One in Custody Following Disturbance in Columbia
A Columbia man is in custody, following a disturbance that was reported late Friday night. Columbia Police responded to a report of a disturbance at approximately 10:30 p.m. in the 2900 block of Northland Drive. Officers located evidence of a shooting, which led them to two victims and several witnesses. The two victims sustained non-life threatening injuries. One adult female was assaulted and one adult male was struck by a bullet fragment in the leg. The victims identified the suspect as 37-year-old George Jonathan Vanwart, of Columbia. He was arrested for first-degree domestic violence, first-degree assault, fourth-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. Numerous agencies assisted with the search and apprehension of Vanwart, who had fled into a wooded area prior to officers arrival. The Boone County Sheriff’s Department, University of Missouri Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Boone County Fire Protection District all provided assistance, as did Boone County Joint Communications. Vanwart has been taken to the Boone County Jail.
Anyone with additional 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.
