Police: Serial Robber Suspect In Custody
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Suspect In Custody
Police release the identity of a suspect who is in custody in connection with 14 robberies within the last month.
Surveillance video from Starbucks robbery.
UPDATED: Police release the identity of a suspect who is in custody in connection with 14 robberies within the last month.
COLUMBUS, Ohio—For nearly a month, a shotgun-wielding suspect has been terrorizing Columbus-area businesses. According to Columbus police, he’s responsible for as many as 14 robberies at coffee shops, restaurants, convenient stores and gas stations.
The suspect was arrested after the latest robbery Tuesday that led to a police pursuit and crash.
The Certified gas station on Frank Road was robbed by an armed man at about 2 a.m. Tuesday, police said. He fled the scene with an undetermined amount of money.
An officer spotted the suspect’s vehicle leaving the gas station and officers pursued the suspect.
The suspect ran a stop sign and crashed the vehicle into a tree about a mile away at Brown and Dyer roads, according to Franklin Township police.
The suspect was able to flee on foot and remained on the loose after a police search of the area.
Police said evidence taken from the vehicle led investigators to a location on Thurman Avenue where the suspect frequently visited.
Later Tuesday, police, SWAT and ATF agents arrested Christopher Himelrick in a stolen vehicle at Marion and Lockbourne roads.
During interviews, police said, Himelrick allegedly confessed his involvement in the numerous robberies associated with the serial robber case.
Himelrick was arrested and charged with one count of aggravated robbery.
Police said more charges will be sought through the Franklin County Grand Jury in the near future.
NBC 4 learned Wednesday afternoon that the shotgun used in some of the robberies was a BB gun that was modified to look like a shotgun.
It was also learned that Himelrick is currently on parole for a previous burglary.
He was taken to Grant Medical Center with injuries after his arrest, but officials expect him to be transported to jail on Wednesday.
ROBBERIES
- Friday, June 12: Starbucks coffee shop at 350 S. Third St.
- Friday, June 12: An individual at Mohawk and Whittier streets, German Village
- Saturday, June 13: 7-Eleven convenience store at 2481 Petzinger Rd., a drug store at 2940 Groveport Rd. and a Certified station at 1093 Frank Rd.
- Monday, June 15: Marathon station at 1690 S. High St.
- Thursday June, 18: Starbucks coffee shop at 350 S. Third St. and Tee Jayes Country Place Restaurant at 1335 Parsons Ave.
- Monday, June 22: Local pizza shop on East Broad Street (CPD said the pizza shop did not want its name released.)
- Tuesday, June 30: A drug store at 2940 Groveport Rd.
- Wednesday, July 1: Max & Erma’s at 739 S. 3rd St.
- Thursday, July 2: Cup o‘ Joe at 2418 E. Main St., Bexley
- Monday, July 6: Waffle House at 3960 S. High St.
- Tuesday, July 7: Certified station at 1093 Frank Rd.
Anyone with information was called to call CPD at 614-645-4545 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers.
You can text a tip to CRIMES or 274637 with a keyword of TIP125. You will always remain anonymous. Submit your tip online at http:www.stopcrime.org. Call 614-461-8477 or e-mail at
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Reader Reactions
I understand about addiction because I have family members who have struggle as well, but there is also a lot of free help out there. There are twelve step programs for both addicts and alcoholics. You can’t blame the woman this guy was dating for making him an addict. He is a grown man who made choices. In the meantime, we went to the impound lot to get the stuff out of my daughter’s car he stole and it was filthy inside and he apparently stole or threw out a lot of her property. Maybe he can get help in prison, it’s available if he wants it.
yes steaks, I feel that way about all my family members as well, then I have to sit back and realize that they keep choosing to make mistakes. I am far from perfect but I have overcame alot and I refuse to look back. I do try to help with the youth for the sake of thier and our future. Reality can be harsh and sad.
Yes Unrepentent, I knew you meant Uncle Sam…...it sounded like something my father would say. :0)
The serial Robber Chris Himelrick has been out of prison since march of 08. What he has done has to do with drugs. You can get drugs in prison as well as out here. He came out a drug addict as well as going in as drug user. What he needs is help not more time behind bars, but help with his drug abuse and his pschological problem. This man was raised in a good invirement with two good parents. Upstanding citizens of their community. He didn’t start doing hard drugs until he got with a woman in Dayton,Oh. Who was medic for the Dayton Fire Dept. He did pot before that, which most of you think is alright. Well that is not a legal substance either. I am not condoning what he has done ; as a mother I feel sorry for the victims. When you are on drugs all you can think about is where are you going to get the next fix. And how are you going to get it. If you are really hooked then you can’t even function from day to day let alone get a job and hold on to it. And if you have been in prison then you can’t even get a job. Think about that. All I hope and pray is that somewhere, sometime that Chris gets the help he desperately needs.
You’re welcome. I agree on the 3rd world issue.
Now curare is a 3rd world product that rocks.
There are also come neurotoxins that are impressive.
:-)
Just kidding folks.
:-)
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unrepentent 08 July 2009 Wed. 22:36
jaguar
Thanks.
Bombs are so 3rd world I couldn’t possibly be involved with such primitive devices.
jaguar
Thanks.
Bombs are so 3rd world I couldn’t possibly be involved with such primitive devices.
:-)
The nice thing about unrepentent’s posts, is that they can trigger a huge chuckle.
If fingers are on a keyboard, it’s likely they are not making bombs.
:-)
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Maumi 08 July 2009 Wed.16:14
unrepentent, where you a gvernment hitman in your past life?? ;0)
Well maybe he will go back for a longer sentence this time and really learn the hard way.
This guy isn’t going to learn the hard way (although I thought the video was great). He was just released from prison in Ross County in late May and started his crime spree here in June (2 weeks later).
Check out the video maumi i guarantee you will like it and find out what this poor slob has to look forward to.
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