Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Two men have been arrested for robbery after arranging to sell a car online.
On June 25 police responded to an armed robbery in the 4300 block of Americana Drive in Annandale. Police found the victim who had sustained multiple lacerations on her head. Officers determined the victim had agreed to meet the suspects in-person via Instagram to purchase a car for cash. The victim was picked-up by a ride-share and driven to the location of the vehicle for the sale.
When she arrived, one of the suspects produced a handgun and repeatedly struck the victim in the head with it. The other suspect assisted in grabbing the victim’s purse before both suspects fled in a vehicle. Preliminarily, it is believed that the ride-share driver was not involved. The victim was transported to the hospital and treated for injuries to her head.
Through their investigation, detectives identified and charged a 20-year-old man from Woodbridge, who was charged with robbery, malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and conspiracy to commit robbery. He is being held on no bond. A 23-year-old man from Oakton was also arrested and charged with robbery, malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and conspiracy to commit robbery. He is also being held with no bond. Detectives from the Fugitive Track and Apprehension Squad tracked the two to a location in Lorton. Detectives took both men into custody. Subsequent to the arrests, detectives recovered multiple handguns and additional evidence of the robbery.
Do not go to a transaction alone. If you do go alone, make sure a friend or family member is aware of the transaction details.
- Whenever possible, complete the transaction during daylight hours.
- Be extra cautious when buying or selling valuable items such as collectible shoes, jewelry and vehicles.
- Insist on meeting in a public area like a safe exchange zone or, at minimum, use a well-lit public parking lot with video surveillance.
- Do not carry large amounts of cash when making a transaction.
- Several FCPD district stations have safe exchange zones for online purchases.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 5. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477)