Man linked to multiple Columbus break-ins and attempted rapes caught after doorbell cam tips
Columbus, OH — A 33-year-old man wanted on a felony warrant for strangulation has been arrested after a string of overnight break-ins and attempted assaults that terrorized a northwest Columbus neighborhood earlier this month, police said Tuesday.
The suspect, identified as Rovan Spears, was seen prowling through backyards and peering into homes between midnight and dawn on January 9, targeting residences along the Hard Road corridor between Sawmill Road and Smoky Row Road. Police say Spears was captured on several doorbell cameras checking for unlocked doors and walking through properties while dressed in dark clothing.
Between 1:00 a.m. and 3:30 a.m., officers responded to two active burglary calls. As the day progressed, additional reports came in from nearby homes, with residents reporting attempted break-ins and suspicious activity.
Thanks to surveillance footage and community tips, investigators were able to identify Spears, who already had a felony warrant issued in a separate case involving strangulation. He was arrested on January 15 and is now facing two counts of aggravated burglary and two counts of attempted rape. Additional charges may be added as the investigation continues.
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Columbus Police credited the swift cooperation of local residents for helping track down the suspect. Detectives continue to ask anyone with footage or information to come forward as they piece together the full scope of the incidents.
Spears is being held pending further court proceedings. Police have not said if any of the homes were occupied at the time of the break-ins or whether any additional victims have been identified.
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Key Points
- Rovan Spears, 33, was arrested for a series of overnight break-ins and attempted assaults in Columbus
- He was caught on security footage checking doors and moving through yards in residential neighborhoods
- Spears is charged with two counts of aggravated burglary and two counts of attempted rape, with more charges possible
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