Officers responded to a vandalism call on old Foxworth Road around 5:30 p.m. on August 17, 2025.

Columbia Police Chief Adrien Fortenberry said officers were advised of possible squatters at a neighboring property. When they went to investigate, the chief said a person escaping to the rear of the home observed a Columbia police patrol car and fired a shot into the driver’s side window and door. The officer was not injured.

The suspect, who was identified as 32-year-old Daniel Chiodini, of St. Louis, Missouri, fled the scene toward the Pearl River. Fortenberry said he concealed the shotgun in foliage of the east side of the river. Chiodini was spotted swimming across the river toward the Highway 98 boat ramp on the west side.

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, and Chiodini was taken into custody. He will be charged with burglary of a dwelling, possession of a stolen firearm and attempted murder on a law enforcement officer.