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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">600 E. Walnut Street
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Columbia, MO 65201</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">January 29, 2022</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Jeff Pitts
<br />Public Information Specialist
<br />Columbia Police Department
<br />City of Columbia
<br />573.817.5049
<br />policepio@CoMo.gov
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<br />Toni Messina
<br />Communications and Outreach Supervisor
<br />Columbia Police Department
<br />City of Columbia
<br />573.874.7660
<br />policepio@CoMo.gov</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">Columbia Police arrest suspect involved in arson that occurred at 2000 West Business Loop 70, Jan. 28</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - <p style="display:inline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">On Friday, Jan. 28, at approximately 1:35 a.m., Columbia Police responded to a report of a vehicle fire in the parking lot of Extended Stay, 2000 West Business Loop 70, at the request of the Columbia Fire Department.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When officers and firefighters arrived, they found a vehicle fully engulfed in flames. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">CPD’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID) was asked to review the case since arson was suspected by firefighters and patrol officers on scene. During the investigation, detectives confirmed it was a case of arson and were able to identify a suspect.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The suspect was identified as Leslie Lee Williams, 40, of Columbia, MO. Williams had outstanding arrest warrants for 1st degree burglary, 3rd degree assault and unlawful possession of a firearm. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">During the investigation, detectives learned that Williams was at a residence in the 3200 block of Elm Grove Drive. Due to the nature of the arrest warrants and Williams’ status as a suspect in an arson investigation, the Police Department's SWAT responded. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Williams was taken into custody without incident</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and remanded to the Boone County Jail for two counts of arson and two counts of tampering in addition to the existing arrest warrants.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is an ongoing investigation. More information may become available at a later time.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you know something, say something. Columbia Police are asking for your help. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Case number 2022-000764</strong></p></div>
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<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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