New video shows man wanted for home break-in, assault

On Tuesday, Columbia police released new images of a man wanted for a home burglary and assault earlier this month.

The incident happened near Boone Hospital Center in the East Campus neighborhood.

The suspect was captured by a dashboard police camera after the break-in Nov. 2 at a home on Anthony Street. Officers tried stopping the man on a bike, but he kept going and crashed before taking off on foot.

The break-in was just one of many for the East Campus neighborhood. Neighbors tell ABC 17 News that one house of women recently moved out because a man broke in at least three times.

Police say the man isn’t breaking in to steal things, but rather to assault women.

One resident on Anthony Street in East Campus, Andrew Schaller, said his next door neighbor was assaulted by the man.

“He would always have a bandana covering his face from the nose down and have a hat on so you couldn’t fully tell what he looked like,” Schaller said.

Police are also lacking a good description of the suspect. He is described as a white or Middle Eastern man, of average height and weight.

Neighbors said the attacks seemed to be planned. Schaller told ABC 17 News the police believe the man watched from the woods to find the perfect time to break in.

Police are now encouraging students to lock their doors while the man is on the loose. They’ll also be stepping up patrols and presence in East Campus.

According to investigators, the man on the bike matches the description given by the victim. They are asking anyone with information to call the Columbia Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 573-875-TIPS to remain anonymous.