Woman arrested for kidnapping, carjacking after shots fired incident at Columbia shopping center

Columbia police arrested a woman for kidnapping and carjacking, related to a shots fired incident in the Walmart parking lot on Conley Road.

Whitney Nevels-McKee, 35, was arrested Friday on suspicion of second-degree kidnapping, three counts of vehicle hijacking, two counts of second-degree assault, three counts of fourth-degree assault, first-degree terrorist threat, stealing a firearm, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, armed criminal action and misdemeanor stealing.

Units from multiple first responding agencies responded to a shots fired incident just before 5:30 p.m. Friday in the Walmart parking lot on Conley Road.

Police detained Nevels-McKee and one adult male at the scene. In a release later that day, Columbia Police reported only Nevels-McKee was still in custody. 

A Columbia Police Department spokesperson said there were two victims but no reported injuries.

Vincent Rogers was shopping at Walmart and was about to walk into the store when he heard  shots being fired.

“And then the white car pulled up shortly after, right when I was still walking by it,” Rogers said, “and the lady, she was yelling ‘Get out the car, get out the car, I’m going to shoot you!’ And shot into the car a couple times.”

Another shopper told KOMU 8 people inside the store were told over the intercom system to shelter in the building. They were told they were safe to leave after about 20 minutes. 

The Walmart was back open shortly after police responded. 

Police say their investigation is ongoing.