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Juvenile arrested after displaying ghost gun in Columbia
Juvenile arrested after displaying ghost gun in Columbia
COLUMBIA, MD – A 16-year-old male from Columbia was arrested recently after police recovered an unserialized privately-made handgun, known as a “ghost gun.” This follows an incident where the suspect displayed the weapon during a verbal altercation at an apartment complex parking lot in late September.
The incident started when a victim reported the altercation. No injuries were reported in connection with the event that prompted police attention.
Investigators were able to identify the suspect through their inquiries. A search warrant executed this week resulted in the recovery of the ghost gun.
The suspect has been charged as an adult with weapon violations. Authorities have reiterated the need for public safety and the risks posed by illegal firearms.
Patrol officers and the crime reduction team were involved in the incident. The swift actions by law enforcement led to the apprehension of the suspect.
Police continue to take measures against gun violence and illegal weapons in the community. They encourage the public to remain vigilant.
This case underscores ongoing concerns about juvenile access to firearms and the potential dangers they pose to the community.
Another illegal handgun is off the streets as police clamp down on gun violence.
Man charged with murder and arson after deadly Columbia fire
Man charged with murder and arson after deadly Columbia fire
COLUMBIA, MO — Brandon Butchkoski, 47, faces murder and arson charges after allegedly setting Donovan Baylis, 31, ablaze on his own porch, leading to fatal injuries. The incident occurred on June 15 shortly before midnight at a residence on Paris Road.
According to court documents, multiple residents reported a series of fires at the same location. Police suspect Butchkoski is linked to at least three fire incidents, which involved the use of backpacks filled with accelerants.
On the night of the incident, Baylis reportedly went outside to extinguish a fire on the porch, which had been ignited by Butchkoski. Witnesses stated that Baylis became engulfed in flames while attempting to put out the fire.
Another resident described hearing and seeing Baylis on fire and intervened using a garden hose. The court documents indicate that Baylis sat on a retaining wall before collapsing.
Witnesses reported a gas can was positioned on the porch railing at the time of the fire. Butchkoski allegedly fled the scene on a BMX-style bike.
On June 29, Butchkoski returned to the residence and allegedly started another fire by throwing an accelerant-filled backpack onto the roof. He was arrested on July 3, initially charged with arson.
Additional charges were filed after Baylis died from his injuries on July 14. Prosecutors charged Butchkoski last week with second-degree murder and first-degree arson. He is currently in custody awaiting his court date.
Butchkoski has a history of legal troubles, including several drug arrests and charges of unlawful possession of a firearm.
With a series of fire incidents and a tragic death, this case continues to unfold in Columbia.
