Columbia police arrest two after fight over parking space, wheelchair

COLUMBIA — Two Columbia men were arrested Tuesday after an argument about a parking space at a downtown apartment complex escalated to a physical altercation.

According to Columbia police spokeswoman Jessie Haden, Jason Robert Jarvis, 32, refused to move his wheelchair, which was blocking the parking space of Allen Keith Self, 41, at 1109 Locust St.

Haden said that Self stepped out of his car and sprayed engine starter into the air "as a warning." After Jarvis moved, Self parked and entered his apartment.

A witness observed Jarvis letting the air out of Self's tires. Haden said Self then went out to confront Jarvis and began beating him with a weapon described as a police baton.

"Self told police he hit Jarvis more than two times," Haden said. Officers with the MU and Columbia police departments responded and called medics. Jarvis was then transported to Boone Hospital Center. He suffered lacerations to the top and back of his head and his face and needed multiple stitches.

Haden said Self told police the attack was in self-defense but added, "The facts don't add up for self-defense."

Self has been charged with second-degree assault and armed criminal action. His bonds total to $10,500. Jarvis has been charged with first-degree tampering, with a bond of $4,500.