Columbus Dispatch: Police hunt for man who tried to rob pedestrian

This Columbus pedestrian had the extremely unfortunate opportunity to learn that running away is no more an acceptable form of self-defense than is the OSHP's suggestion to "driving off" when attacked. Apparently this criminal had no idea that carrying a concealed firearm is illegal in Ohio, and that politicians in his own city are working to keep it that way.

September 15, 2003
Last month’s shooting of a South Side man is the crime of the week in the Crime Stoppers program.

Andre Jones was walking on Lockbourne Road, south of E. Livingston Avenue, about 1:45 p.m. on Aug. 19 when a black man briefly spoke to him. The man followed Jones, showed a handgun and demanded money and jewelry. Jones refused and ran toward E. Livingston. The man fired several shots and one struck Jones in the back, seriously injuring him.

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The assailant ran to a nearby vehicle and drove away.

He was described as 23 or 24 years old with a small mustache and hair in 2- to 3-inch braids. He wore bluejeans, a white shirt, a red and white Atlanta Hawks cap (backward) and a silver or platinum waistlength chain with a cross.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $2,000 for information received by Sept. 24 that leads to an arrest and indictment. Information received after that could qualify the caller for a lesser reward. Call 614-645-TIPS (8477).

Crime Stoppers takes calls from people with information about any felony. A coding system protects the names of callers.

Reward money comes from individuals, businesses and foundations. Donations, which are tax-deductible, can be sent to Crime Stoppers, Box 16038, Columbus 43216-6038.

Information about Crime Stoppers and this crime can be found at www.stopcrime.org, the Central Ohio Crime Stoppers Web site.

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