The police are investigating the group that allegedly took over the gas station

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Police are trying to identify more than a dozen people who allegedly took over a gas station in northeast Columbus after a street holdup.

The Columbus Police Dept said the group of 16 was involved in reckless operations and taking over city streets, businesses and private property.

On April 29, around 12:15 a.m., a large group of people and vehicles arrived at a business in the 2800 block of Johnstown Road.

Columbus police say vehicles were blocking the lot, access to gas pumps and ingress and egress from roadways.

According to police, people in the group entered the business and began taking possession of the merchandise, consuming it in the store or hiding it and leaving the store without paying for it.

Detectives have released surveillance photos of the group in hopes of identifying them.

“I know there’s a general sense of fear and concern across the city from all residents in all neighborhoods,” said Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein. “When we identify these people, we have to force the justice system to step up and send a message that this amount of chaos and lawlessness will not be accepted in our city.”

Anyone with information about these individuals is asked to contact Columbus Police at 614-645-1435 or by emailing the detective in charge of the case at zrosen@columbuspolice.org.

Earlier that night around 11:15 p.m., Columbus Police officers responded to a street capture event on the north side of town.

Police said more than 100 vehicles were involved in the carjacking incident, and several people were involved in shooting officers. Neither officers nor bystanders were injured in the shooting. There were no arrests.

Photos from the event were released last week showing two cars and a man with a rifle who police are trying to identify.

Central Ohio Crime Stoppers offers a The reward is $5,000 for any information that could lead to the arrest or prosecution of the officer-involved shooters.

After the seizure, law enforcement and prosecutors announced plans to work together to focus on street racing during the peak spring and summer months. City officials also say they will “vigorously prosecute any other activity related to street racing, such as weapons violations, disorderly conduct and property damage.”

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