A Columbia man, Jerome Keith Porter, 65, has been arrested and charged with unlawful use of a weapon, first-degree burglary, and fourth-degree assault after allegedly threatening a 75-year-old woman with a knife in her apartment at Oak Towers Apartments. The incident took place at 700 North Garth Avenue, where the Columbia Police Department responded to a report of a burglary with a weapon. The woman stated that Porter entered her apartment without permission and demanded money, pulling out a paring knife when she refused. He allegedly waved the knife at her and threatened to kill somebody. Porter was found in his residence within the same apartment building, and a witness reported seeing him in the elevator with a knife wrapped in a towel. Porter had an initial court appearance on Monday and is currently in custody at the Boone County Jail without bond.
