Columbia Police respond to armed robbery on North Fifth Street

At about 10:58 a.m. on Feb. 14, Columbia Police responded to an armed robbery call near North Fifth Street and Broadway. The suspect displayed a firearm and threatened bank employees. The suspect stole an undisclosed amount of money.

Officers secured the scene, were able to get a suspect description, and the initial direction of travel of the suspect after the robbery. Detectives tracked the suspect using private downtown businesses and Flock cameras.

Detectives identified the suspect as Basil Kyles, 71, of Columbia. At 3:45 p.m., Kyles was taken into custody near Sexton and Garth Avenue. Kyles was charged with robbery in the first-degree, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm and tampering with evidence in a felony prosecution.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652. To provide information without leaving your name or number, call CrimeStoppers at 573.875.8477 or visit http://www.p3tips.com/899. If you provide information to CrimeStoppers that leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,500.

Case Number 2026-001359

Missouri Statutes:

570.020. Robbery in the first-degree

571.015. Armed criminal action

571.030. Unlawful use of weapons

571.070. Unlawful posession of a firearm

575.100. Tampering with evidence in a felony prosecution

City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.