Columbia Police arrest man in Friday night shooting, assault

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Police Department officers arrested a man in connection with a shooting and assault on Friday night.

George Jonathan Vanwart, 37, of Columbia was arrested for first-degree domestic violence, first-degree assault, fourth-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action.

According to police, officers were sent to a disturbance in the 2900 block of Northland Drive around 10:30 p.m. Friday.

Officers found evidence of a shooting, which led them to two victims and several witnesses.

The two victims had non-life threatening injuries. One woman was assaulted and one man was struck by a bullet fragment in the leg. 

Multiple agencies including the Boone County Sheriff's Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Boone County Fire and the University of Missouri Police department helped in the search.

Vanwart had fled into a wooded area before officers were on the scene.  He is now being held in the Boone County Jail.

ABC 17 News crews on the scene saw multiple police vehicles, including a crime scene investigator van, K9 unit and an ambulance.

Officers were seen putting up crime scene tape near the intersection of Parker Street and Northland.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact the Columbia Police Department at 573-874-7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573-875-TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.