2022 armed robbery suspect accused of holding two adults, baby at gunpoint in court

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A man arrested two years after an armed robbery in which five suspects held three people at gunpoint in north Columbus was in court Monday.

According to court documents, a warrant was issued nearly six weeks ago for 52-year-old Gary Sams in connection to an armed robbery that took place on June 1, 2022, at a business in the 1900 block of Morse Road. The Forest Park East store was the target of five suspects, police said at the time.

During the alleged robbery, Sams and four others wearing masks and gloves reportedly held three people at gunpoint. One of the victims was a three-month old baby. The two adult victims, one of which was the store owner, told police they were restrained and had handguns pointed at them throughout the incident.

Police said the suspects took merchandise from the store valued up to $30,000. Among the items stolen were watches, sunglasses, handbags and several pieces of luggage before the suspects fled in two separate vehicles.

An investigation, along with tips received, security camera video, and License Plate Recognition readers, supported the conclusion that Sams was one of the five suspects. He appeared in Franklin County Municipal Court on Monday and was issued a $350,000 bond while charged with aggravated robbery.

Sams is next scheduled to appear in court on June 18 for a preliminary hearing. The other four suspects have not yet been identified by police.