Man killed in south Columbia standoff was wanted on suspicion of child molestation
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
UPDATE: Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones said Friday morning a man suspected of first-degree child molestation and was killed in a CPD standoff on Thursday.
Jones said 34-year-old Curtis Haas was wanted by police in the investigation.
During the news conference, Jones added three officers are on administrative leave after the standoff.
ABC 17 News livestreamed the event. You can watch the full CPD conference in the media player below.
ORIGINAL: Columbia officers said a man is dead after he barricaded himself in a south Columbia home and shot at police.
The police department announced Friday morning that its holding a news conference about the officer-involved shooting at 10 a.m.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating the case. It is unclear how the person died. Police have not released the identity of the suspect.
Officers closed Rock Quarry Road in south Columbia after a man barricaded himself in a home.
According to Steven Sapp, Director of Community Relations for the City of Columbia, around 5 p.m. Columbia Police received a report of "a crime" which prompted officers to respond to the 1700 block of Sun Court.
When officers arrived and tried to make contact, the man pulled a gun and pointed it at officers, Sapp said.
"Shots were fired, we don't know if they were directed towards officers or not," Sapp said.
At that point, officers retreated and the man went into a home on the 1700 block of Sun Court.
CPD, Boone County Sheriff's deputies and other law enforcement agencies are on scene as well as ambulances, fire department personnel and a Bearcat protection vehicle.
The crisis negotiation team is also on scene working to make contact with the man and come to a peaceful resolution.
"We are not identifying him at this point, but yes we do know who the suspect is we have been in contact with family members," Sapp said.
Family members have said the man has weapons in the house.
"We do not know or do not have any information that officers or law enforcement agencies returned any fire," Sapp said.
Some residents have been evacuated from the Sun Court area.
Authorities believe the subject is in his personal residence.
"There were potentially shots fired by the subject as far as we know at this point there were no injuries reported," Sapp said.
Sapp said authorities have not yet made contact with the individual, they are still trying.
According to a Boone County Joint Communications alert, Grindstone Parkway was closed between Grindstone Plaza and Bearfield just after 6 p.m. Rock Quarry south of Grindstone and north of Nifong was also closed.
Authorities ask community members to find alternate routes to get where they need to be.
The Columbia Police Department tweeted that there was a "barricade subject" and that it was setting up a media staging area.
ABC 17 News crews at the scene could hear officers yelling at someone to come out and put their hands up.
This is a developing story. Watch ABC 17 News at noon for updates.
