Police arrest four people in connection with BB gun shootings in Columbia

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Police Department arrested four people in connection with a series of BB gun shootings.

According to a news release, several people reported people driving around shooting at homes and pedestrians on Sunday. Four people reported being injured but did not need medical attention. Others reported damage to their homes and vehicles estimated to cost more than $800 in repairs, police said.

Because of community cooperation, police said officers were able to find the suspects' vehicle on Trinity Place, as well as the four suspects.

Officers arrested Triston Dean Stewart, 19, Trey Matthew Stewart, 18, Christopher John Stapleton, 18, and Jovon Olle Bibby, 18, all of Columbia.

Officers cited Bibby for property damage and released him from the scene, according to the release. The other three face charges including property damage, assault and armed criminal action.

According to the news release, one of the victims who was shot at fired back with a real gun. Police said a round grazed Tristan Stewart's nose. He was taken to the hospital before being booked into the Boone County Jail.

"Please make sure you are following the Stay at Home Order. Make sure your children and family members are also following the Order," Police Chief Geoff Jones said. "This past weekend, several young people were taken into custody after driving around town shooting BB guns at people and damaging property. One of them was shot with a real gun by a victim of the shootings. I will remind you that your police department stands ready to actively pursue those who prey on others. We will enforce the law."

Police also said while they were investigating on Trinity Place, a man approached officers aggressively and did not listen to commands to stay back. Police arrested John Pernell Stapleton Jr., 46, for allegedly obstructing a government operation.