Man arrested for allegedly robbing friends in central Columbia

Police arrested one man early Friday, accused of robbing his friends in central Columbia. Jason Smith, 19, was taken into custody, accused of first-degree robbery and unlawful use of a weapon. Officers were first called to Parkway Apartments around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday near Garth Avenue and West Broadway.

Police discovered three victims were in the apartment waiting on a friend. When the friend got there, two other men were with him. The friend pulled out a gun, demanding money and the victims’ items. A fight broke out and the friend hit one of the victims with the gun.

The three suspects got away on foot and were not able to steal anything from the apartment.

While the officers were on scene they also found more than 20 pieces of drug paraphernalia and some marijuana.

Officials expect more arrests as the investigation continues.