Columbus Zoo reports stolen car and break-ins from masked suspects in parking lot
POWELL, Ohio (WCMH) – Columbus Zoo security and area authorities are on alert after six people allegedly stole one car and attempted to break into multiple others in the parking lot Monday afternoon.
According to a Delaware County Sheriff’s report, a deputy was dispatched to the Columbus Zoo on West Powell Road, where there were reports of several people running through the parking lot with hoods over their heads and masks on their face.
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A witness reported that the individuals were trying to break into or steal cars parked in the lot. Before the responding deputy arrived, the individuals allegedly left in a white Hyundai Sonata and an unidentified black sedan.
The incident report states that the witness was sitting in her car and observed four people checking vehicles and attempting to break into them. The witness said that the four people casing the parking lot were being followed by a car with the driver also wearing a hood and mask.
One of the cars reportedly had a window broken and the woman said she could see weapons by the suspects’ hips. The Columbus Zoo also reported it received at least two other calls to its guest relations desks regarding the suspects.
After the zoo closed, the sheriff’s office received another call from a person who said their car was missing from the lot. A description of the car matched that of the Hyundai Sonata which was reportedly being driven by one of the masked suspects.
The responding sergeant investigated the area and found documents belonging to the victim, including a W2 form, checks, bank statements and other documents, scattered near the parking lot exit.
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Zoo security shared that they observed the black vehicle entering the lot and then exiting three minutes later along with the Hyundai. Deputies were able to observe security camera footage, but they did not share it publicly, or if they found additional evidence.
Steven Langton, the director of safety and security for the Columbus zoo, said something like this has never happened at the zoo before.
“We had, you know, incidents in the parking lot, thefts, things like that, but not to this extent to where this might be more of an organized operation,” he said. “It seems like with a number of individuals coming through, pulling on car handles, looking for vehicles to get into.
“Unfortunately, people take advantage of busy parking lots when they can,” he added.
The zoo increased its parking lot presence on Tuesday — people were out patrolling and driving around with their lights on to act as a deterrent. Langton said he teaches his staff about the importance of “see something, say something.”
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“We have a large property, a very large parking lot, so we rely a lot on other team members and guests to let us know when there’s something going on that doesn’t feel right,” he said. “Encourage them to call us, let us know any time because we’re always going to respond and take a look.”
Langton said the zoo’s Evolv Security System will be up and running in June, allowing security to screen everybody who enters the zoo to make sure no one has any weapons on them.
The sheriff’s office asked anyone with information on this incident to call 740-833-2800 or email alee@co.delaware.oh.us.
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