City of Columbia Missouri Police Department

600 E. Walnut Street
Columbia, MO 65201

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 4, 2019

CONTACT: Jeff Pitts
Community Relations Specialist/Public Information Officer
Columbia Police Department
573.817.5049
[email protected]

UPDATE: Columbia Police vehicle strikes child at Battle High School

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

On Friday, Jan. 4 at approximately 3:55 p.m. a Columbia Police officer was involved in an incident at Battle High School, 7575 E. St. Charles Road. The MSHP crash report identifies the officer involved in today's incident at Battle High School as Andria Heese. Officer Heese has been with the Columbia Police Department for five years and is assigned to the Community Outreach Unit. Officer Heese is on Administrative Leave as per department protocol. MSHP continues to investigate the incident.

The officer was driving a marked patrol vehicle when the vehicle struck a 4-year-old female child.

The officer, another CPD officer at the school and other school personnel began providing immediate medical care to the child. The officer requested further medical aid via radio. Columbia Fire and University Ambulance EMS arrived and provided advanced life support. The child was transported to the University Hospital Level One Trauma with CPD escort.

Despite life saving attempts by emergency personnel both on the scene and at the hospital, the child passed away due to injuries sustained during the incident.

"I would ask everyone to please pray for the family and pray for the officer that was involved in this incident," Acting Police Chief Jill Schlude said. "It was extremely tragic and a lot of people need prayers tonight."

CPD requested the Missouri State Highway Patrol conduct the investigation. Any further questions regarding this investigation should be directed to  Missouri State Highway Patrol PIO Sgt. Scott White.

CPD Case number: 2019-000121

Original Columbia Police press release(s):


Columbia Police vehicle strikes child at Battle High School

https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/view.php?id=5986



City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.

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