COLUMBUS (WCMH) – Residents in German Village are on edge after three attacks took place within a two-week period.
At 8:50pm Monday, a woman was attacked and robbed by gunpoint in the German Village neighborhood. The incident happened outside of her home near Mohawk and Frankfort Streets.
According to Columbus Police, the woman was getting things out of the trunk of her car when a man walked up behind her and demanded she give him her purse. Police say the man pistol whipped the woman across the side of her face and then took off with her purse.
On Jan. 23, a 68-year-old woman was punched the face by a stranger after getting out of her car.
The next morning, a man held a knife to a woman’s throat while robbing her.
Residents in the area are taking steps to protect themselves.
“I also have mace that I went out and bought. We have a personal security alarm that I carry with me at all times. So, I am not letting this change my way of life at all. We are not scared,” said resident Pam Bear.
Kara Ruth moved into the neighborhood two months ago and is worried for her safety.
“I hadn’t heard anything when I first moved in, so I thought it just stopped and then that happened. It’s just a little scary considering that I was about to go for a run,” said Ruth.
Columbus Police have not said all three incidents are related, but they are paying close attention to the situation.
“One thing that we are doing is we have dedicated resources that are in the area,” said Sgt. Rich Weiner, Columbus Police Department.
The German Village Society called a meeting with Columbus Police in hopes of getting answers about these attacks. After the safety meeting, neighbors are already starting to organize to safeguard their neighborhoods.
“I’ve changed my routine,” said Kim Cowie. “I don’t walk my dogs in the morning until the sun is out and there’s more people around.”
She lives a few doors down from where a woman was robbed on Monday night.
“We’re just trying to stick together and band together as a neighborhood to show that we’re not afraid and we’re not going to let this happen in our neighborhood,” said Cowie.
Commander Robert Strausbaugh reminds neighbors to walk in pairs at night, or at least carry a flashlight. He said to be aware of your surroundings, stay off your phone and don’t wear headphones.
“If the person has a mask on and you can’t identify any facial characteristics, is there a haircut that stands out? Is there a neck tattoo, a hand tattoo, something that sticks out if their face is covered and we can’t get their identity?”
Commander Strausbaugh is also asking anyone with surveillance cameras on their phone to review their footage to see if they can identify a suspect.
“I think the police obviously can only do so much,” said neighbor John Miller. “I want to see some community involvement.”
He said people are already forming neighborhood watch groups and safety walks.
“I can do anything, ride a bike, stand a street corner… Whatever it takes,” said Miller. “This has to stop.”
