COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two individuals from Central Ohio have been taken into custody and face federal charges in relation to a series of robberies that culminated in the shooting of a Columbus police officer on July 6. Aden Abdullahi Jama, a 20-year-old resident of Reynoldsburg, was apprehended at Chicago O’Hare International Airport by United States Marshals and HSI agents, while Fazsal M. Darod, 23, was arrested outside his Columbus residence in the early morning hours of July 7 by the United States Marshals’ Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team.
Both Jama and Darod are accused of aiding and abetting a bank robbery and aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during a crime of violence. Their alleged involvement in a string of incidents led to the robbery at Fifth Third Bank on Hilliard Rome Road in Hilliard, during which thousands of dollars were stolen at gunpoint before the suspects made their escape in a black Porsche SUV stolen from Byer Imports Car Lot on North Hamilton Road in Columbus.
Shortly after the robbery, Columbus police officers encountered the stolen vehicle and suspects on Interstate 70 East near West Mound Street. Tragically, during the encounter, a Columbus police officer was struck by gunfire and sustained serious injuries. One of the suspects was also shot and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Jama and Darod managed to flee the scene on foot, initially evading immediate apprehension. However, diligent efforts by law enforcement officers led to their eventual capture. During the investigation, authorities recovered two firearms at the scene, including a Glock handgun with an extended magazine and a semiautomatic handgun.
The charges against the two men carry severe penalties under federal law. Aiding and abetting a bank robbery can result in a maximum prison sentence of up to 20 years, while aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during a crime of violence carries a minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of life imprisonment.
The arrest and charging of Jama and Darod signify a significant step towards justice for the injured police officer and the community affected by these violent incidents. The authorities remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of the residents of Central Ohio as they continue to investigate this case.
The defendants are scheduled to appear before a federal court in the coming days to face the charges brought against them.