We are sharing the below information on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police for crimes that occurred in the off-campus area.
On 8/21/2021, at approximately 11:07 p.m., Columbus Police responded to a robbery and carjacking near Indianola Ave. and E. Woodruff Ave. Two Ohio State students reported that they were standing in a parking lot when a white SUV approached, and multiple suspects exited. The suspects showed firearms and demanded valuables. The victims told them that the only valuables they had were inside their vehicle, at which point one suspect got in the victim’s running car and stole it. The other suspects then fled in their white SUV. No injuries were reported. Suspect details are limited. The victim’s car is described as a 2008 black Nissan Altima with New York state license plate.
On 8/22/2021, at 2:56 a.m., Columbus Police received a call about a separate off-campus crime. It was reported that an Ohio State student was walking in the area of Tuller St. and Lane Ave. when two male suspects approached the individual, knocked the individual to the ground, and took the individual's property. The suspect(s) also sexually assaulted the individual before fleeing the area. The survivor was transported to the hospital to receive care. As a reminder, sexual assault is any sexual activity that occurs in the absence of consent. Responsibility lies with the perpetrator, not the survivor. No one deserves, asks for, or provokes sexual assault. Sexual assault occurs in all communities and people of all genders can be survivors. Additional resources are available at: https://titleix.osu.edu/
These crimes are not believed to be related and suspect details are limited. Anyone with information about either crime is encouraged to call the Columbus Division of Police at 614-645-4545 or the Sexual Assault Unit at 614-645-4701.
Crimes are never the fault of a victim or survivor. 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. If you see something, say something: report suspicious behavior by calling police. Additional safety resources are available at: http:/dps.osu.edu/resources.
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.