Columbia man accused of pulling gun after attempted shoplifting at Walmart

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man was charged Friday with three felonies for allegedly pulling a gun after trying to shoplift a sleeping bag at the Conley Road Walmart.

Police say they never found a gun, but they did find a cartridge and pellets for an airsoft gun.

Braxton B. Sifrit, 32, tried to take a $50 sleeping bag Thursday but was stopped by Walmart security, according to a probable cause statement. Sifrit pushed the security guard to the ground and pulled a gun but ran from the store without firing it, the statement says.

Police identified Sifrit from store security video and found him near Stephens Lake Park in the 2300 block of East Walnut Street.

Sifrit is charged with third-degree assault, evidence tampering, unlawful use of a weapon and a misdemeanor, stealing.

Police say they found air cartridges and pellets in Braxton's backpack but could not find a gun.

Sifrit was in the Boone County Jail on Friday afternoon. Prosecutors have requested no bond.

Sifrit's address is listed in jail records as "transient."