4 teens arrested for Columbia robbery

Columbia police have taken four teens into custody following a strong armed robbery.

Just after 12:45 a.m. Monday, police were called out to SoCo Club on Seventh Street, a popular hangout among the gay community.

Investigators say a group of teens approached the victim and his friend asking to use their cell phone. The victim said no and he along with another victim were allegedly physically assaulted by the group. He was taken to the hospital for minor injuries. The teens also stole the victim’s wallet.

Police later caught up to a group matching the suspects descriptions near the Walgreens on Broadway. The suspects took off, but officers were able to catch up to them and take them into custody.

Police say they found the victim’s wallet in possession of the suspects.

The owner of SoCO said he does not think this was a hate crime.

He said his security was outside all night and saw the four boys walking around different parts of the downtown region throughout the night.

However, this does prompt the question, “Does Boone County need a curfew for minors?”

All teen suspects were between the age of 14 and 17.

In one of Columbia’s neighboring areas, Cole County, has a curfew for minors and are not allowed out past midnight.

This crime happened around 12:45 on a school night.

In the past, city leaders like Police Chief Ken Burton, brought up the idea of a possible curfew last year.

However, there have been few, if any discussions have been brought up since then.