Police search for four men during homicide investigation in Columbia; two scenes connected
View video of the scene in the player above.
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
On Tuesday morning, officers cleared the scene of a deadly North Columbia shooting that closed down a pair of streets Monday afternoon in the 3200 block of Dove Drive.
Officials are now searching for four men who they believe could be connected to the homicide investigation.
Columbia Police Department Assistant Chief Jill Schlude said at a community meeting Monday night police are investigating a homicide. Police also confirmed the investigation on its social media.
At this point in time, Columbia Police can confirm that the Dove Drive scene is an active homicide investigation. More information will be available at a later time. https://t.co/iPePLPcFKs
— ColumbiaPD (@ColumbiaPD) June 26, 2023
CPD said the suspects are believed to be armed and dangerous.
A CPD spokesman confirmed to ABC 17 News that a police scene at another part of town -- in the 3800 block of West Gibbs Street near Interstate 70 Drive Northwest -- is connected to the scene on Dove Drive.
On social media, CPD said four men could possibly be trying to flag down vehicles in neighborhoods off of I-70 Drive Southwest, between North Stadium Boulevard and Route UU.
The Columbia Police Department is requesting any information from citizens regarding possibly encountering four black males attempting to flag down vehicles in the area of I70 DR SW, between N Stadium Blvd and Hwy UU, to include surrounding neighborhoods. pic.twitter.com/GKnw7DuEZw
— ColumbiaPD (@ColumbiaPD) June 27, 2023
Law enforcement did not identify the victim. But police said the body of the victim was found outside of a residence.
An ABC 17 News reporter saw at least five police officers at the scene early Monday afternoon. Police asked residents to stay aware from the area.
Despite the four possible suspsects involved in the case not being in custody, public information officer for CPD, Christian Tabak said there is no active threat to the community.
"So we do not believe there is an active threat currently to the community, however community members are encouraged to be cautious if approached or flagged by any of these individuals in the area previously mentioned along i-70, just to be aware and make sure you know, these suspects could be armed and dangerous so," Tabak said.
Columbia Police are currently responding to a report of shots fired in the 3200 block of Dove Drive. pic.twitter.com/l0M9Brbmz8
— ColumbiaPD (@ColumbiaPD) June 26, 2023
Boone County emergency dispatchers sent out alerts saying Blue Ridge Road was closed from Garth Avenue to Providence Road and that Dove Drive was closed from Blue Ridge to Elk Drive.
A crash was reported in the 3800 block of Gibbs Road. Officers said suspects that were in the crash vehicle went into the woods and are "possibly armed."
Police were also seen with Boone County deputies and Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers in the area, which is near I-70 Drive Northwest. A K-9, as well as a helicopter were used to investigate the area.
