Columbia Police Investigate Robberies; Officers Cleared in March Shooting
Columbia Police are investigating two robberies that occurred on Monday, October 4. In both robberies, the business lost an undetermined amount of cash.
Arena Wine and Spirits, 515 Scott Boulevard, was robbed at approximately 9:40 PM CDT, followed by Arena Liquor, 208 Corporate Lake Drive at approximately 10:25 PM CDT. Columbia Police say a male in dark clothing entered the stores and showed a handgun while demanding money. Then fled the area in a dark-colored four-door sedan. There were no injuries reported.
Columbia Police are asking anyone who knows anything about the robberies to please come forward. They can call the Columbia Police Department at 573-874-7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573-875-TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
In other Columbia Police news, a Special Prosecutor has told the Columbia Police Department that he does not intend to file any criminal charges against Columbia Police Officers in an officer-involved shooting from March 5, 2020.
The shooting occurred when Columbia Police Officers attempted to arrest Curtis Haas on suspicion of first-degree child molestation. Haas and the officers exchanged gunfire and Haas died from gunshot wounds.
In a letter to Missouri State Highway Patrol Investigators and copied to Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones, The Special Prosecutor, Christopher D. Wilson says, "In light of these facts, it is clear to me that the officers were acting lawfully in their use of deadly force pursuant to Section 563.046, RSMo., and in defense of person (both self-defense and defense of a third person) pursuant to Section 563.031, RSMo."
Columbia Police Chief Jones said in the release, "The Special Prosecutor’s decision brings some measure of closure to those involved in this matter. When an incident like this occurs, it affects the families of those killed or injured, the families of our officers, and the community as a whole. I am thankful for the difficult work that our officers do each day to keep our community safe."