Police report four armed robberies in Columbia in 24 hours

The Columbia Police Department is investigating four armed robberies that happened on July 12 between 12:55 a.m. and 11:45 p.m.

Police said they believe the incidents are connected and the suspects seem to be targeting college aged men. Officials said some of the victims are current or former students at the University of Missouri.

“At this time, we’re asking the community for their help in identifying the suspects in the cases,” said Assistant Chief Jeremiah Hunter.

The first armed robbery happened in the alley behind Gunter Hans restaurant at 12:55 a.m.

CPD said two men were robbed at gunpoint by two black men.

The second incident happened in the 2900 block Old Highway 63 South at 1:31 a.m.

According to police, two men were outside an apartment in the area when they were also robbed at gunpoint by two black men.

The victims weren’t hurt during the robbery. The suspects were last seen running north.

Another armed robbery was reported at 10:55 p.m. on Wednesday at Locust and Waugh Street.

The 21-year-old male victim told police he was robbed by two black men wearing hooded sweatshirts. One of the men had a gun. They were last scene running away east on Locust Street.

The final armed robbery on July 12 was reported at 11:45 p.m. in the 1300 block of Wilkes Boulevard.

Three 22-year-old men told police they were walking near Lions Park when they saw a light colored car driving slowly around the park.

The victims said as they were walking back home, two black men got out of the car, one of them with a gun, and robbed them. The car took off northbound on College Avenue.

Police said they have no other descriptions for the suspects.

Interim Chancellor Hank Foley called the armed robberies “disturbing.”

“The care for and safety of the entire campus community remains our number one responsibility,” he said. “This is a commitment we have made to our students, to their parents, to faculty and others and one that I take extremely seriously.”

Both MU and Columbia College sent out a clery release Wednesday to notify students and faculty about the recent armed robberies.

Major Brian Weimer with the University of Missouri Police Department said patrol officers are on the lookout for an suspicious activity.

He advises students to walk in pairs, in well-lit areas and to report and suspicious activity to police.

Anyone with information regarding the armed robberies is asked to call the Columbia Police Department or CrimeStoppers at 573-875-TIPS to remain anonymous.