CPD officers looking for accused armed robber

Columbia police officers are investigating an armed robbery in the 3200 block of Elm Grove Drive.

Investigators said the robbery was reported just after 11 p.m. Tuesday.

A 23-year-old man and 1-year-old were outside a home when another man with a gun approached them.

The man told authorities that the gunman demanded money before running away.

No one was hurt during the robbery.

North Columbia has seen an increase of crime, so much so, the city has purchased a piece of land for a future police substation in north Columbia.

ABC 17 News spoke with residents who live on Elm Grove Drive. They told crews it’s usually a quiet street but they do hear about crime happening in the surrounding areas.

ABC 17 News also spoke with City Councilman Michael Trapp who represents a part of the city near Elm Grove Drive. He said crime is a city wide problem and the police department needs more officers. He also talked about a city ordinance in the works that would widen the definition of a pawn shop to include used sporting goods stores and also extend the time requirement before pawned items can be sold.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbia Police Department, or CrimeStoppers at 573-875-TIPS.