COLUMBUS, Ohio – Authorities have identified a third suspect in a fatal shooting at an AutoZone store near Polaris last summer. 28-year-old Anthony Blakely has been charged with one count of aggravated murder and two counts of aggravated robbery in the August 2023 incident, according to records from the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.
Blakely was indicted in December, joining two other suspects, 21-year-old Zackeyis Davis and 28-year-old Darius Wynn, who were indicted in October. The three suspects were attempting to rob the AutoZone at 8338 Sancus Blvd. when a man intervened and was fatally shot. An employee was also injured in the incident.
While court documents initially did not name Blakely as a suspect in the robbery, records obtained later revealed that Blakely, Davis, Wynn, and “other unidentified individuals” were involved in multiple robberies from May to September 2023, targeting restaurants, fast food establishments, and two AutoZone stores.
Authorities did not provide details on the specific roles of each suspect in the robberies. Davis and Wynn appeared in court and are being held on bonds of $10 million and $5 million, respectively. Blakely is scheduled to be arraigned on Jan. 16.
The incidents have raised concerns about the safety and security of businesses in the area, and the community is calling for increased vigilance and measures to prevent such crimes from happening in the future. The tragic consequences of these criminal activities highlight the need for efforts to address crime and improve safety in the community.
In the wake of these events, authorities continue to investigate and pursue justice for the victims of these senseless acts of violence. The arrests and charges against the suspects signal progress in holding those responsible accountable for their actions.