Columbia Police respond to questions about shots fired near school

The Columbia Police responded to several questions as to why Columbia Public Schools weren’t notified about a shooting last week.

Police reviewed the incident that happened in the 4300 block of Needham Court and concluded within 5 minutes of the call being dispatched, both cars involved had left the area.

Officers also were not aware that a part of the incident happened in Bethel Park until later in the investigation, where two teenagers were arrested.

According to Public Safety Joint Communications, the shooting was outside the radius set up by the school district for immediate incident notification.

CPD said Columbia Public Schools ultimately makes the determination whether or not to initiate additional safety and security measures beyond the buzz-in door systems.