Author: KMIZ

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Huntsville man was charged on Monday after he allegedly pointed a gun at a woman on Saturday at his residence and refused to let her leave.

Ethan Cruse, 18, was charged with second-degree kidnapping, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and third-degree domestic assault.

He pleaded not guilty during an arraignment on Monday and is being held on a no-bond warrant, though his information did not appear in the Randolph County Jail’s online records. A bond hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17.

The probable cause statement says the victim was at her mother’s residence and Cruse started arguing with her about getting McDonald’s. The pair went into Cruse’s vehicle and Cruse refused to take the victim back to her mother’s residence after she asked during the argument, the statement says.

Cruse allegedly had scratched and torn the victim’s shirt while trying to keep her from leaving the vehicle when they arrived at his residence before the pair went into the home, the statement says. Cruse allegedly pointed a gun at the woman’s head, demanded she not speak to anyone and took her cellphone, the statement says.

Cruse took a shower, which is when the victim hid his gun and messaged a friend for help, the statement says. Cruse allegedly threated to “shoot anyone who attempted to help” the victim, court documents say.

Law enforcement arrived and Cruse shoved the victim while the victim tried to leave and he was looking for his handgun, the statement says. Cruse allegedly then threatened to use an AR-15 or crossbow, court documents allege. He was eventually arrested by deputies.

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Ryan Shiner

Editor’s note: Layton’s middle name has been corrected.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man was charged in Randolph County after he allegedly shot someone during a fight on Saturday.

Jeffery Dale Layton, 41, was charged on Monday with first-degree domestic assault, armed criminal action, illegal gun possession and unlawful use of a weapon.

A no-bond warrant was issued and Layton appeared for an arraignment on Monday by video from the jail, though his information and mugshot were not available in online jail records. Layton pleaded not guilty on Monday and has a hearing scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, court filings show.

The probable cause statement says a witness let in the victim, who was locked out of the home on Saturday night. One witness claimed the victim and Layton mutually caused the fight before Layton fired shots, though that witness then claimed Layton started the fight “if she were to guess,” court documents say.

Two teenagers at the residence reported hearing gunshots after leaving the area where the fight occurred, deputies wrote. Layton’s wife allegedly told deputies that the victim started the fight, court documents say.

Law enforcement wrote that shooting occurred in the kitchen of the home and spent shell casings, a bullet and a handgun were found at the scene. The victim had a gunshot wound in their abdomen when deputies arrived and they were brought to an area hospital with serious injuries, the statement says.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia woman was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Friday after she pleaded guilty in June to stabbing a man last year.

Brianna Boone pleaded guilty on June 15 to first-degree domestic assault, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon.

Previous reporting shows that Boone allegedly admitted to law enforcement that she tried to kill the man over an argument. The victim had called one of his parents the night of the stabbing to say he was attacked, previous reporting says.

The parent then went to Boone’s residence and saw her on top of the victim with blood all over the floor, court documents in previous reporting say.  

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Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Foodborne illnesses are on the rise, and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services continues to report increasing cases of cyclosporiasis and, recently, salmonella.

Last week, the CDC linked the salmonella outbreak to jalapeños from Coast Citrus Distributors, which come from Sinaloa, Mexico. Following that recall, Chipotle and QDOBA pulled the product from their menu. The CDC and the FDA have cleared the restaurants as safe after reviewing the actions following the recall.

On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration issued recalls for the Spicy Jarlsberg Dip and Spicy Pimento Cheese Dip, both of which are sold at Kroger stores in Missouri. There are three Kroger stores in the state, located in Rolla, Troy and Poplar Bluff. The recall also includes Gerbes, which is run by Kroger.

DHSS reports 539 cases of salmonella in Missouri, and the CDC salmonella tracking map reports that Missouri has seven cases. Nationally, 345 people in 27 states have been affected by the illness.

Columbia/Boone County Health Department spokesperson Austin Krohn said 101 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases have been reported here since the outbreak began.

MU Health Care has treated 100 cases of cyclosporiasis.

“This is probably the largest outbreak in recent memory for cyclosporiasis that we’ve seen,” MU Health Care Dr. Christopher Sampson said.

He said cases have seemed to slow down, especially compared to previous weeks.

Boone County has 19 cases this year of salmonella, Krohn said. In 2025 and 2024, Boone County had 35 cases, and in 2023 there were 42 cases.

State health department data for salmonella cases were not immediately available.

Sampson said the hospital hasn’t treated an abnormal number of salmonella cases, but there are a few patients every couple of months.

“We normally, typically see a few cases every one to two months,” Sampson said. “A lot of those are from farm exposures or undercooked meat.”

Symptoms of salmonella are stomach cramps, watery diarrhea and sometimes bloody stools, Sampson said. Symptoms typically last four to seven days, but go away on their own.

People with severe symptoms, including a high fever or dehydration, should consult with a doctor, Sampson said. The best way to prevent the bacterial infection is through hand washing, especially after touching animals, and thoroughly cooking meat.

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Ellyse Edwards

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A 20-year-old man was charged Sunday with two misdemeanors and two felonies for allegedly firing shots in downtown Columbia.

Tavan Williams-Patrick of Columbia was charged with the felonies of armed criminal action and exhibiting a weapon illegally, along with the misdemeanors of fourth-degree assault and illegally firing a gun after shots were fired early Sunday near Ninth and Walnut streets.

According to a probable cause statement, Columbia police officers were working a separate incident near Ninth and Walnut around 1:13 a.m. Sunday when they heard three to four gunshots coming from west of the intersection. The statement says the shots were heard in proximity to several officers.

Officer Saige Wells wrote that he ran toward the area where the shots were heard, near 807 E. Walnut St., about half a city block from where officers had been working.

Wells said he saw about eight people running away from the area. As he ran toward the scene, Wells said he saw Williams-Patrick setting down a firearm on the sidewalk in front of the bar 50 Yard Line.

Williams-Patrick was arrested around 1:17 a.m. and placed in a police vehicle. Wells wrote that other officers at the scene found four spent shell casings and a live round of .40-caliber Smith & Wesson ammunition.

Wells alleges Williams-Patrick was armed with a handgun and fired four rounds near about 30 people on a public sidewalk near an open business.

Wells recommended that Williams-Patrick be denied bond because he has previously been arrested for several violent felonies, many of which involved firearms.

The statement says Williams-Patrick has previously been arrested for second-degree murder, armed criminal action twice and unlawful use of a weapon three times.

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.

Those charges were dropped last year.

Williams-Patrick appeared in court Monday afternoon, where a judge made no changes to his bond.

He is scheduled to return to court at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, for a bond hearing. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 24.

The shooting also raised concerns among nearby downtown businesses.

Todd Myers, owner of Room 38, told ABC 17 News his employees were working at the restaurant when the shooting happened nearby early Sunday morning. Myers was working a private event off-site at the time and said his employees called him and sent video before locking themselves inside the restaurant.

Myers said the business has had to take similar precautions before when employees or customers do not feel safe outside.

“We don’t want anybody going out in that mix until they feel safe, that they can leave,” Myers said. “A lot of our folks walk home or walk to their apartments.”

Myers said safety concerns can affect businesses throughout downtown because customers need to feel comfortable walking to their cars, homes, parking garages, or other businesses at night. He said he believes some people are already avoiding certain parts of downtown because of concerns about encountering trouble or crime.

Meyers said he wants the city and police to work more closely with local businesses and develop plans to address safety issues that affect surrounding businesses.

“It has to be actionable. It has to be actual action,” Meyers said. “We have to see results because we’re only seeing negative results at this point.”

Despite his concerns, Meyers said he wants people to continue coming downtown and enjoying the area, especially as Mizzou football season approaches.

ABC 17 News reached out to Boone County Prosecuting Attorney Roger Johnson for an interview Monday. Johnson said he did not have time to meet Monday.

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Jazsmin Halliburton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Transportation is set to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday morning for the St. Charles Road bridge over I-70 in Columbia.

The ribbon-cutting will begin at 10:30 a.m. on the St. Charles Road bridge. Guests are encouraged to park at the shopping center on the north side of the bridge and walk to the ceremony. MoDOT staff will help guests cross the bridge safely.

According to a press release, the new bridge is not anticipated to open immediately after the ceremony but is on track to open ahead of schedule. An estimated date for when drivers can use the bridge is Aug 14, according to previous reporting.

The East St. Charles Road bridge has been under construction since mid-April and was expected to open back in late September.

The original bridge was built in 1957 and was not wide enough to accommodate the Improve I-70 Project, which will expand the interstate to three lanes in each direction.

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Olivia Hayes

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Editor’s Note: The word downtown has been removed from the headline, as the incident occurred closer to Business Loop 70, about a mile from Downtown Columbia.

Columbia Police arrested a 38-year-old man for a downtown burglary Sunday morning.

A social media post by the department said officers responded to a business in the 1200 block of Seventh St. around 11:45 a.m. for reports of a burglary.

Multiple witnesses identified the suspect as Joshua Allen Patrick. Police claim Patrick stole a fire extinguisher and used it to break the front-door glass and enter the building.

Patrick was arrested outside of the building.

Police have referred charges of second-degree burglary and stealing to the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office.

No one is reported to have been hurt.

Check back for updates.

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Euphenie Andre

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.

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Marie Moyer

EDITOR’S NOTE: The headline was updated to accurately reflect the incident.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Police Department has identified 20-year-old Tavan Eric Williams-Patrick of Columbia as the suspect who allegedly fired shots in downtown Columbia early Sunday morning.

According to a CPD press release, officers on foot heard shots being fired in the 800 block of Walnut Street and saw Williams-Patrick holding a gun and attempting to place it down on the sidewalk.

Williams-Patrick was arrested while trying to run away from the scene on charges of fourth-degree assault, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful discharge of a firearm.

Columbia Police Department Lieutenant Anthony Bowne said on scene the suspect was found with a handgun and was taken into custody. He also reported that no one was injured and no property was damaged, but evidence of shots fired was found.

An ABC 17 News reporter on scene observed police taping off several blocks of E Walnut Street from 8th Street to 9th Street at around 1:20 a.m.

At least nine evidence markers were placed on the sidewalk, and officers putting items in brown paper bags were seen in the area during the police investigation.

A Boone County Joint Communication and a University of Missouri Alert were also sent off at around 1:20 a.m., notifying residents of police activity and an investigation in the area.

“Police are investigating the reports of gunshots at/near Ninth and Walnut. Please stay away from the area,” according to an MU Alert.

Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, the University of Missouri Police Department and at least 10 Columbia Police Department cruisers were seen responding.

Police tape came down at around 2:15 a.m.

Check back for updates.

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Olivia Hayes

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Mexico, Missouri man is in serious condition after hitting a deer on his motorcycle Saturday afternoon.

According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report, the crash happened just after 2:15 p.m. when the motorist was driving northbound on Route C when the deer ran into the road.

The 63-year-old man hit the deer and was ejected off his motorcycle just .2 miles south of Audrain County road 132, according to the report.

The motorcycle slid off the right side of the road and came to a stop in the southbound lane, the report says.

MSHP Troop F does not name the victims in their reports.

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