Hailey
Early Thursday morning, a serious police incident unfolded at a busy gas station in Columbia, Missouri. Two police officers opened fire on a man who was armed with a knife after they say he tried to assault them.
The event raised concerns about public safety, police response, and how such cases are reviewed. Here is a clear, simple breakdown of what happened, when it happened, and what comes next—written in easy language so everyone can understand.
What Happened at the Gas Station?
According to officials from the Columbia Police Department, two officers encountered a suspect at a BreakTime gas station on East Stadium Boulevard on Thursday morning. Police say the man had a knife and attempted to attack one of the officers inside the store.
Officers first tried to stop the suspect using a Taser, which is considered a less-lethal option. However, police said the Taser did not stop the assault. When the suspect continued to move toward officers with the knife, the two officers fired their weapons.
The suspect was taken to a local hospital and later underwent surgery. Police confirmed that no officers and no other civilians were injured during the incident.
Timeline of the Incident
Here is a simple timeline to help you understand how events unfolded during the morning:
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Around 9:00 a.m. | Police receive a call about a man with a **knife** in the 1400 block of Cinnamon Hill Lane. |
| 10:48 a.m. | Suspect is located at the **BreakTime gas station** on East Stadium Boulevard. |
| Shortly after | Suspect attempts to **assault an officer**; Taser is used but fails. |
| Moments later | Two officers **fire shots** at the suspect inside the store. |
Why Did Police Use Deadly Force?
Deputy Police Chief Matt Stephens explained that when officers face a lethal threat, they may be required to respond with lethal force to protect themselves and others.
He said officers first tried a non-lethal option, but when that did not work and the suspect continued advancing with a knife, the officers made the decision to shoot. Police emphasized that these decisions are made in seconds, under very stressful conditions.
Were the Officers Hurt?
No. Police confirmed that both officers were not injured. No customers or gas station employees were hurt either, which helped prevent a much worse outcome in a public place.
Who Is Investigating the Shooting?
As is standard practice in officer-involved shootings, the case is now being reviewed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Their Division of Drug and Crime Control will handle the investigation and decide what information is released next.
At the same time, the Columbia Police Department Internal Affairs Unit is also reviewing the incident to make sure officers followed department policies.
Both officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, which police say is a normal procedure and does not mean wrongdoing.
Other Agencies at the Scene
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office also responded as mutual aid. Once the situation was under control, deputies left the scene.
Local media, including KOMU 8 News, reported live updates as police held a news conference later that afternoon.
Why the Suspect’s Name Has Not Been Released
Police said the suspect’s name has not yet been made public. This is common in ongoing investigations, especially when medical treatment and reviews are still in progress. More details may be shared once investigators complete their initial work.
This incident at a Columbia gas station shows how quickly a situation can turn dangerous when a weapon is involved. Police say officers tried a non-lethal option first, but when it failed and the threat continued, they used deadly force to stop the attack.
Thankfully, no officers or civilians were hurt, and the suspect received medical care. With the Missouri State Highway Patrol now investigating, the focus will be on transparency and whether proper procedures were followed.
Incidents like this remind the public how complex and fast-moving police decisions can be, especially in crowded public places.