Columbia Police identify suspect in custody after downtown robbery

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Police Department identified the suspect in custody after an armed robbery at a bank in downtown Columbia on Saturday morning.

Police arrested 71-year-old Basil Kyles, of Columbia, on charges of first-degree robbery, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm and tampering with evidence in a felony prosecution, according to a CPD press release.

Police said Kyles allegedly displayed a gun and threatened the employees of a bank on North 5th Street, according to the release. CPD wouldn't specify how much money Kyles stole.

An ABC 17 News reporter went to the area Saturday and the only bank in the area was First Mid Bank and Trust.

According to the release, officers responded to the initial scene around 11 a.m. and arrested Kyles hours later around 3:45 p.m. near the intersection of Garth Avenue and Sexton Road in downtown Columbia.

Officers tracked Kyles through flock cameras and using information from private downtown businesses, according to the release.

CPD said no one was hurt in the incident.

Kyles was not listed on the Boone County Jail roster as of 8:30 p.m. Saturday.