NEWS

Police: Branson robbery suspect arrested at SGF church

Harrison Keegan
HKEEGAN@NEWS-LEADER.COM

Authorities say a man caught burglarizing a church north of Springfield on Thursday is a suspect in a home invasion robbery earlier this week in Branson.

Alberto Colina

Alberto Colina, 33, of Springfield, was charged in Taney County with robbery, kidnapping, assault, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a weapon after police say he forced his way into a Branson woman's home on Wednesday and held her against her will.

The Greene County Sheriff's Office says deputies arrested Colina on Thursday morning on suspicion of burglary at Evergreen Church in the 3200 block of North Farm Road 123.

As of Thursday afternoon, Colina had not been charged in connection with the incident at the Greene County church.

A news release from the Branson Police Department says Colina forced his way into a woman's residence on Wednesday and held her against her will for an extended period of time before stealing items from the home and fleeing.

The resident suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the encounter and was held overnight at a local hospital, according to the release.

Colina is being held in the Greene County Jail. Branson police say a warrant has been issued for him in Taney County.