Columbus police are asking residents to help identify a man who walked into a Turkey Hill convenience store on the city’s southeast side early Thursday, claimed he had a gun and demanded cash. The man left in a white sedan with an undisclosed amount of money, and no injuries were reported.
What police say
Officers were called to the store around 1:20 a.m. after the holdup, which detectives are now investigating as an aggravated robbery. The man claimed to have a firearm, demanded money from the register and then took off, according to CW Columbus. Police have so far described the suspect only as a Black male and have not immediately released more specific details about his appearance or clothing.
Where it happened
The Turkey Hill store is listed at 2731 Winchester Pike in online business directories, confirming the southeast-side location, per YellowPages. Winchester Pike has seen similar armed-robbery reports in recent months, a pattern local outlets have noted, as highlighted in recent coverage of Winchester Pike robberies.
How to help
Investigators are asking anyone who might recognize the suspect or who saw anything unusual near the store around the time of the incident to contact the Columbus Police Robbery Unit at 614-645-4665, according to CW Columbus. Those who prefer to stay anonymous can pass along tips to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477 or through Central Ohio Crime Stoppers.
Legal note
Because the man indicated he had a weapon, detectives are classifying the holdup as aggravated robbery. Under Ohio law, aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony and carries far harsher penalties than a standard robbery charge, according to the Ohio Revised Code.
