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A masked gunman burst into an apartment and pointed his weapon at an 18-year-old woman Thursday night, demanding she hand over a backpack that was by the couch.

The woman screamed, alerting her mother, who was upstairs, to the danger below. The mother also screamed, and the gunman quickly retreated without taking anything and without harming anyone.

Jefferson City police searched the wooded area by the apartment, which is in the 3800 block of Candlelight Drive, but found no evidence there or at the apartment. Neighbors were also questioned and detectives have been assigned to the case.

Anyone with information should contact Jefferson City police or call CrimeStoppers at 659-TIPS.