(COLUMBIA, MO) -
Police Respond to Disturbance that Leads to Arson
On June 20, 2011, at approximately 9:18 a.m. Columbia Police were dispatched to a disturbance with a gun at 1206 Park de Ville Place. The female caller told 911 that her sister and her sister’s boyfriend, later identified as 29 year old Nicholas Gibbs, were in the residence having an argument. The caller further stated that Gibbs threatened to kill himself or someone else if police were called. The caller’s boyfriend was also inside the residence. The caller had left the residence to contact police. She also stated Gibbs had cut himself on the arm.
When officers arrived they were able to make contact with Gibbs’ girlfriend at the front door and she was safely removed from the scene. Gibbs came out onto the side deck of the residence multiple times and spoke with a Sergeant who encouraged him to have the other male occupant come outside. A short time later the other male exited the front of the residence and was also safely removed from the scene.
Gibbs told officers he was armed with “AK-47’s” and explosive devices and had booby trapped the doors to the residence. He also told them he had started a fire inside the residence. A short time later, visible smoke and flames could be seen coming out the east side of the residence. Gibbs then came back out on the deck and was safely taken into custody after he climbed down at the direction of officers.
Residents in the building were evacuated and the Columbia Fire Department was called to the scene. For further information in reference to the fire and subsequent damage please contact Battalion Chief Steve Sapp of the Columbia Fire Department.
Gibbs was arrested and taken to the hospital for evaluation. He is currently under arrest for Arson, with the possibility of additional charges being added later today.
Contact:
Sergeant Jill Wieneke
Public Relations Unit
Columbia Police Department
(573) 817-5047 office
(573) 777-2575 cell
[email protected]
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