STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — Four juveniles have been arrested in connection with what investigators say was a planned armed robbery that ended with gunfire after victims traveled to Stafford County to sell a sweatshirt through Facebook Marketplace.
According to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of shots fired on Ebenezer Church Road on the night of July 18.
Investigators said the victims had arranged to sell a Spyder-brand sweatshirt through Facebook Marketplace. After arriving at the meeting location, the suspect briefly met with the victims before returning to an apartment. A short time later, the suspect emerged with several others, some of whom were armed.
The victims fled in their vehicle as the suspects opened fire. During the encounter, the sweatshirt was stolen, authorities said.
Detectives determined the suspects had entered a vacant apartment through a window and used it to wait for the victims before the robbery. The suspects fled on foot before deputies arrived.
Following the execution of multiple search warrants, surveillance operations and a review of evidence, detectives determined the robbery had been planned, leading to additional charges.
Investigators ultimately identified and arrested four juvenile suspects. The stolen sweatshirt was recovered during the investigation.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office offers designated Safe Exchange Zones located at the front of the Humphrey Building, 1225 Courthouse Road, Stafford, Virginia, 22554. The Safe Exchange Zones are well lit and in a safe area, making them the perfect place if you are looking to buy or sell an item found online.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with our community, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life by maintaining order, protecting life and property and reducing the fear of crime. Located in Stafford County, Virginia, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office ensures the peace and safety of all citizens by upholding the Constitution of the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
— SCSO
Each juvenile was charged with two counts of attempted aggravated malicious wounding, two counts of armed robbery, two counts of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, one count of shooting into an occupied vehicle and one count of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
All four juveniles were held at the Rappahannock Regional Juvenile Detention Center.
