Colombia man charged with 2023 robbery and sentenced to early release program

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man accused of trying to rob a Break Time on Smiley Lane last year pleaded guilty Tuesday to two charges.

Nakwon Harris, 23, pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted robbery and second-degree burglary. He was sentenced to a 120-day early release program. He will be released on probation, complete 200 hours of community service and pay $4,383.10 in restitution. He will be sentenced to 17 years in prison if he violates his probation.

Harris was initially charged with attempted first-degree robbery, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and second-degree kidnapping.

According to previous reports, Columbia Police responded to a panic alarm on February 23, 2023, around break time on Smiley Lane. The victim told police that a man wearing a ski mask put a gun to his head in the parking lot and told him, “I'm not going to shoot you.” I just want the money,” the probable cause statement reads.

The victim told police the man wanted the money from the safe inside Break Time.

Once the two men were inside the building, Harris allegedly threw the man a plastic bag and asked him to put the money in the bag. Harris allegedly dropped the gun and the victim attempted to grab it. Harris managed to grab the gun, fell backwards and his cell phone fell out of his pocket, according to probable cause. Harris fled out the back door. The police received the victim's phone.