Police investigating armed home invasion in Columbia

A Columbia home was robbed Friday morning, putting a nearby school on lockdown for a short time. Police responded to the home on Timber Creek Drive, which is off Stadium Boulevard north of I-70, at around 11 a.m.

The suspect or suspects were armed at the time of the invasion,and left in a vehicle. Two people were inside at the time, but neither was hurt.

The scene is near Columbia Independent School, which was placed on lockdown for a short time during the investigation. The lockdown was lifted shortly before noon.

Police told ABC 17 News a weapon was among the items stolen, but haven’t specified what kind of weapon was taken. We’re working to confirm reports it was a shotgun.

“In most cases you’ll see if there’s a firearm that’s readily available, that’s going to be one of things that would be taken in burglary cases,” said Bryana Larimer with Columbia police department.

It’s an ongoing issue for many departments in Mid-Missouri. One CPD officer said there’s frustration in the department with illegal or stolen guns being used during crimes.

Officials said don’t leave homes or vehicles unlocked with guns inside. Also, gun owners should put their firearms in a gun safe. Authorities said a lot of people like to keep their guns in the bedroom and that’s the first place a robber or burglar will look.

Many times a firearm is never recovered after being stolen from a home and vehicle.

“In a lot of case you’re going to see those firearms are defaced. So, the serial numbers are wiped off, and so that makes them difficult to then track back and actually return to an owner should that suspect be apprehended later on and we locate that stolen firearm,” said Larimer.

Authorities said never to buy a gun that’s been de-faced in anyway.