<div style="margin-top: 20px;"><img src="https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/citylogo-police.png" alt="City of Columbia Missouri Police Department" width="175" height="101" style="margin-right: 5px;">
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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;">COMMUNITY INFORMATION</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">November 8, 2022</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Christian Tabak
<br />Public Information Specialist
<br />Columbia Police Department
<br />City of Columbia
<br />573.289.9516
<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 seek community's help to identify suspected prowler</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - The Columbia Police Department is asking for community assistance in identifying and locating a suspected prowler. The Department believes his activity may be escalating and officers are seeking help to keep the community safe.<br /><br />On the evening of Aug. 9 officers responded to the 4300 block of Kentsfield Lane for a burglary report. During that investigation, officers learned a suspect had entered the apartment of a female subject while she was home. The suspect became frightened and left. <br /><br />During that same investigation, officers learned it was likely the suspect attempted to gain entry into numerous other apartments in that complex. All of the apartment's residents were females who lived alone. <br /><br />At that time, in the interest of public safety, the Department released video from a nearby security camera in the hopes of alerting the public and possibly identifying the s
uspect.<br /><br />On the evening of Sept. 15, Columbia Police responded to a similar incident in the 3300 block of Old Highway 63 South. During that investigation officers learned the residents of the apartment were all female. <br /><br />On the evening of Nov. 2, officers responded to the 3200 block of Old Highway 63 South, at the same apartment complex, for a reported burglary. During the investigation a suspect again entered a residence and committed a burglary. The residents of the home were all female. <br /><br />Then on the evening of Nov. 6, Columbia Police responded to the 2200 block of Old Highway 63 South for another call of someone attempting to break into an occupied apartment. The occupants of the apartment were female. <br /><br />On the same night, officers responded to another call in the 3900 block of Buttonwood Drive regarding a female resident being chased to her door by a male suspect. The woman was able to reach safety and call 911. <br /><br />The Dep
artment is grateful to those who have stepped forward with suspect information. The suspect in all these cases is reported as a light-skinned Black or Hispanic male who is 5’9"-6’ tall with a slim athletic build. <br /><br />The suspect has been reported to have light facial hair or a shaved face. The suspect’s hair has been described as balding, although he has also been known to wear a hat. A victim who saw the suspect met with a professional sketch artist and helped create a rendering.<br /><br />The Columbia Police Department has reason to believe these incidents are related. Other information is being withheld out of respect to the victims and to assist investigators in solving this case. The Columbia Police Department Criminal Investigations Division, Special Investigations Division and Crime Scene Investigators are working with the Patrol Operations Division to try to identify and apprehend the person responsible for these incidents.<br /><br />A
ll of the victims in this case appear to be females between 20-30 years of age, both working professionals and students. Nobody in this case has been harmed physically by the suspect. <br /><br />The Department asks the community to be alert and take precautions, including locking doors and windows securely and turning on any exterior lights. The Department also asks for community members to review any camera footage they may have and contact the Department if they see suspicious activity.<br /><br />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 573.874.7414.<br /><br />To report a tip without including your name or contact information, call CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477). A tip that leads to an arrest or helps solve a crime could result in a cash reward.</div>
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<div class="attachments">This release has the following attachments:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/downloadfile.php?id=2923">Composite sketch of suspected prowler</a></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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