Columbia police arrest man accused of threatening to shoot woman, driving under the influence

Columbia police arrested Roy Benson on Thursday night after officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of Jackson Street in reference to a threat with a gun.

Police said Benson and a female victim were in a verbal altercation, and during the fight Benson threatened to “shoot” the woman if she called officers. The victim reported Benson had a gun in his hands when he made the threat, officers said.

Police said Benson fled the house before officers arrived on scene.

Officers found Benson two hours later at Cosmo Park inside a running car.

Police said they found the gun in Benson’s car and smelled a strong odor of intoxicants coming from the man.

Officers said Benson had a BAC of .086.

Benson was arrested and faces possible charges of unlawful use of a weapon, domestic assault and driving while intoxicated.