Sunday morning Columbia shooting suspect previously charged in 2022 murder
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A Columbia man is back in custody after police said he fired shots in downtown Columbia early Sunday morning.
The Columbia Police Department identified the alleged gunman as 20-year-old Tavan Eric Williams-Patrick.
Police claim Williams-Patrick was seen holding a gun and attempting to place it on a sidewalk before officers arrested him.
The gunfire drew large crowds from nearby bars and clubs.
Christopher Woods, who has lived in Columbia for nearly 20 years and downtown for the past two, said he was out downtown until about 11:30 p.m. Saturday. Woods said he did not see the shooting or witness the scene that happened early Sunday morning.
However, before he left, Woods said he saw several groups of people gathered downtown.
“There was a lot of conflict. There was a lot of attitude. You had two or three- I don’t know exactly what was going on- but it had drawn two or three different crowds down here that you normally don’t see,” Woods said.
Woods said Sunday morning’s shooting also fits what he believes is a pattern of gun violence downtown.
“The one last night, I feel like I almost jinxed it because we talked down here about we’re due for another one. They happen about every three months at a minimum is the rhythm,” Woods said.
Sunday’s arrest comes about a year after prosecutors dropped murder charges against Williams-Patrick in connection with the death of 15-year-old Aubrey Doxley last Aug.
In 2022, Boone County prosecutors accused Williams-Patrick, who was 16 at the time, and three other teenagers of taking part in a shooting that killed Doxley on McKee Street.
Prosecutors initially charged Williams-Patrick as an adult with felony counts of second-degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon in connection with Doxley’s death.
Prosecutors dropped those charges last year when Williams-Patrick was 19. At the time, prosecutors said they planned to refile the charges at a later date.
Around 1 a.m. Sunday, police taped off several blocks of East Walnut Street after multiple gunshots were reported. Columbia Police Lt. Anthony Bowne said officers arrested Williams-Patrick shortly after.
The incident drew large crowds from nearby bars and clubs. Police said there were no reported injuries and no damage to nearby cars or buildings.
A source close to Williams-Patrick’s family, who did not want to be identified because of the sensitivity of the situation, told ABC 17 that someone attempted to shoot at Williams-Patrick, but the person’s gun reportedly jammed.
Police have not confirmed that claim.
Police referred charges against Williams-Patrick of fourth-degree assault, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful discharge of a firearm to prosecutors.
Click here to follow the original article.