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