Large police presence in Columbia, people asked to avoid Hinkson, Melbourne

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Police Department had a portion of Ripley Street near Benton Elementary School blocked off around 11:40 a.m. Saturday.

A text from Boone County Joint Communications asked people to avoid Hinkson Avenue and Melbourne Street; however, police presence appeared focused on Ripley Street.

An ABC 17 News reporter saw at least six CPD vehicles blocking off about two intersections of Ripley Street. There was one armed officer blocking off Richardson Street, with another group of about three officers facing at the other end of the street.

The reporter saw police turn people away from entering the blocked portion of Ripley Street.

The scene appeared to clear around 12:30 p.m., and CPD declined an interview on scene.

ABC 17 News has reached out to CPD for more information.

Check back for updates.