Columbia man arrested after attempted robbery on Walnut

COLUMBIA — A Columbia man was arrested in connection with a robbery that took place near Walnut and Tenth streets on Saturday night, said Sgt. Dan Beckman of the Columbia Police Department.

Shaun C. Meriweather, 20, was arrested on suspicion of robbery and resisting arrest, Beckman said. As of 10 a.m. Sunday, Meriweather’s bond had not been set.

Police said a 24-year-old woman was walking down an alley near the Broadway location of Jimmy John’s to meet friends when she saw a man walking toward her, Beckman said.

The man pushed the woman and attempted to take her purse, Beckman said. The victim struggled with him and retained possession of her purse. The man then fled the scene on foot, running west on Walnut Street.

Officers observed a man in the area matching the victim’s description, Beckman said. A foot chase ensued, and the suspect ran into a nearby residence, where police located him and took him into custody. He was identified by the victim and witnesses to the crime.