93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
A Columbia man who fired multiple shots at Oak Towers before barricading himself inside his apartment on Tuesday morning is being evaluated at a local health facility.
Columbia Police spokesman Jeff Pitts tells 939 the Eagle that the man was taken into custody after several hours of negotiations with CPD’s crisis negotiation team. There were no injuries.
“Despite the fact that there were shots fired by him, I can tell you he was taken into custody and will receive the mental health evaluation that he needs,” Pitts says.
Once the suspect receives appropriate mental health services, CPD says he’ll be arrested for several charges, including armed criminal action and felon in possession of a weapon.
Columbia Police say the suspect continued to fire his gun when CPD officers arrived, but they did not discharge their guns. They instead established a secure perimeter, and some residents were evacuated.
“We appreciate the community’s understanding and trying to steer clear of that area while we dealt with this incident,” says Pitts.
CPD’s SWAT and crisis negotiation teams were called in. One Oak Towers resident tells 939 the Eagle that she heard multiple gun shots at about 5:50 yesterday morning. She saw about 25 CPD vehicles at the complex.
