Woman shoplifts while man attacks register in botched columbus robbery
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Woman shoplifts while man attacks register in botched Columbus robbery

October 27, 2025

Clerk fights off cash drawer thief in failed Columbus robbery as suspects flee with personal items

Columbus, OH – A robbery attempt at a Southeast Columbus business turned into a scuffle early Friday morning when a man tried to rip out the cash register while his female accomplice shoplifted merchandise—only to be thwarted by a quick-thinking store clerk.

The attempted heist unfolded around 1:00 a.m. on October 25 in the 2700 block of Winchester Pike. According to police, a Black male and Black female entered the store, where the woman tried to leave with unpaid goods. While she distracted the staff, the male suspect attempted to steal the cash register.

The clerk managed to stop the suspect from making off with the cash drawer, but the man then turned his attention to the clerk’s personal belongings, snatching them before both suspects bolted from the scene.

Woman shoplifts while man attacks register in botched columbus robbery
Photo: woman shoplifts while man attacks register in botched columbus robbery

No injuries were reported. Surveillance images of the pair have been released by the Columbus Division of Police, who are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Robbery Unit at 614-645-4665 or leave an anonymous tip with Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477).

Key Points

  • Two suspects attempted to rob a store on Winchester Pike around 1:00 a.m. Friday
  • The male suspect failed to steal the cash register but fled with the clerk’s personal items
  • Police released surveillance images and are seeking help identifying the suspects
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News