Two Central Ohio men have been arrested and charged for their involvement in a robbery incident that resulted in the shooting of a Columbus police officer. Aden Abdullahi Jama, 20, was apprehended at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, while Fazsal M. Darod, 23, was arrested in Columbus. Both men are facing federal charges for aiding and abetting a bank robbery and aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during a crime of violence. The incident occurred on July 6 when the suspects allegedly stole a black Porsche SUV and later participated in a robbery at a bank. During a confrontation with the police, an officer was shot and wounded, and one suspect was fatally shot. The investigation is ongoing, and if convicted, the defendants could face substantial prison sentences.
Arrest of Two Central Ohio Men
Arrest at Chicago O’Hare International Airport
On July 8, 2023, Aden Abdullahi Jama, a 20-year-old resident of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, was apprehended at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The arrest was made by the United States Marshals and HSI agents. Jama had purchased a flight ticket to Turkey that was scheduled to depart at 12:35 pm. The authorities arrested him on federal charges related to his alleged involvement in a robbery incident that resulted in the shooting of a Columbus police officer.
Arrest outside Residence in Columbus
On July 7, 2023, Fazsal M. Darod, a 23-year-old from Columbus, Ohio, was arrested by the United States Marshals’ Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team. The arrest took place in the early morning hours outside Darod’s residence in Columbus. Darod, like Jama, is charged federally for aiding and abetting a bank robbery and aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Charges Against the Men
Aiding and Abetting a Bank Robbery
Both Aden Abdullahi Jama and Fazsal M. Darod are being charged with aiding and abetting a bank robbery. This federal offense can carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. The charges are based on their alleged involvement in the robbery that took place at the Fifth Third Bank on Hilliard Rome Road in Hilliard, Ohio, on July 6, 2023. During this incident, an armed suspect stole a significant amount of money before fleeing in a stolen vehicle.
Aiding and Abetting the Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence
In addition to the bank robbery charges, Jama and Darod are also facing charges of aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during a crime of violence. This offense carries a potential penalty of at least five years and up to life in prison. The charges are based on the alleged encounter with law enforcement officers on Interstate 70 East near West Mound Street, where a Columbus police officer was shot and seriously wounded.
Details of the Robbery Incident
Stolen Vehicle from Byer Imports Car Lot
On July 6, 2023, Aden Abdullahi Jama, Fazsal M. Darod, and a third suspect allegedly stole a black Porsche SUV from the Byer Imports Car Lot on North Hamilton Road in Columbus, Ohio. This stolen vehicle would later be used to flee the scene of the robbery at the Fifth Third Bank.
Robbery at Fifth Third Bank
At approximately 4 pm on July 6, the defendants allegedly participated in a robbery at the Fifth Third Bank located on Hilliard Rome Road in Hilliard, Ohio. According to the affidavits filed in support of criminal complaints, an armed suspect stole thousands of dollars from the bank before escaping in the stolen black Porsche SUV.
Encounter with Police on Interstate 70 East
A few minutes after the bank robbery, Columbus police officers encountered the stolen Porsche SUV and the suspects on Interstate 70 East near West Mound Street. During this encounter, a Columbus police officer was struck by gunfire and sustained serious injuries. One of the suspects involved in the robbery was also shot and died at the scene. Aden Abdullahi Jama and Fazsal M. Darod allegedly fled from the scene on foot and were able to avoid immediate apprehension.
Injuries and Fatalities
Columbus Police Officer Struck by Gunfire
During the encounter on Interstate 70 East, a Columbus police officer was struck by gunfire and suffered severe injuries. The details of the officer’s injuries have not been disclosed, but the incident highlights the dangerous nature of the robbery and subsequent encounter with law enforcement.
Death of One Suspect at the Scene
At the scene of the encounter on Interstate 70 East, one of the robbery suspects involved in the incident was shot and pronounced dead. The identity of the deceased suspect has not been released, pending further investigation and notification of next of kin.
Recovery of Firearms
Glock Handgun with Extended Magazine
Following the encounter on Interstate 70 East, law enforcement officers recovered two firearms from the scene. One of the firearms was a Glock handgun equipped with an extended magazine. This recovery underscores the significance of the charges against the arrested individuals and the potential danger they posed during the commission of the robbery.
Semiautomatic Handgun
In addition to the Glock handgun, a semiautomatic handgun was also recovered by the authorities at the scene on Interstate 70 East. The recovery of multiple firearms highlights the seriousness of the charges against Aden Abdullahi Jama and Fazsal M. Darod.
Legal Consequences
Federal Crime Punishable by up to 20 Years in Prison
The charges of aiding and abetting a bank robbery faced by Jama and Darod are federal offenses. If convicted, they could face a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. These charges demonstrate the severity of their alleged involvement in the robbery incident and the potential consequences they may face.
Potential Penalty of at Least Five Years and up to Life in Prison
In addition to aiding and abetting a bank robbery, both defendants are also charged with aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during a crime of violence. This offense carries a potential penalty of at least five years in prison, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The serious nature of these charges reflects the heightened level of danger and violence associated with the robbery incident.
Announcement of Charges
United States Attorney Kenneth L. Parker
United States Attorney Kenneth L. Parker announced the charges against Aden Abdullahi Jama and Fazsal M. Darod. As the lead prosecutor for the Southern District of Ohio, Parker is responsible for ensuring the federal charges are pursued and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Special Agent in Charge Daryl S. McCormick
Special Agent in Charge Daryl S. McCormick of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives joined the announcement of the charges. As a federal law enforcement agency, the ATF plays a crucial role in investigating and combating violent crimes involving firearms, such as the robbery incident in question.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant also participated in the announcement of the charges. As the top law enforcement official in the city of Columbus, Chief Bryant highlighted the determination of the Columbus Police Department to bring those responsible for the robbery and shooting of their officer to justice.
Law Enforcement Agencies Involved
The announcement of the charges involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the United States Marshals in Columbus and Chicago, ICE and HSI Chicago, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Whitehall, Minerva Parka, and Upper Arlington police departments, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. The collaboration of these agencies demonstrates the collective effort to apprehend the suspects and hold them accountable for their alleged crimes.
Representation and Presumption of Innocence
Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Litton
Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Litton is representing the United States in the case against Aden Abdullahi Jama and Fazsal M. Darod. As a federal prosecutor, Litton will work diligently to present the evidence and arguments necessary to support the charges and secure a conviction, if warranted.
Defendants Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in Court of Law
It is important to remember that although Jama and Darod have been arrested and charged, they are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. The presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle of the United States legal system, ensuring fair treatment and due process for all individuals accused of a crime.
Related Content
Conviction of Columbus Man for Six Robberies
In related news, a Columbus man has recently been convicted for committing six robberies. The conviction serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat violent crimes and brings a measure of justice to the victims of those robberies.
Indictment of Two Central Ohio Men for Armed Robberies of Postal Carriers
Furthermore, two additional Central Ohio men have been indicted for their involvement in four separate armed robberies of U.S. Postal carriers. These indictments underscore the commitment to safeguarding the well-being and safety of those who serve the community.
Additional Defendant Charged in Armed Robbery Case
Lastly, a third defendant has been arrested and charged in connection with an armed robbery of a mail carrier. The arrest and charges highlight the continued efforts of law enforcement to pursue and hold accountable those responsible for violent crimes.
Contact Information
If you have any information or require assistance related to this case or any other matter, please contact the Southern District of Ohio Main Office. The contact information for the main office, as well as the Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton phone numbers, can be found below:
- Southern District of Ohio Main Office: 303 Marconi Boulevard, Suite 200, Columbus, OH 43215
- Columbus Phone Number: 614-469-5715
- Cincinnati Phone Number: 513-684-3711
- Dayton Phone Number: 937-225-2910
For further assistance or inquiries, please do not hesitate to reach out to the designated contacts for appropriate guidance and support.