At approximately 6 p.m. on March 5, officers from the Columbia Police Department attempted to make contact with a suspect in an ongoing criminal investigation in the 1700 block of Sun Court.
As officers attempted to make contact with the suspect in front of the home, the suspect pointed a firearm at the officers in a threatening manner as he fled into the residence. Officers requested additional resources including the Crisis Negotiation Team, SWAT and the armored BearCat.
While members of the SWAT team positioned the BearCat, the suspect began to fire shots at officers and CPD returned fire.
For more than an hour, the suspect remained barricaded and armed inside the residence.
After attempts to contact the suspect failed, officers used force to enter the residence through the garage door. Upon entry, officers located the suspect and found he was deceased. Next of kin has not been notified.
During the incident mutual aid was requested from additional law enforcement agencies including Boone County Sheriff’s Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Columbia Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services.
This case has been turned over to the Missouri State Highway Patrol to conduct an independent investigation.
This is an ongoing investigation and there are no additional details at this time. This is preliminary information as it is currently known. As the investigation continues, additional information will be released when it is available.
Anyone with information relating to this matter is asked to contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
Case Number 2020-002121