COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Delaware County Sheriff's Office is investigating after a Hyundai was stolen from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's parking lot Monday afternoon.
A white Hyundai Elantra was stolen from the parking lot around 3 p.m., according to the zoo. A witness sitting in their vehicle at the time of the reported theft saw four masked people running along a row of parked cars, pulling on doors to see if they were unlocked.
A car followed them close by while they tried the doors.
According to a release from the zoo, the witness believed they saw a weapon at one of the suspect’s waistbands. The witness moved their car to another area while honking their horn to alert other guests and then called 911.
The zoo says at least two other calls were made to the zoo’s guest relations and security teams to report similar observations.
Deputies from the sheriff’s office arrived at the zoo and took witness statements while the zoo’s security team reviewed camera footage.
A deputy was told that the masked people left in a white sedan and a black sedan.
A Hyundai was confirmed stolen after a family was unable to find their car in the parking lot around 5 p.m.
“Safety for our guests, staff, and the animals remains a top priority at the Columbus Zoo, including the Zoo and Zoombezi Bay parking lots,” the zoo said in its statement. “A full-time in-house security team monitors parking lot activity both with cameras and with continuous patrol of the area. This team also works closely with the Sheriff’s office to handle any criminal activity that may occur.”
The incident remains under investigation.
The sheriff’s office reminds the public to be vigilant of surroundings, lock vehicles, keep valuables out of sight and report any suspicious activity once it’s safe to do so.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office at 740-833-2800 or email Sgt. Lee at alee@co.delaware.oh.us.