Columbus Zoo says four masked, possibly armed people stole car from parking lot

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium says that four masked people, possibly armed, stole a car from its parking lot Monday afternoon.

The thieves stole the white Hyundai Elantra from the zoo lot about 3 p.m. Monday, the zoo said in a statement posted to social media. A guest sitting in a car later told zoo officials that they saw four masked people running along the rows of parked cars pulling door handles to see if any were unlocked.

The witness said they saw a weapon on one of the masked people and moved their car while sounding the horn to alert other guests and called 911, according to the statement. Another witnesses who called 911 said they saw a car being stolen.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the theft, according to the statement. The Sheriff’s Office suggests visitors remain vigilant of their surroundings, lock vehicles, keep valuables out of sight and report suspicious activity when it is safe to do so.

Anyone with information about the theft can contact the Sheriff’s Office at 740-833-2800 or alee@co.delaware.oh.us.

bagallion@dispatch.com