Columbus SWAT waits outside during robbery/ shooting

This website has often shared stories which make the point how police officers are typically unable to prevent violent crimes, and are instead often relegated to showing up later for mop-up duty.

But in this case, after receiving a tip, the Columbus SWAT team watched as two armed, masked robbers entered this restaurant (a MANDATED victim zone because they serve alcohol - not that the criminals cared), but did nothing. They heard a shot fired, but did nothing. Only when the robbers "eventually" exited the building did they move to apprehend the attackers. Proving yet again that only YOU can be reponsible for your personal protection - even with SWAT standing right outside...

April 26, 2004
NBC4columbus.com

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio -- Police said that shots were fired inside a Reynoldsburg restaurant before it was set to close Sunday night.

NewsChannel 4's Kyle Anderson reported that authorities received a tip that Roadhouse Grill, located at 2444 Brice Rd., was going to be robbed.

Columbus SWAT officers set up outside the restaurant and waited for something to happen, Anderson reported.

At approximately 10 p.m., police said that two men with masks entered the restaurant. At least one shot was fired as they entered the building.

The men eventually left the restaurant with an unknown amount of money, police said. As the pair left, SWAT officers confronted them and took them into custody without incident, Anderson reported.

The suspected driver of a getaway car was also taken into custody, police said.

No one was injured, and police did not give details about how they were tipped off about the alleged robbery.