Update: Former roommate charged in home invasion robbery on the loose

A man is charged with eight felony counts in connection to a home invasion robbery that happened in the 2600 block of Agate Way.

Around 12:30 on September 26, a Boone County Sheriff’s deputy was patrolling the area when he noticed two males walking outside. The men told the deputy they were the victims of a home invasion and robbery.

CPD says the victims had injuries that suggested they were assaulted. They were taken to a local hospital to be treated for moderate injuries.

On Monday, October 5, Earl Lee Moses Jr. was charged in the case. Court documents say the victims identified Moses as one of three men involved in the home invasion and robbery. Moses is apparently a former roommate of one of the victims.

Court documents say the home owner had called Moses to let him and his friend in the house’s garage. Once Moses let the homeowner and his friend in the garage, the victims were apparently greeted by two armed men with their faces covered. Court documents say the men were armed with a revolver and a gun that looked like a rifle.

The documents say the accused intruders pushed both victims to floor, assaulted them, and duct taped them. The intruders apparently took items from both victims, including about $1,700 dollars.

Court documents show the alleged intruders threatened to kill both victims. They apparently told one victim to call his friends and ask for money and a place to meet so the alleged intruders could rob them too. The documents say the intruders drug one victim around the house, put a gun in his mouth, threatened to put him in the trunk of their car and pulled the gun’s trigger at one point. The gun did not discharge.

Court documents say Moses eventually cut the duct tape off one of the victims and he was able to escape the house and yell for help.

Moses is charged with two counts of kidnapping, two counts of robbery, two counts of armed criminal action, and two counts of assault. A warrant has been issued for his arrest. He is not in custody as of Tuesday October 6. Prosecutors have requested a $400,000 bond.

Officers found drugs inside the victims’ home during the investigation.

Many neighbors living in the neighborhood tell ABC 17 News that home invasion and robberies are a common thing.

One neighbor said she was surprised this one happened at night, because most of them happen during the day.

She said people lock their doors and windows, but the thieves use force to break in to the home.

Several neighbors have installed security systems to protect themselves from the recent home invasions.

If you have any information on this incident, you’re asked to call Columbia Police or call CrimeStoppers at 875-TIPS to remain anonymous.