Columbus police are searching for viral ‘polite’ robber
Police are searching for a robbery suspect who has gone viral for exchanging pleasantries with the front desk clerk of the business he was robbing. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office posted surveillance footage of the incident, and asked the public for help identifying the polite suspect.
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The post said, “On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at approximately 5:30 a.m., deputies with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported robbery at the Red Roof Inn located at 4530 West Broad Street in Prairie Township. A heavyset Black male wearing glasses, a black jacket, a black cap, and a face mask approached the front desk and demanded money from the clerk while implying he had a weapon. The employee complied with the demand, and the suspect fled in a dark colored SUV in an unknown direction.” In the video, the suspect can be heard asking “how are you doing?” before demanding cash. He also said, “thank you” before leaving, and the clerk responded “have a nice night.”
Anyone with information regarding this investigation, or who can assist in identifying the suspect, is encouraged to contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau at (614) 525-3351. Callers may remain anonymous. You can watch the full video here.
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