COLUMBUS – On November 1, 2018, the victim was walking in the area of S. Weyant Ave./ E. Mound St. when she was approached by a male white, later identified as 35-year-old Randall Tharp of Baltimore, Ohio, driving a black Camaro.
Tharp had a black hand gun, handcuffs &was wearing a bullet proof vest and a baseball cap with ‘POLICE’ written on it.
Tharp identified himself as a Columbus Police Detective and ordered the victim into his car.
The victim fled the scene when Mr. Tharp did not produce a badge.
On November 2, 2018, the victim was outside of her home when she again observed Tharp drive by in the same vehicle wearing the same police looking attire as the day before. Tharp stopped his car and exited with a black gun in his hand and ordered the victim into the vehicle. Again, Tharp identified himself as a Columbus Police detective. The victim was able to flee to her home.
Randall Tharp returned a 3rd time a few minutes later in a Chevy truck and once again attempted to get the victim into his vehicle. The victim ran to her home.
Tharp was arrested & charged with one count of Attempt Abduction (F-4) and one count of Impersonating an Officer (F-3).
He has a criminal history which includes kidnapping and sex offenses.
Anyone with info on this crime or suspect is asked to contact Det. Haynes in CPD’s Sexual Assault Unit at 614-645-4624 or [email protected].
