Columbus police are asking for the public's help tracking down two women accused of a brutal early-morning assault and robbery in the Short North on July 5. Investigators say one woman sprayed the victim and another woman with pepper spray, while the second allegedly smashed the victim in the head with a metal insulated cup, knocking her to the ground. After the attack, the victim realized her purse and other personal items were gone and she was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
According to WSYX/ABC6, detectives released a photo of the two women they believe sparked the attack and are urging anyone who recognizes them to step forward. The station, citing a police media release, reports that several other people jumped into the beating while the victim was on the ground, and that her purse and belongings were taken during the chaos.
How to help
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbus Police Robbery Unit at 614-645-4665 or submit an anonymous tip to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS. Investigators are especially interested in any phone video or other footage from the Short North taken on the morning of the assault.
Short North safety concerns
The Short North, a tight arts-and-nightlife strip just north of downtown, has been in the spotlight for violent incidents in recent years, including a June 2024 mass shooting that injured multiple people, covered by WLWT. Community scrutiny has also zeroed in on a 2025 wrongful-death jury award tied to a deadly assault outside a Short North bar; WOSU reported on that $2.7 million verdict as residents and officials debated policing and safety in the district.
Police say the released photo and case details are part of an ongoing investigation and are again asking anyone with information or video from the area to contact the robbery unit. WSYX/ABC6 reports that the image of the two women came from a police media statement, and officers are banking on public tips to help put names to the faces.
