No charges filed yet in downtown Columbia water bead gun incident

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia City Prosecutor Robert Rinck said his office has not received the information on the Downtown Columbia water bead incident from Saturday, so at this time no charges have been filed.

Columbia Police cited 18-year-old Hunter Johnson and detained four minors Saturday night for shooting a water bead gun downtown and hitting random bypassers. Police say the group was wearing masks, hanging out of a car window and yelling at people.

A real gun belonging to one of the minors was also found inside the SUV the group was driving.

Police Chief Geoff Jones said no one was injured, but the situation could have easily escalated. Jones said officers approach every shots fired call as if the shooter has a real gun.

"A split-second interaction could escalate if the person with the paint gun or BB gun points it at officers or bystanders," Jones said. "We encourage parents, guardians and community members to be vigilant and if you have a child, family member or young person in your life, please urge them to be responsible. The well-being of our youth and our community is our top priority, and we ask for your help in keeping Columbia safe."

It is against city ordinance for someone to fire a gun within city limits.

Shooting water beads at strangers has been a growing trend nationally. It's been reported to happen this year in Florida and Georgia.