Columbus police are asking for the public’s help tracking down a masked gunman after a trio of armed robberies shook the 2800 block of East Fifth Avenue. The robberies, reported on Feb. 16, Feb. 22 and most recently last Friday, all involved a suspect who pulled a tan semi‑automatic pistol and stole cigarettes, vape products and cash. In one case, officers say the thief also grabbed a victim’s passport. Each time, the suspect reportedly bolted north through nearby yards and alleys after the hit.
Police released surveillance images and a timeline
Detectives have released surveillance stills and a timeline lining up the three incidents in the same block. The first robbery was reported Feb. 16, when officers were dispatched around 10:16 a.m.; investigators say the suspect ordered the victim away from the register, then grabbed merchandise along with a black grocery bag holding a passport. A second robbery followed on Feb. 22 at about 1:09 p.m., when the suspect, again using a tan semi‑automatic pistol, forced the victim to open the register and hand over cash. The most recent case was reported March 20 around 8:24 p.m., when police say the robber came in through the rear of the business and once again demanded money, as reported by WSYX/ABC6.
How to report tips
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Columbus Robbery Unit at 614‑645‑4665 or call Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614‑461‑TIPS to remain anonymous. Investigators are also asking neighbors and nearby businesses to hang onto surveillance, doorbell and phone footage and not to confront anyone they suspect might be involved. Tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers’ online portal. The Robbery Unit contact and anonymous tip line are listed in Columbus Division of Police advisories and on the Central Ohio Crime Stoppers site for reporting.
Suspect descriptions and what to look for
Descriptions in police reports are not identical. In the first two robberies, officers described a Black male about 20 to 23 years old, wearing all‑black clothing, a ski mask and gloves. The March 20 robber was described as a smaller male, roughly 14 to 18 years old, about 5‑foot‑7 and 110 pounds. In at least two incidents, the suspect displayed a tan semi‑automatic pistol and took off north between houses after leaving the business. The station that covered the story also identifies Detective Tobin as the investigator handling tips and shares the surveillance stills released by police. WSYX/ABC6.
What police say and why it matters
Investigators say even tiny clues from video, such as shoes, a jacket or the exact route a suspect takes leaving the scene, can make the difference in identifying a robber. They are asking residents to review any cameras for footage from the dates and times of the three incidents and to send what they find to detectives. Officers are also warning the public not to approach anyone they think might be involved and instead pass information directly to the Robbery Unit or Crime Stoppers so investigators can follow up safely. The Robbery Unit has continued to press local businesses to preserve surveillance and share images with detectives as part of ongoing efforts to solve these cases. Columbus Division of Police.
