Authorities Identify Violent Armed Robbery Suspect, Ask For Help

Multiple law enforcement agencies identified an armed robbery suspect and asked for the public's help Wednesday.

By: Donna Willis | NBC4i.com
Published: December 31, 2008

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Multiple law enforcement agencies identified an armed robbery suspect and asked for the public's help Wednesday.

NBC 4 reported with the FAST FACTS.

An investigation identified the suspect in a series of five violent check-cashing robberies and sexual assaults as Charles R. Harris.

The businesses that have been robbed were the First National Cash Advance at 6302 Gender Rd. in Canal Winchester on Dec. 23, Advance America Cash Advance at 1383 Georgesville Rd. on Christmas Eve, Advance America Cash Advance at 1935 W. Henderson Rd. in Upper Arlington on Dec. 29, National Cash Advance at 4740 Reed Rd. in Upper Arlington on Dec. 29 and the National Cash Advance at 1296 Brice Rd. in Reynoldsburg on Monday afternoon.

FBI Special Agent Harry Trombitas spoke with NBC 4 and said during each robbery, the robber enters the business, jumps over the counter and robs the employees at gunpoint. Once the robbery is complete, the robber forces employees to a back area of the business where some type of sexual assault takes place. The robber then leaves the business and disappears before police are notified and able to respond.

Harris was described as a black male, 20, 6 feet 2 inches tall, 170 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

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Law enforcement requested the public’s assistance in locating Harris as soon as possible.

Anyone with any information on Harris’ whereabouts should immediately contact the Columbus Police Radio Room at 614-645-4545.

Harris should be considered armed and dangerous.

Harris came to the attention of law enforcement initially by a tip to Crime Stoppers.

There are two aggravated robbery charges, two kidnapping charges and one rape charge filed in Franklin County on Harris stemming from the two incidents in Upper Arlington.

Federal charges are pending.