Police: MU Alert connected to University Avenue burglary

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia police say a University of Missouri Alert sent out Monday afternoon was related to a burglary at a residence on University Avenue.

Two MU Alerts were sent out about the suspected crime on Monday. The first alert said a "threatening person with a knife" was seen at Lee Street and Wilson Avenue.

Columbia Police Department spokesman Jeff Pitts said Lawrence M. Johnson, 35, of Columbia, is suspected of taking items from the residence including a collectible sword.

Officers were called to the 1600 block of University Avenue for a burglary in progress around 1:15 p.m.

The police department said a resident returned home to find Johnson leaving with multiple items.

Pitts said Johnson ran from the scene but was arrested after a short chase ended on Rosemary Street.

Police said Johnson had multiple active arrest warrants.

According to jail records, Johnson was in Boone County Jail custody as of Tuesday morning.