Columbia businesses react to report of shots fired Friday night

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Police Department responded to a report of shots fired in the parking lot of Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen Friday night.

An officer at the scene told ABC 17 News police were not aware of any injuries related to the investigation.

Around 7:40 p.m. Friday, an ABC 17 News reporter observed at least eight patrol vehicles on the scene, glass on the ground and what appeared to be bullet holes in a vehicle.

Columbia Police Department spokesman Brian McNeill would only confirm officers were dispatched before 8 p.m. for a report of shots heard.

Tarl Williams, the general manager at Fazoli's, a neighboring restaurant, expressed disbelief when he learned of the incident.

"It's sad that the world even has to come to that. I find it very childish that people even have to resort to that," Williams said.

Friday's incident follows a previous shooting in the same area a few months ago. In March, two people were taken into custody after a shooting between two vehicles near Spencer Avenue and Patsy Lane.

No injuries were reported.

Another shooting in February at a gas station near the intersection of West Boulevard and Interstate 70 Drive Southwest resulted in the death of Corey Bilger, who was 33 at the time of the shooting.

An 18-year-old was charged with murder after allegedly killing Bilger.

Cherish Jordan, a local business owner who has operated her business a few minutes from Cheddar's for over 16 years, said she was not surprised to hear the news of Friday's incident.

"I feel like it's happening all over town. I don't feel it's a location thing. It's really everywhere," Jordan said.

ABC 17 News reached out to the Columbia Police Department for more information.