Man arrested in connection with Business Loop shooting

COLUMBIA — Police arrested a man they think was the driver of a car involved in a drive-by shooting.

The man, Taren Hendrick, 26, was identified by the victim on the day of the incident  and was arrested Tuesday, police said.

The shooting occurred at 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 27 at the 700 block of Business Loop 70 East, near Dairy Queen and Hickman High School. The victim was returning home from shopping when he noticed a car was following him, said Jessie Haden, the Columbia Police Department's public information officer.

The car pulled alongside him and a passenger indicated he wanted to speak with the victim. When he rolled his window down, he realized he knew the driver, Haden said. The two previously worked together at Columbia College and were in a dispute over a woman.

The victim pulled away from the car, Haden said. He told police he heard several shots fired. Two shell casings were found on the street. Initially it appeared the victim's vehicle was shot, but police now believe that was old damage, Haden said. 

Police are still investigating whether the passenger was involved. At this time, the passenger's name is not known.

Hendrick was arrested on suspicion of armed criminal action, first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon. His bond has been set at $260,000, and he was still in Boone County Jail this morning.