Columbus police are asking for the public's help tracking down four teenagers accused of pulling off an aggravated robbery at a market on Wedgewood Drive on Friday morning. Investigators say the group was spotted taking items from the store, and when an employee stepped in, one of the teens pulled a gun. The crew then jumped on bicycles and took off toward the nearby Wedgewood Village Apartments. No arrests have been reported, and neighbors say the incident only adds to long-running safety worries in the Hilltop.
Police told WSYX (ABC6) that the teens were stealing from the market when an employee confronted them, which is when one of the suspects allegedly drew a firearm. The four were last seen riding bicycles toward Wedgewood Village Apartments. Detectives have not released detailed descriptions of the suspects and say the case remains under active investigation.
Wedgewood has been a focus of enforcement
The Wedgewood Village complex and the broader Hilltop area have already been on the radar of both residents and law enforcement in recent years. Teen Girl Shot At Wedgewood detailed a February shooting that rattled neighbors, and federal prosecutors have described coordinated investigations and prosecutions tied to gun and drug activity in the complex, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office. The city has also rolled out more gunshot-detection sensors and other resources in the area, a move reported by WOSU Public Media.
How to share tips
Anyone with information, video, or surveillance stills tied to the robbery is asked to contact investigators, according to the Columbus Division of Police. The city's contact page lists the non-emergency number as (614) 645-4545 and Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-8477. Both are options for passing along leads to detectives. For crimes in progress, call 911.
Police say they plan to share more information as they develop stronger identifiers for the suspects and work on new leads. Anyone who recognizes the teens from surveillance stills or who witnessed the incident is urged to reach out. Detectives note that even small details can turn into a critical break in the case.
