Press release: Columbia Police report on downtown disturbance

TYPE OF INCIDENT: SHOTS FIRED

CASE #: 2008-012122, 2008-012113, 2008-012115, 2008-012110 and 2008-012111

DATE & TIME OCCURRED: September 18, 2008 at 12:41 AM

DATE &TIME REPORTED: Same, heard by officer.

INCIDENT LOCATION: 1201 East Broadway, Sapphire Lounge

VICTIMS: Three Columbia Police Officers, multiple others in proximity to the original disturbance, a 21-year-old male

DETAILS OF INCIDENT: On September 18, 2008 at approximately 12:41 AM officers performing foot patrol in the alley to the rear of the Sapphire Lounge, located at 1201 East Broadway, observed a physical disturbance between two groups of persons. As officers approached the two groups, an unknown female in one of the groups indicated to officers that members of the other group had assaulted a male friend. As officers prepared to engage the group of four suspects, one shot was fired in the direction of the officers. As officers retreated for cover, the four subjects fled north on foot, and a lengthy foot pursuit ensued.

During the course of the investigation, two subjects were located with the use of a tight perimeter and a K-9 search. As officers continued to investigate the original disturbance, multiple disturbances broke out in the downtown area, which resulted in numerous arrests. As the search for the shooters continued, a large verbal disturbance erupted in the rear parking lot of the Sapphire Lounge, which also resulted in two arrests, one of which was for assault on a third police officer.

Shortly after this disturbance was broken up, another disturbance call was received from the area of Jimmy John's restaurant, located just west of the Sapphire Lounge. As officers arrived at this disturbance, a 21-year-old victim who had been struck in the face advised officers he had been assaulted by a subject who was walking with a large group of black males. He told officers the group was now walking in the area of Tenth Street and Walnut. As officers approached this group, they began fighting amongst themselves. Once officers broke up this fight, two of the subjects were arrested for peace disturbance by fighting and the subject who had assaulted the 21-year-old was arrested for assault. A female was also arrested for interfering and resisting arrest. Officers have determined through multiple interviews of involved persons that these disturbances began as a result of fighting among patrons of the Sapphire Lounge.

Officers then began to clear the streets, with the assistance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Boone County Sheriff's Department. Once the seven arrested persons were transported, the disturbances in the downtown area began to subside.

Members of the Columbia Police Department would like to extend a thank you to the community who provided information concerning the location of the subjects involved in the original disturbance, as well as to the other police agencies that assisted in transporting arrested subjects and clearing the streets.

The investigation into this incident was turned over to the Major Crimes Unit and will continue. Witnesses and any additional victims are encouraged to contact the Columbia Police Department.

Anyone with any information is requested to submit your tip on the Crimestoppers web site, 875tips.com. You do not have to give your name and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1500 if your information leads to an arrest.