Groveport Woman Charged in $300K Columbus Fire Equipment Theft
Columbus, Ohio — A Groveport woman has been charged in the $300K Columbus fire equipment theft case after stealing vital firefighting gear from the Columbus Division of Fire Training Academy, according to Franklin County court records. The incident occurred during the early hours of March 30 at the training facility located at 3663 Parsons Avenue.
Although fire personnel were on-site and asleep, multiple unidentified suspects reportedly broke into the facility. They stole several pieces of essential firefighting equipment, including a Columbus fire department transport van.
Investigation Leads to Arrest
Surveillance footage and GPS tracking played a crucial role in the investigation. The footage captured an orange Chevrolet Avalanche pickup truck near the facility shortly before the theft, which allegedly acted as a lookout vehicle for over two hours. As the fire transport van was seen leaving the training academy, the orange truck followed closely behind.
The stolen van and the pickup truck traveled nearly 30 miles through Franklin and Pickaway counties, with GPS data confirming their route. This led investigators to a home on Fontaine Road in the Blacklick Estates neighborhood, where small pieces of the stolen gear, such as radio cords and clips, were found scattered around the property.
Technological Evidence and Suspect Identification
Further investigation revealed multiple individuals moving between the two vehicles at the Fontaine Road residence. Thanks to FLOCK camera technology, authorities were able to identify the orange pickup truck and trace it back to the Groveport woman, who is now in custody at the Franklin County Jail.
Legal Proceedings
The suspect, who has not been identified, is being held on a $750,000 bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for April 15. Authorities have not confirmed the involvement of additional suspects, but the case remains under active investigation by Columbus police.
This Columbus fire equipment theft case highlights the vulnerability of high-security public safety facilities and the critical role of modern surveillance technology in criminal investigations. Investigators are urging anyone with information related to the theft to come forward.
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