Police ask for help in identifying attempted robbery suspect

COLUMBIA — Columbia police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect in an attempted robbery at a Columbia hotel last week.

At about 8 p.m. Nov. 13, a man tried to force his way into a hotel room at the Hampton Inn, 3410 Clark Lane. The victim, who told police he thought the suspect had a handgun, was able to shut his hotel door before the suspect got into his room. A picture of the man was captured on a surveillance camera at the hotel.

Nelson said police have no evidence connecting the suspect in the robbery of the Hampton Inn to the Saturday morning slaying of Cynthia L. White at the Comfort Inn, 2904 Clark Lane.

Anyone with information about the incident or who recognizes the man in the photo may call the Columbia Police Department at 874-7652 or CrimeStoppers at 875-8477. Police cautioned that the suspect is believed to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached.