COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — After two robberies in west Columbus, police are asking the public for help in identifying the suspects.

BP petrol station

The first incident occurred around 9:55 p.m. Sunday at a BP gas station in the 900 block of Hilliard-Rome Road.

According to authorities, the suspect entered the gas station with a large hunting knife and a pistol. He said, “This is a robbery” and demanded money from both cash registers and a large quantity of cigarettes.

Police described the suspect as a white man between the ages of 20 and 30, 5’9″ tall and weighing approximately 135 pounds.

Get-Go gas station

Police are also investigating another robbery at a Get-Go gas station at the intersection of Hayden Run and Cosgray Road.

This robbery occurred less than 8 miles from the robbery on Hilliard-Rome Road and occurred at the same time and on the same day.

According to police, a suspect entered the gas station and asked for cigarettes. When the clerk turned around, the suspect pointed a gun at her face and ordered both clerks to get on the ground.

The perpetrator demanded money from both cash registers. The money was put in a bag and handed over to the perpetrator.

According to police, the suspect tried to get to the safe, but employees did not have access. The suspect ordered the victims to go to the back room and left the room.

Police described the suspect as a black man, between 30 and 40 years old, 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 175 to 200 pounds.

Anyone with information on either case is asked to contact Det. J. Schiering at 614-645-3951.