Arrest Made in Columbia Forest Avenue Burglary

Columbia Police are announcing an arrest in the burglary yesterday morning (Tuesday) on East Forest Avenue.

In a press conference this (Wednesday) afternoon, Lt. Matt Stephens confirmed that 39 year old Justin Spence of Columbia was arrested and charged with first degree assault, first degree burglary, unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action, and unlawful for certain persons to possess a firearm.

Community members provided police with information on Spnce and his movements which allowed Columbia officers to follow him with a drone until he was taken into custody at approximately 2:00 this (Wednesday) morning.

Spence has prior sex crime convictions and is a registered sex offender.

Lt. Stephens called Spence a predator that had no intention of stopping his behavior and thanked the community for the information they provided.