One man arrested, four juveniles detained after downtown water bead gun incident
One man was arrested and four juveniles were detained in connection to a downtown water bead gun incident Saturday night in the area of East Broadway and Ninth Street, the Columbia Police Department reported.
Columbia police arrested Hunter Johnson, 18, of Columbia, and detained four juveniles for fourth-degree assault after a report of shots fired.
Johnson was released on scene with a citation.
At approximately 8:30 p.m. Saturday, several males reportedly were masked and firing pellets at bystanders from an SUV. After investigating, officers located and stopped the vehicle at approximately 9 p.m., the police said in a news release.
Officers learned the suspects were firing pellets from a water bead gun. Officers also recovered an actual firearm from one of the juveniles, which had not been fired during the incident.
While three people reported being struck, no injuries were reported.
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"Thankfully, no one was injured, and no property damage occurred during this incident," said Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones. "The behavior of these individuals, however, created a significant risk for themselves and the public. Anyone who is masked and brandishing a weapon while driving through a crowd is going to get attention."
If an officer is responding to a call of shots fired or a person with a gun, they will respond as if the gun is real, Jones said.
When they arrive on the scene, officers won't initially know if it's a real gun or if it's a paint gun, a BB gun or something other than a real weapon, he said.
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"A split second interaction could escalate if the person with the paint gun or BB gun points it at officers or bystanders," Jones said. "We encourage parents, guardians and community members to be vigilant, and if you have a child, family member or young person in your life, please urge them to be responsible.
"The well-being of our youth and our community is our top priority, and we ask for your help in keeping Columbia safe."
City law prohibits the firing of "any gun, pistol, revolver or any other firearm or air rifle" within the City of Columbia, the police department said. Paint, BB or airsoft guns can be unsafe when handled incorrectly or discharged in urban areas, the police added.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police at 573-874-7652. To report a tip without including your name or contact information, call CrimeStoppers at 573-875-8477.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: One arrested, four detained after downtown water bead gun incident
