Columbia, Missouri – A shocking outbreak of gun violence left three people injured after a triple shooting, and authorities have confirmed the arrest of Misael Covarrubias, a 23-year-old now facing multiple felony charges. Prosecutors announced that Covarrubias has been charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action following the incident that rattled a residential area of the city.
The shooting occurred late Saturday evening, when Columbia police received reports of multiple gunshots in a neighborhood near downtown. Responding officers found three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency crews immediately transported the victims to nearby hospitals, where they remain under medical care. Officials have not yet released the victims’ names, citing the need to notify their families.
Law enforcement officers quickly launched a manhunt for the suspect. Covarrubias was taken into custody without further violence after being located at a separate address within the city. Authorities stated that the arrest was made with the assistance of local patrol officers, detectives, and crisis response teams who acted on credible leads.
Investigators have not yet disclosed the motive behind the shooting. However, they confirmed that Covarrubias knew at least one of the victims, suggesting that the attack may not have been random. Detectives are continuing to piece together the sequence of events that led to the outbreak of violence and are interviewing witnesses to gather more details.
Community residents described the terrifying moments when gunfire erupted. Several neighbors reported hearing a series of loud shots followed by people screaming. “I thought it was fireworks at first, then I realized it was something much worse,” one local resident said. “It was frightening, especially knowing it happened so close to home.”
Authorities have reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat. Police presence in the neighborhood has been increased in the aftermath of the shooting to provide reassurance and prevent further violence. Officers are also canvassing the area for security footage that may help strengthen the case against Covarrubias.
The charges filed against Covarrubias—first-degree assault and armed criminal action—are among the most serious under Missouri law. If convicted, he faces decades in prison. Prosecutors have indicated that additional charges may be considered as the investigation develops, depending on the conditions of the surviving victims.
Community leaders expressed both sadness and frustration at the latest outbreak of violence in Columbia. Many called for renewed attention to conflict resolution and preventive programs aimed at curbing the rise in violent crime. “This is a tragedy for our entire community,” one official stated. “Gun violence continues to harm families, and we must work together to find solutions.”
As the victims fight for their lives in hospital beds, family members have asked for privacy while they cope with the aftermath of the shooting. Local organizations have stepped forward to offer support, including counseling services for both relatives of the victims and neighbors who witnessed the terrifying events.
The arrest of Misael Covarrubias marks the beginning of what will likely be a lengthy legal process. For Columbia, a city known for its university spirit and tight-knit neighborhoods, the shooting serves as another grim reminder of how quickly violence can devastate lives and shake a community to its core.