Police request warrant in robbery, car theft case

COLUMBIA — Police have issued a request for a warrant for the arrest of a Columbia man who they say assaulted a woman and stole her car Friday night.

At 7 p.m. Friday, an adult female was robbed by a man with a gun on Lakewood Drive, according to the Columbia Police Department.

The woman identified the man as Terry Simmons, whom she said she knew. The police have requested a warrant for Simmons' arrest on suspicion of second-degree assault, first-degree robbery and unlawful use of a weapon.

The woman was walking to the front door of her home and was approached from behind by a man. After a short struggle, the man displayed a handgun and demanded the woman's car keys. He then took the vehicle and drove away, Sgt. Timothy Moriarity said. The vehicle was later recovered, but the suspect had left the car.

The woman was hit on the head but did not require medical attention.