Columbia Police arrest one suspect involved in shots fired incident near Orr and Ash streets, One suspect outstanding, Jan. 21

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

At approximately 12:22 a.m. on Jan. 21, a Columbia Police officer observed a suspicious vehicle stopped in the middle of the street in the area of Melbourne and Hodge streets. The officer observed that the vehicle had no lights illuminated and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The suspect vehicle began to flee from the officer.   

As the vehicle fled from the officer, it crashed on the sidewalk in front of the Columbia Fire Administration Building, 201 Orr St.  

As the patrol vehicle approached the intersection of Orr and Ash streets, a suspect fired at the patrol vehicle.  The officer called for assistance, and immediate action was taken to track the suspects who fled on foot. 

A perimeter was set and the Boone County Sheriff’s Department conducted a K-9 track.

As a result of the K-9 track, a juvenile male was detained. An adult male identified as Anthony Stapleton, 18, of Columbia was arrested as a result of the investigation. One suspect is still at large. There is no suspect description available at this time.

Officers located several shell casings and property damage to a patrol vehicle. No injuries were reported.

This is an ongoing investigation and is being handled by CPD’s Criminal Investigation Division. More information may become available at a later time. 

If you saw something or know something, say something. 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 2021-000708