Police: Serial Robber Suspect In Custody

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 tips@stopcrime.org

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