Police Searching for Woman After Gas Station Shooting in Columbia

Employee hospitalized with serious injuries after attempted robbery

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:45pm

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An extreme close-up of a spent shell casing on the ground, reflecting the harsh lighting and creating a stark, gritty visual that conceptually represents the investigation into a violent crime.The aftermath of a gas station shooting leaves behind physical evidence that investigators must carefully examine.Baltimore Today

Howard County police are searching for a woman who allegedly shot a gas station employee during an attempted robbery at a Shell station in Columbia on Friday evening. The victim was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, while the suspect fled the scene.

Why it matters

Gas station robberies and workplace violence are ongoing public safety concerns in the Baltimore metro area, with employees often facing threats of harm. This incident highlights the need for improved security measures and training to protect workers at vulnerable retail locations.

The details

According to police, officers responded to the Shell gas station on Cradlerock Way around 7:43 p.m. on Friday after receiving reports of a shooting. They found a gas station employee who had been shot and was in serious condition. Through preliminary investigation, detectives believe a woman wearing a black dress and slides fired shots during an attempted robbery before fleeing the scene. No other injuries were reported.

  • The incident occurred around 7:43 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Howard County Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the shooting incident at the Columbia gas station.

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What they’re saying

“Anyone with information is asked to call police at 410-313-STOP or email HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov.”

— Howard County Police Department

What’s next

Police are offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspect.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of protecting retail workers from violent crime, and the importance of robust security measures, employee training, and community cooperation to address these public safety concerns.