Deputies arrest Columbia man that fled into woods after chase that ended near Veterans United

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Law enforcement arrested a Columbia man who allegedly had a gun following a chase that ended near Veterans United’s southern Columbia campus on Wednesday.

The Boone County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a Wednesday evening press release that Devin Taylor, 25, of Columbia, was eventually found and detained. Taylor was brought to an area hospital for evaluation and will be booked into the Boone County Jail after he is medically cleared, the release says.

The sheriff’s office wrote that deputies responded to a burglary call at 8:47 a.m. at a business in the 5200 block of East St. Charles Road. Taylor allegedly stole several items, including a rifle. Taylor then allegedly tried to cash a fraudulent check at 12:51 p.m. in the 3600 block of Buttonwood Drive, a deputy saw him in a vehicle and a nine-minute chase occurred, the release says.

Taylor crashed into another vehicle near State Farm Parkway and Nifong Boulevard and residents told law enforcement they saw his vehicle go toward Veterans United’s campus, the release says. He then allegedly ran into the woods with the gun, the release says. He was found at 1:24 p.m. and the gun was later recovered by law enforcement.

An ABC 17 News photographer saw deputies and Columbia police in the area with a K-9.

The driver of the vehicle Taylor’s vehicle crashed into had no injuries, the release says.

Rock Bridge High School, Rock Bridge Elementary School and Gentry Middle School were all put on temporary “hold and secures” while law enforcement worked in the area. Columbia Public Schools spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark said in an email the “hold and secure” lasted about five minutes. The measure was done due to Veterans United’s proximity to the schools, and the chase did not involve any of the schools.

Parents of students at each school were notified, as well as parents of touring from John Warner Middle School.