ARREST MADE IN ARMED ROBBERIES DURING SHOTS HEARD CALL

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

On 12/17/14 at 11:03 P.M., officers were dispatched to shots heard in the 1500 block of I-70 Drive Southwest.

The investigation revealed a victim was approached by a suspect in a mask. The suspect displayed a gun and attempted to assault the victim. One shot was fired during the incident, however, no one was injured.

While officers began a search for the suspect, Street Crimes Unit detectives located Jafari R. Boss, 31, in the 900 block of Bernadette Drive. The Criminal Investigations Division, Vice Narcotics Organized Crimes, and the Street Crimes Unit had previously began a search for Boss after detectives developed probable cause for the arrest of Boss in reference to the recent string of armed robberies.

Boss, sometimes acting alone and sometimes acting with up to two others, is believed to be responsible for the armed robberies at the following locations:

Speedy Mart on December 3, 2014 at 10:04 P.M.

Case number: 2014-013968

Budget Host Inn on December 5, 2014 at 7:20 A.M.

Case number: 2014-013998

Denny's Restaurant on December 6, 2014 at 5:20 A.M.

Case number: 2014-014047

We Be Smokin' on December 8, 2014 at 7:58 P.M.

Case number: 2014-014043

China Moon Restaurant on December 13, 2014 at 9:50 P.M.

Case number: 2014-014347

Boss was arrested for the following:

Five (5) counts of Robbery in the first degree with to be set bonds.Five (5) counts of Armed Criminal Action with to be set bonds.One (1) count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a to be set bond.Nine (9) counts of Kidnapping with to be set bonds.

Officers located a shell casing in the area of I-70 Drive Southwest and Hunt Avenue. The investigation into the shots heard incident continues as detectives are working to determine who is involved.

If you or anyone you know has information on the shots heard or the past robberies, please contact the Columbia Police Department, or call Crime Stoppers at (573) 875-TIPS to remain anonymous.