Police call overnight response at a Columbia church a false alarm

UPDATE 5:30 a.m. – Columbia police officers responded to an alarm at the Grace Bible Church early this morning that turned out to be a false alarm.

A sergeant with the Columbia Police Department tells ABC 17 News CPD then used the incident for “training purposes only”. Police say it is common for officers to do “field training.”

We’re still working on confirming why police were sent to the church in the first place.

ORIGINAL: Numerous Columbia Police officers are surrounding the Grace Bible Church in north Columbia with their weapons drawn.

It’s happening at 601 Blue Ridge Road.

Around 4 a.m. CPD got on scene after reports indicated someone was inside the church.

When ABC 17 News crews got to the scene they said police were behind their cars with weapons and shields drawn.

They also said every entrance was blocked off by police cruisers.

ABC 17 is working to confirm more details about the incident.