Neighborhood Safety Notice:
We are sharing the below information on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police for crimes that occurred in the off-campus area.
Two separate robberies occurred overnight (9/29/19) in the off-campus area. At this time, they are not believed to be related but we are sharing this information so the campus community can be vigilant and report any known details to law enforcement.
The first incident was reported around 11:40 p.m. when a male, not affiliated with Ohio State, flagged down Columbus Police near the 1700 block of North High Street. The victim told police that two suspects approached him and began recording video of the interaction on their phone. They demanded money and verbally threatened the victim with a gun but did not reveal a weapon. The victim gave them cash and the suspects fled southbound on North High Street. Suspect details are limited.
At approximately 3:45 a.m., Columbus Police responded to a second off-campus incident classified as an aggravated robbery. Two males, one an Ohio State student, were walking in the area of Williams Street and W. Norwich Avenue when a black vehicle pulled up behind them. The victims exchanged words with the occupants in the vehicle and then the car pulled in front of them and two unknown males exited. One of the suspects showed a gun and ordered the victims to give them everything they had. The suspect struck one victim over the head with his gun before both suspects fled in the vehicle.
Suspect details are limited. The suspect vehicle is described as a black 4-door sedan.
The Columbus Division of Police is actively investigating both crimes. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the CPD at 614-645-4545.
Crimes are never the fault of the victim. The Ohio State University Police Division encourages everyone to lock doors and windows. When possible, please walk with friends or coworkers and always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Please utilize transportation services, when possible, and if you see something, say something: report suspicious behavior by calling police.
The Ohio State University Police Division carefully considers information contained in safety notices. All decisions are handled on a case-by-case basis with the safety of our campus community in mind. Law enforcement officers and dispatchers are trained to interview witnesses in an effort to obtain as much information as possible, such as build, hair style, hair color, facial hair, skin tone, eye color, tattoos or identifying marks, teeth, clothing, shoes, etc. OSUPD may limit the use of race, or other descriptors, unless accompanied by a detailed description of the suspect. In an effort to share information in a timely manner, details may be limited and are based on information known or reported at the time of issuance.