SUSPICIOUS MALE ATTEMPTS TO TALK HIS WAY INTO A COLUMBIA RESIDENCE

On 07/15/14 at approximately 3:30 p.m., officers took a suspicious person report in the 100 block of Green Meadows Road West.  A male subject reportedly knocked on the door to the complainant's residence and claimed to be an Animal Control Officer investigating an animal bite.  The man reportedly asked to step inside the house and asked for a drink of water.  The resident was suspicious and did not allow the man inside.

 The subject was described as a black male, 30-35 years old, approximately 6' tall, 150 pounds, wearing a business suit.  The subject left in a gold four door passenger car possibly a late 1990's Buick or Oldsmobile.  The subject did not provide any form of identification showing him to be an Animal Control Officer or employee of the City of Columbia.  The subject's vehicle did not display any official markings.

 The resident reportedly contacted Animal Control and confirmed that no one was sent to the residence on an animal complaint.

 The Columbia Police Department wants to remind everyone of some important safety tips:

• Do not open your door for someone you do not know.
• Ask for identification.  If someone claims to be an official government agent, or on official business, they will show proper identification.
• If you do not believe their identity, contact the police to report the suspicious person/activity immediately.
• If the person is acting suspicious, you are uncomfortable, or you feel unsafe, call the police department to report the activity.  Do not open the door.
• Prompt reporting allows officers a better chance to contact and identify suspicious persons.  
• Please report all suspicious activity to your police department by calling the non-emergency number for Public Safety Joint Communications at 573-442-6131 or 911 in an emergency.