Columbia police end search that partially shuts down Walmart parking lot

UPDATE: According to Cooper County officials, shortly after 8 a.m. a female caller said she was being held against her will by an acquaintance. Several calls were received and multiple agencies were involved in trying to locate the female.

Information led officials to the Boonville WalMart. Sheriff’s deputies, Boonville PD, and MSHP responded by the female was not at the location. Following information put the female at several other locations east of Cooper County.

As of 11:20 a.m., Cooper County law enforcement has not been able to locate the female.

UPDATE: Columbia police have ended their search for a girl who was possibly in distress.

The Saturday morning search caused law enforcement to partially shut down the Conley Walmart parking lot after receiving reports the suspect was possibly there.

A lieutenant on scene told ABC 17 News Columbia Police received a call from Cooper County, asking for assistance. They received information saying a girl was being held against her will, possibly in a container by an ex.

Police later received information from someone else who was with the girl, who said she was fine. Authorities then got in touch with the girl, who was supposedly in distress. They say she is not being cooperative.

Original story: Right now, Columbia police are searching for at least one suspect, and authorities have shut down all but one entrance of the Conley Walmart parking lot.

It’s currently unclear why authorities are searching for the suspect in question.

Our ABC 17 News crews on scene say police are searching cars and trunks before vehicles can exit the lot. Police are also checking through the windows of parked cars.

Columbia police and the Missouri State Highway Patrol are currently on scene.

ABC 17 News is working to find out more.

Developing story..