Two charged in armed robbery in Columbia

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Two men were charged in an alleged armed robbery that occurred on Saturday in Columbia.

Damiere French, 18, of St. Peters, was charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action and resisting arrest. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. A court appearance was held Monday.

Zane Walker, of Columbia, was charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree burglary and misdemeanor stealing. He is not listed on the Boone County Jail roster as of Monday evening. A warrant was ordered for his arrest and no bond was set.

According to a probable cause statement and previous reporting, Columbia police responded to the 2100 block of West Broadway for a report of someone being robbed at gunpoint. The victim had told police that his phone and keys were taken and his apartment was “ransacked.” The victim allegedly stated he saw the person who stole his belongings at an apartment complex, the statement says.

While police were speaking with the victim, he was allegedly able to point out French to officers while he was in the area, the statement says. French ran away and was eventually arrested at the intersection of West Broadway and Heather Lane, court documents say.

Police found a mask and rubber gloves in French’s hoodie and a gun was found in the bushes of the sidewalk, according to the statement.

The victim stated his whole apartment had been ransacked after French and another person stole his keys at the Dollar Tree and got into a getaway car, the statement says.

A witness allegedly told police that he saw two men run out of the apartment five minutes before police arrived, the statement says.

French allegedly told police that he was involved in the robbery, but was the “lookout” while Walker went through the apartment, according to court documents.