team, our patrol officers and our civilian investigative team,” Chief Schlude says.
Columbia Police have made at least eight arrests, including 23-year-old De’Koryion White, who is charged with first degree assault and three other felonies. Court documents say White allegedly fired his AR-15 randomly into the crowd.
CPD is also searching for a man they say they have probable cause to arrest for first degree assault. His photo is above. Anyone who recognizes him is urged to call Columbia Crimestoppers at (573) 875-TIPS.
The chief confirms that multiple suspects are being referred to federal prosecutors for federal prosecution.