Officer sees shots fired while on burglary call
A Columbia police officer investigating a burglary reported seeing gunfire while on that call Friday morning.
The burglary call happened around 2:30 a.m. in the 2400 block of Quail Drive. While investigating, one officer went to a patrol car to get supplies and saw seven or eight gunshots fired just down the street. The officer also saw a light-colored SUV speed away from the scene.
Police found numerous shell casings in the area, as well as two vehicles damaged by the gunfire. No injuries have been reported.
“People have the right feel safe in their homes. These kinds of shots fired incidents challenge that right. And so, as a city, we’re taking on every aspect of crime from every level,” said Michael Trapp, Second Ward council member.
Officials said the city is currently engaged in a number of crime prevention programs: a family access center for at-risk youth, a community policing program in three neighborhoods and a larger police presence in north Columbia.
The city recently bought eight acres of land near Rangeline and International for a new police station. City officials hope its proximity to high crime neighborhoods will curb crime in the area.
The city spent $484,170 on the land for the new north side police station. The next step is to hire an architect to design the building. It’s expected to open in about 2 years.
