Seven arrests made after downtown fights near Sapphire Lounge

Police arrested seven Columbia residents after coming upon a disturbance between two groups behind the Sapphire Lounge.

By Trevor Eischen

Published Sept. 19, 2008

Columbia police were forced to call for help from other agencies early Thursday morning after revelers sparked a series of late-night fights downtown.

Just after midnight, Columbia police officers came upon a disturbance between two groups in the rear alley of the Sapphire Lounge, 1201 E. Broadway, Sgt. Candy Cornman said in a Columbia Police Department news release.

A woman told officers a male member of one group had assaulted one of her male friend. When officers prepared to detain members of the opposing group, a shot was fired in the direction of the police. As officers retreated for cover, the four suspects in the group ran north on foot.

Noah Schmidt, 27, an employee at Gumby's Pizza, observed some of the disturbance from his shop above the basement lounge.

"There was a big crowd of people fighting," he said.

Officers at the scene had to call for backup because of the large crowd, according to the release.

"There were about six cruisers on the back lot," Schmidt said. "It's hip-hop night, and it's what you expect."

Officers were able to locate two of the men involved in the shooting with a tight perimeter and a K-9 search. As the investigation continued, multiple fights broke out downtown, which resulted in more arrests. Two more people were detained after one assaulted an officer and there was a verbal disturbance occurred in Sapphire Lounge's rear parking lot, police said.

After the parking lot fight, another incident was reported near Jimmy John's restaurant, located just west of Sapphire. As officers arrived at the scene, a 21-year-old victim told officers a man, accompanied by a large group, struck him in the face. The group headed for Tenth and Walnut Streets, the news release stated.

When officers arrived at the location, the group of men had started fighting among themselves. Officers broke up the fighting, and two men were arrested for disturbing the peace. Another was arrested on suspicion assaulting the 21-year-old.

Officers have determined the fighting originated among patrons inside the Sapphire Lounge, the release stated.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Boone County Sheriff's Department helped Columbia police in making seven arrests.

Anyone with information can call 875-8477 or visit 875tips.com.