On Oct. 5, at approximately 12:48 a.m., Columbia Police officers were dispatched to University Hospital and Clinics, 1 Hospital Drive, for a report of a gunshot victim in the emergency room. Upon arrival, officers contacted the victim, who was conscious and alert.
During the course of the officers’ investigation, it was determined the firearm used was owned by the Columbia Police Department and issued to a non-commissioned employee who, at the time, was attending the University of Missouri Law Enforcement Training Institute.
The employee has been placed on administrative leave, and Chief Geoff Jones has requested the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control to conduct an investigation.
"As with any incident where a Columbia Police Department-owned firearm is discharged and harms another person, we refer the case to the Patrol to assure the investigation is independent and transparent," said Police Chief Geoff Jones.
All questions related to the investigation should be directed to the Highway Patrol.
Once the Patrol completes its investigation, the Columbia Police Department will conduct an Internal Affairs review.
Case Number 2020-009501