Two men are behind bars after an armed robbery turned into a police chase in north Columbus on Friday evening. Officers arrested 29-year-old Yohendy Toribio and 21-year-old Robert Riascos, who police say followed two women home from a shopping center and then robbed them at gunpoint and knifepoint before trying to flee.
According to myfox28columbus.com, police said Toribio and Riascos followed two women home from a shopping center on Bethel Road before the confrontation escalated. The outlet reports that once the women arrived on Old Henderson Road, the two men allegedly began threatening them with a gun and a large knife, robbing the women of their money and jewelry.
A Photo Leads Police to the Suspects' Car
Investigators were able to track down the suspects after obtaining a photo of their vehicle, the station's report states. When officers attempted to pull the car over, Toribio and Riascos took off instead of stopping, triggering the pursuit that ultimately ended with both men in custody.
Both suspects are now being held in the Franklin County Jail on aggravated robbery charges, per the same account. Under Ohio law, aggravated robbery is a felony of the first degree, according to Ohio Revised Code Section 2911.01, which governs how the offense is classified and prosecuted in the state.
Possible Ties to Other Recent Robberies
Police are also investigating whether Toribio and Riascos may be connected to other similar robbery cases reported over the past month, according to WSYX (ABC6 On Your Side). No further details on those earlier incidents or any confirmed links have been released.
The case remains under investigation as authorities work to determine whether Friday's robbery fits a broader pattern affecting the area.
