A man was robbed at gunpoint while leaving the Daniel Boone Regional Library on Wednesday night, according to a Columbia Police Department news release.
The victim said he was approached from behind by an unidentified suspect in the south parking lot of the library at 6:10 p.m, according to the release. The suspect, armed with a handgun, forced himself and the victim into the victim’s car.
The suspect demanded that the victim drive to his own bank on Stadium Boulevard and forced him to withdraw money from his ATM account. Then, the suspect forced the victim back into the car and was driven to the area of Wilkes Boulevard and Seventh Street. The suspect then left the vehicle and fled on foot.
The victim is described as a black man in his mid 20s. He is approximately 5 feet 10 inches and 250 pounds. The suspect has short hair, glasses and a large tattoo on the left side of his neck. He was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.
Columbia Police Department spokeswoman Latisha Stroer said this is the first robbery in recent months that includes the description of a man with a large tattoo on his neck and the first time that an armed robber forced a victim into his own vehicle.
No suspects have been named and no one has been taken into custody. Stroer said the description is the only lead the police department currently has. She said the department is in the process of checking the video surveillance at the library and the bank.
Anyone with information about the case or the man involved can contact CPD or, in order to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 875-TIPS.
Stroer warned not to approach this man and gave tips to stay safe in Columbia.
“Try to park as close to the building as possible, park in well lit areas and be sure to know your surroundings,” Stroer said. “When you are walking alone, try not to talk or text on your cellphone so you have the potential to hear someone approach you.”
If approached by an armed robber, Stroer said safety comes down to a gut choice.
“Try to talk to them as much as possible,” Stroer said. “Try to bring attention to yourself to alert someone. Do not agitate anyone who could endanger you and try to be as cooperative as possible.”