TWO INJURED DURING SHOTS FIRED AT THE COLUMBIA SENIOR CENTER 1121 BUSINESS LOOP 70 EAST

On 03/07/15 at approximately 3:02 A.M. officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Business Loop 70 East in reference to several reports of multiple shots heard in the area.  Investigation revealed that a large party occurred at the Columbia Senior Center located at 1121 Business Loop 70 East.  A physical disturbance occurred in the parking lot, full of people, resulting in multiple shots being fired by multiple shooters.  Original calls to the Public Safety Joint Communications Center indicated more than 25 shots were heard.  Officers located multiple cartridge casings in the Columbia Senior Center parking lot.  Investigators are currently working to identify exactly how many shooters were involved. 

Two gunshot wound victims arrived at area hospitals by personal vehicles.  One 30 year old male victim received a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the back of the head.  The other victim, a 27 year old male, received a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the torso.

Officers received at least one report of a vehicle being damaged due to the gunfire.

CID and FET are investigating the shooting.  Despite the large number of people present in the parking lot at the time of the shooting, many potential witnesses left the area prior to police arriving on scene.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbia Police Department or CrimeStoppers at (573) 875-TIPS to remain anonymous.

No other information is available for release at this time and the investigation is ongoing.

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