ANDERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WXIX) — A man suspected of multiple robberies across Cincinnati is now in police custody. Authorities say Donald Auel, 37, was arrested after surveillance footage linked him to at least four convenience store robberies, car theft, and other crimes.
According to police reports, Auel first targeted the United Dairy Farmers on Beechmont Avenue, followed by an armed robbery at the Salem Express Marathon on Salem Road.
Salem Express Marathon manager Chintan “Charlie” Bijapati recalled the terrifying moment when the suspect, dressed in a hoodie, gloves, and a black mask, entered the store around 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
“That was a very scary moment for me,” Bijapati said. “His mask was covered to the eyes.”
He described how Auel approached the counter, pulled a gun from his waistband, and demanded cash.
“My whole body was shaking. I couldn’t even stand,” Bijapati added. “My life is worth more than a couple of hundred dollars.”
By the time assistant manager Michael Plummer arrived at the front counter, Auel had already fled.
Authorities say Auel is also suspected of robbing a Speedway gas station on Columbia Parkway twice and stealing a car from a gas station parking lot before removing its license plate.
Court records confirm that Auel faces aggravated armed robbery charges and additional theft-related offenses.
He appeared in court on March 13, where his bond was set at $502,100.
