COLUMBUS, Ohio — Police now say a group of more than 20 people was involved in an alleged overrun of a gas station in northeast Columbus following a street takeover event.
The Columbus Division of Police said the group of people has been affiliated with reckless operations and takeovers of city streets, businesses and private properties.
On April 29 around 12:15 a.m., a large group of people and vehicles arrived at the gas station in the 2800 block of Johnstown Road. Columbus police say vehicles were blocking the lot, access to the gas pumps and entry and exits to the roads.
People within the group entered the building and began taking possession of merchandise, consuming it in the store or concealing it and walking out the store without paying for it.
Columbus police initially released surveillance photos of 16 people within the group, asking for the public’s help in identifying them.
Detectives were able to identify 13 people, seven of them being adults and the other six juveniles. Police said they could face a misdemeanor charge of shoplifting.
On Wednesday, Columbus police announced that seven additional people were a part of the group. Investigators released more surveillance photos in hopes of identifying the other people involved.
Anyone with information on the individuals is asked to contact Columbus police at 614-645-1435 or email the detective handling the case at zrosen@columbuspolice.org.
Earlier that night around 11:15 p.m., Columbus police officers responded to a street takeover event on the city’s north side.
Police said upwards of 100 cars were at the takeover incident and multiple people were involved in firing shots at officers. No officers or bystanders were injured in the shooting. No arrests have been made.
Pictures from the event were released to the public last week showing two cars and a man with a rifle who police are trying to identify.
The Central Ohio Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest or indictment of those who fired shots at the officers.
Days following the takeover event, law enforcement and prosecutors announced that they plan to work together to focus on street racing throughout the peak spring and summer months. City leaders also say that they will “aggressively prosecute any other activity related to street racing such as weapon offenses, rioting and property damage.”