Columbia man arrested after flagging down officers for ride, phone call

UPDATE 1/5: Patrick has been charged with stealing a firearm.

According to the probable cause statement, Patrick has previously been arrested for assaults and other violent offenses.

ORIGINAL STORY: Columbia police arrested Tavares Patrick on Wednesday afternoon after an officer was flagged down by Patrick in the area of Business Loop 70 and Poplar Street.

Patrick allegedly told an officer that he needed a ride or to make a phone call.

Police said that Patrick had an extraditable warrant for his arrest for an unlawful use of a weapon.

As officers were arresting Patrick, he told them he had a confession to make. Patrick said he had a firearm in his sweater and wanted to know what would happen to him if it was stolen.

Police said the gun was stolen and Patrick was arrested for the warrant and faces possible charges of stealing.