Suspect arrested on suspicion of drug-related shooting
COLUMBIA — Police arrested a suspect Thursday on suspicion of a drug-related shooting Monday night in northeast Columbia.
Police said 25-year-old Kirk Jones was arrested by members of the department’s newly created Violent Crimes Task Force on suspicion of second-degree assault and armed criminal action in connection with a shooting in the 2100 block of Carol Drive near Rice Road.
Investigators responded at 8:39 p.m. Monday and found a vehicle in a ditch with its passenger door open and the front passenger window shattered. Two men wearing tan coats were seen by witnesses running from the car.
Police said “evidence of drug activity” was found inside the vehicle. Witnesses told police they heard between five and seven gunshots and, during the investigation, officers found shell casings and money scattered across the ice on Carol Drive.
No injuries were reported.
Columbia police Capt. Brad Nelson said another suspect fired a weapon and that police are looking for him.
“We believe we have that individual identified and are working towards a warrant for his arrest,” Nelson said.
Descriptions from witnesses during Monday night’s shooting led police to the suspect.
Police said they believe the suspect was involved in a drug deal at the time of the shooting but did not know if the suspect was a dealer or a customer.