Columbus police department - file photo
Columbus Police Department - File Photo

Armed suspect on the run after Columbus gas station robbery

Posted by
1 min read
February 16, 2026

COLUMBUS, OH – A masked suspect remains at large after an early-morning robbery at a business on the 2700 block of Winchester Pike, where authorities say the individual implied possession of a gun and fled with cash in a white sedan.

Police say the incident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on February 12, when the suspect entered the store, confronted the clerk, and demanded money from the register. The clerk complied, and the suspect escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash. No injuries were reported during the robbery.

Armed suspect on the run after columbus gas station robbery
Photo: armed suspect on the run after columbus gas station robbery

Detectives with the Columbus Division of Police are now leading the investigation, urging anyone with information to come forward. They are particularly interested in tips that could help identify the suspect or locate the vehicle involved.

Authorities released a surveillance image of the suspect and are appealing to the public for help. Tips can be directed to Detective West at 614-645-4588 or via email at zwest@columbuspolice.org. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477).

Police ask for community assistance

Investigators have not disclosed whether the firearm was seen during the encounter or if the robbery is connected to other recent crimes in the area. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed as part of the ongoing case.

Residents along Winchester Pike have expressed concern about rising overnight incidents, prompting renewed discussion about increasing police patrols in the corridor.

  • The robbery occurred around 1 a.m. February 12 on Winchester Pike
  • The suspect implied having a firearm and fled in a white sedan
  • Police urge anyone with tips to contact Detective West or Crime Stoppers

The Columbus Police investigation remains active as detectives work to track the suspect’s movements following the robbery.

Police continue search as investigation expands.

Phil Stilton

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