Columbia Police Recover Stolen Vehicles After Arresting Suspect

A suspect is in custody and several stolen vehicles have been recovered following a pursuit in Columbia. Officers with the Columbia Police Department had initially attempted to pull a vehicle over for a lane violation at around 4:30 pm on Tuesday. However, the vehicle didn’t pull over resulting in a chase. The suspect, 23-year old Zachary Bradley of Columbia eventually exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. Columbia Police, with assistance from the Boone County Sheriff’s Department, were able to arrest Bradley without further incident. After Bradley was placed in custody Columbia Police learned the vehicle Bradley was driving was connected to a reported burglary at Hertz Car Rental on Rangeline Street in Columbia earlier in the week. Officers found a Nissan Sentra key fob on Bradley, which was also connected to the case. The Chevrolet Malibu used in the chase, a silver Nissan Sentra, a Hyundai Accent, and a 2019 white Jeep Cherokee were identified as the vehicles stolen. Bradley has since been charged with second degree burglary, first degree tampering with a motor vehicle, and resisting arrest. Columbia police believe Bradley didn’t act alone in the vehicle thefts and is performing an investigation into the case. Anyone with information about the vehicle thefts is encouraged to contact the Columbia Police Department at 573-874-7652 or Crimestoppers at 573-875-8477 to remain anonymous.