UPDATE: A man is in custody after a dramatic police chase in a U-Haul on Christmas Day. Zachary Simpson, 30, was arrested following an armed robbery that occurred earlier that morning in Columbus, Ohio.
Around 8:45 a.m. on December 25, Simpson allegedly entered a business located in the 700 block of East North Broadway, brandishing a shotgun and demanding cash from the register. Witnesses reported the harrowing scene as he made off with an undisclosed amount of money, fleeing the scene in a U-Haul truck.
The Columbus police began pursuing Simpson around 9:35 a.m. near Denune Avenue and Westerville Road. The chase escalated until Simpson lost control of the vehicle on East 5th Avenue near Leonard Avenue, crashing into a utility pole and bringing the pursuit to a sudden halt.
Emergency medical personnel transported him to Grant Medical Center where he is reported to be in stable condition. Simpson appeared in Franklin County Municipal Court on December 29, where his bond was set at $500,000 for the Christmas Day robbery and an additional $500,000 for a separate robbery incident that took place on December 4 at the 2400 block of Mecca Road.
Authorities are currently investigating both incidents, which have shaken the local community. The police urge anyone with further information to come forward as they work to ensure public safety.
This alarming series of events has raised questions about security and safety during the holiday season in Columbus. Residents are advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
As the investigation develops, many are left wondering about the broader implications of such violent crime during a time typically associated with peace and goodwill. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
Stay tuned for more breaking news as this story unfolds.
