CENTRAL OHIO (WCMH) — Investigators hope tips can help catch a serial robber who has hit six stores in Hilliard and Columbus over the last five months.
Since Feb. 5, detectives believe the same unidentified man committed several robberies at multiple Giant Eagle GetGo stores and gas stations during the early morning hours as employees were opening for the day.
The suspect usually approaches the employees while holding a black hand gun, making statements such as “I will blow your head off!” The suspect orders the employees inside and tells them to turn off the alarm. He then demands the employees to open the safes and registers and has the money put into plastic bags. After the clerks have complied, the suspect is known to take personal items of the employees and orders them to lie on the floor in the back room while he escapes.
To date, the suspect has robbed the following stores:
- Giant Eagle GetGo at 2920 Stelzer Road
- Giant Eagle GetGo at 6700 Hayden Run Road
- Giant Eagle GetGo at 4051 Britton Parkway
- Certified Gas station at 980 Demorest Road
- Marathon Gas station at 5600 Alkire Road
- Shell Gas station at 1500 Hilliard Rome Road
The suspect is described as a black male between 20 and 30 years old. He is believed to be between 5 feet 4 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs between 140 and 160 pounds. He has been seen with a mustache and goatee and sometime wears a mask or scarf to partially conceal his face.
Surveillance video of this suspect can be viewed at www.stopcrime.org.
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for any information leading to the arrest or indictment of the person or people responsible for these crimes. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrime.org to e-mail a tip. Tips can also be sent by text to “CRIMES” 274637, key word CMH.
