Correction: Kentrell Minton, 19, of Columbia was not arrested, he is listed as a suspect.
On Sunday, Jan. 5, at approximately 1:55 p.m., Columbia Police responded to a disturbance at the City-owned Activity & Recreation Center (ARC), 1701 W. Ash. Upon arrival at the ARC, officers learned there was a verbal altercation between two people and a gun was allegedly brandished at another patron.
The alleged victim reported the weapon to ARC staff, which enabled a supervisor to take possession of the bag containing the firearm, restrain the suspect from leaving the premises and notify the proper authorities.
The handgun was never discharged and no injuries occurred to staff or ARC patrons. Safety of patrons at the ARC is a number one priority. Video monitoring and staff training occur routinely to reinforce a culture of safety at all City facilities.
The suspect was identified as Kentrell Minton, 19, of Columbia, and has been indefinitely suspended from all Parks, Trails and Recreational facilities. Charges will be filed for violating the ordinance prohibiting firearms inside city facilities (ordinance 16-247- firearms in city buildings).
This is an active investigation and no further information is available at this time.
Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
Case number 2020-000141
Previous Press Release(s):
Columbia Police Arrest ARC patron for violating concealed weapon ordinance
https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/view.php?id=6525