A St. Louis man is facing attempted murder of a law enforcement officer charges after firing at Columbia Police officers and leading police on a manhunt that included a swim in the Pearl River.
Shortly after 5:30 p.m. Sunday, officers responded to a vandalism call on Old Foxworth Road. After arriving on scene, officers were informed of possible squatters in another home nearby.
While police were investigating, Daniel Chiodini, 32, was inside the residence and escaped to the rear of the property when he spotted a CPD patrol car. Chiodini then allegedly fired a stolen 12-gauge shotgun into the driver’s side window with buckshot.
Had an officer been inside the vehicle at the time, it likely would have resulted in the death of an officer, according to the CPD. However, officers were still outside the vehicle when the shots were fired.
Chiodini then fled the scene, tossed the shotgun in nearby foliage and leaped into the river. Officers spotted him trying to cross the river and urged him to swim back to shore. But Chiodini ignored their pleas and swam across the river near the U.S. 98 boat ramp. After reaching the other side, Chiodini was quickly taken into custody. The entire pursuit lasted 37 minutes.
Chiodini has been charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, burglary of a dwelling and possession of a stolen firearm. The shotgun was stolen from a nearby property.
Chiodini will make his initial appearance in court at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. He presently has no bond.
“I am proud of each of these who responded,” Columbia Police Chief Adrien Fortenberry said in a statement. “Because of their professionalism and coordinated efforts, this suspect, who came to our community to cause harm, was apprehend without injury.”
The CPD was assisted by the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Walthall County Sheriff's Office, Columbia Fire Department and a Marion County constable.
