Unsolved Crimes
Shots Fired Incidents Wed, Jul 7 2010
Columbia Police officers have investigated four reports of shots fired since June 27, 2010. Three of the four incidents appear to be possibly related. At approximately 1:30 a.m. on June 27th, shots were fired from a vehicle at the intersection of Fifth and Lyon Streets. The suspect vehicle is a gray or black Chevy Avalanche. Officers located seven .45 caliber shell casings in the roadway. Witnesses reported to police that shots were fired from the Avalanche at two or three men walking along Fifth Street. These men have not been identified and there have been no reported injuries.
At approximately 3:30 a.m., shots were fired from a red Grand Am in the 800 block of Clinkscales Road. Officers collected shell casings at this location, as well. Eight .45 caliber shell casings were recovered, in all; and a witness indicated there was a white sticker in the driver’s side rear window of the red Pontiac. Later in the evening officers responded to another shots fired call at Tiger Village Apartments but located no shell casings. Witnesses advised they heard shots coming from the 500 building, but when officers interviewed individuals at that location, they denied having fired any shots.
There were no reported injuries in any of these three incidents, but at the first location, a bullet entered a house on Lyon Street. This house is not believed to have been the intended target.
On June 29, at approximately 5:30 p.m., officers responded to several calls of shots fired at various locations. The many callers helped police focus on a few areas where shots had been fired from two vehicles, whose occupants were involved in an active disturbance with each other. The first area was described as Hinkson Avenue near William Street. Shots were also reportedly fired in the area of Wilkes and Rangeline, as both vehicles were on the move. Shell casings were also discovered on Fourth Avenue.
Witnesses described the vehicles as (1) a silver, gray, or silver and black truck; and (2) a red, maroon, or burgundy passenger vehicle.
Given the time proximity and consistent caliber of the recovered shell casings, the Lyon Street, Clinkscales Road, and most recent June 29th incidents are likely related. Investigators are still working to compile a list of vehicles and other property damaged in the June 29th shootings, but there have been no reported injuries to people. Investigators are asking anyone with information about any of the involved vehicles, suspects, or other involved persons to call the police department at 874-7652 or Crime Stoppers at 875-tips.