Two people sentenced for multiple Ohio robberies

OHIO — Two central Ohio men were sentenced in federal court Wednesday for their roles in a violent crime spree that culminated in the July 6, 2023, shooting of a Columbus police officer.

The spree included armed robberies at high-end car dealerships, banks, and gaming stores, ending in a high-speed chase and shootout on I-70.

Faisal M. Darod, 25, of Columbus, was sentenced to 25 years (300 months) in prison, while Aden Abdullahi Jama, 21, of Reynoldsburg, received a 13-year (156-month) sentence.

Violent Crime Spree and Police Shootout

Prosecutors detailed how Darod and Jama participated in a series of armed robberies in and around Columbus. The crime spree included:

• June 21, 2023: Armed robbery of a GameStop in Hilliard.
• July 3, 2023: Carjacking of a 2016 Corvette Stingray from Auto Gallery in Minerva Park.
• July 5, 2023: Armed robbery of Fifth Third Bank in Upper Arlington, where Darod and Jama were caught on video flaunting stolen cash.
• July 6, 2023: Armed robbery of Byers Imports in Whitehall, followed by another armed bank robbery at Fifth Third Bank in Hilliard.

Unbeknownst to the suspects, Whitehall police were tracking their movements via the stolen Porsche Cayenne’s GPS system.

Detectives attempted to stop the vehicle outside Fifth Third Bank, but the suspects fled, leading police on a high-speed chase exceeding 125 mph.

On I-70, the stolen vehicle became disabled. As Darod and Jama fled on foot, the third suspect ambushed responding officers with a Glock handgun equipped with an extended magazine, striking a Columbus police officer multiple times. The suspect was shot and killed in the exchange.

Arrests and Sentencing

Following the shootout, authorities launched a coordinated manhunt. Darod was arrested in Columbus on July 7, 2023, after conducting internet searches for flights to Somalia.

Jama was captured at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on July 8, 2023, attempting to flee to Turkey en route to Somalia.

Both men pleaded guilty in October 2023. Darod admitted to nine counts, including armed robbery and firearm offenses, while Jama pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting robbery and being an accessory after the fact.

Law Enforcement Statements

“Violent crimes like these reverberate throughout the community. The victims of the armed robberies remain traumatized… One accomplice is dead. And, though he survived this tragedy, one Columbus police officer was shot a number of times and was gravely injured,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Put simply, gun violence is never worth the resulting costs, including spending significant time in federal prison.”

Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division, praised law enforcement for stopping the crime spree. “Thanks to the valiant action of Columbus and Whitehall Police, the violent crime spree of the defendants was stopped,” he said.

Columbus Police Chief Elaine R. Bryant emphasized the case’s significance. “This case serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers brave officers of the Division face every day in the line of duty,” she said.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Noah R. Litton and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Bosley. Chief U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison imposed the sentences.