Search Continues for Suspects in Armed Robbery Spree that Left Columbus Police Officer Critically Wounded
Columbus, OH – The search is still ongoing for two of three suspects wanted in connection with an armed robbery spree that took place on Thursday, leaving a Columbus police officer critically wounded and one suspect dead. The incident occurred during a shootout on eastbound Interstate 70 near West Mound Street in South Franklinton.
After the shootout, the two remaining suspects fled on foot down a hill from the interstate into the area near Mount Calvary Cemetery and the Franklin County Children Services building. Despite a large law enforcement response, including the use of a search dog and a Columbus police helicopter, the suspects were not located.
The wounded Columbus officer, who was struck high in the leg, was rushed to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center by his partner. He underwent emergency surgery on Thursday evening and his condition has since been upgraded to stable. The officer, who has less than five years of experience with the Columbus police, has not been identified by authorities.
During a press conference, Brian Steel, a Columbus police officer and executive vice president of Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge No. 9, referred to the two suspects at-large as “wolves” and assured that the police would eventually find them. He urged the suspects to turn themselves in, emphasizing the consequences faced by their accomplice who was killed during the shootout.
The incident began when one of the suspects stole the keys to a black Porsche Cayenne SUV at gunpoint from an employee at the Byers Import Porsche Columbus dealership in Whitehall. The dealership activated the SUV’s anti-theft GPS tracking software and reported the stolen vehicle to the police. The suspects later robbed a Fifth Third Bank on the city’s Far West Side before being confronted by the police.
A chase ensued, leading the suspects to I-70 eastbound, where they began shooting at officers near the West Mound Street ramp. During the shootout, the officer was shot and one suspect was killed. The wounded officer’s partner quickly transported him to Grant Medical Center. All officers involved in the incident were wearing body cameras, and the Ohio Bureau of Investigation will be reviewing the footage.
The search for the two suspects caused several interstate sections, as well as a portion of Route 315, to be closed by the police. This resulted in major traffic disruptions for afternoon commuters. I-70 in both directions remained closed late Thursday night as Ohio BCI investigators examined the shooting scene. Evidence markers and the stolen black Porsche SUV were visible on the interstate.
Police have provided somewhat vague descriptions of the two suspects still at-large. They are described as Black men, with one wearing a white T-shirt, black pants, and white tennis shoes, and the other wearing a red-and-white striped shirt, black pants, and white tennis shoes. Authorities are urging anyone with information about their whereabouts to contact 911 or the Columbus police.
Police Chief Elaine Bryant joined the call for the suspects to surrender, stating that the police would continue to search for them until they were found. The investigation into the armed robbery spree and shootout is ongoing.
Dispatch reporters Max Filby, Cole Behrens, and Jenn Smola contributed to this article.
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What steps are law enforcement agencies taking to locate and apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the armed robbery spree and shootout?
An unsuspecting victim in South Franklinton. The suspects then embarked on an armed robbery spree, targeting multiple businesses in the Columbus area.
The situation escalated when law enforcement officers spotted the stolen SUV on eastbound Interstate 70 and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. A high-speed chase ensued, leading to the shootout between the suspects and police. Multiple rounds were exchanged, resulting in the critical injury of the Columbus officer and the death of one suspect.
The search for the remaining suspects has been intensified, with a large-scale manhunt taking place in the area near Mount Calvary Cemetery and the Franklin County Children Services building. Local law enforcement agencies have collaborated in the search efforts, utilizing canines, helicopters, and additional resources to track down the suspects.
The wounded officer, whose identity has not been released, received immediate medical attention and is now in stable condition after undergoing surgery. The Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge No. 9 expressed confidence that the suspects will be apprehended, referring to them as “wolves” and cautioning them about the severe consequences they will face.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the suspects to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement. They have also advised residents in the area to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily in their efforts to protect the community. The Columbus Police Department and its officers continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the residents while pursuing justice for their wounded colleague.
It’s disheartening to hear that the suspects involved in the Columbus robbery spree are still at large after the shootout. Law enforcement’s perseverance and community cooperation will be crucial in bringing these individuals to justice and ensuring public safety. Let’s hope they are swiftly apprehended and the city can find some peace.