City of Columbia Missouri Police Department

600 E. Walnut Street
Columbia, MO 65201

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 12, 2020

CONTACT: Brittany Hilderbrand
Community Relations Specialist/Public Information Officer
Columbia Police Department
City of Columbia
573.874.7671
[email protected]

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

Columbia police detain one suspect in response to a weapons threat near La Siesta, 33 N. Ninth Street on June 12

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

At approximately 8:25 p.m. on June 12, Columbia police responded to a threat involving weapons after multiple callers reported to Boone County Joint Communications that a man was walking near La Siesta, located at 33 N. Ninth Street, with a nine inch blade threatening crowds of people. 

Upon arrival, officers witnessed the suspect with the weapon and proceeded to give verbal commands. The suspect fled on foot with his hands behind his back shouting "shoot me". 

The foot pursuit continued to the 800 block of East Broadway, where the suspect dropped the knife, but continued to resist arrest. In order to detain the suspect, officers made a forcible arrest by displaying their taser and forcing the suspect to the ground. 

The suspect, identified as Gabriel Falls, 28, of Columbia, was transported to a local hospital to be evaluated. Upon release Falls will be charged with felony unlawful use of a weapon, assault on a law enforcement officer, property damage and felony resisting.  

This is an ongoing investigation, there are no further details to provide at this time. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous. 

 Case Number 2020-5018



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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