Four arrested in auto theft

By Elisa Glushefski

Published: July 31, 2008

A stolen car investigation led police to two street robberies in the Dumfries area within a two-day period two weeks ago.

Christopher W. Richards, 18, of 3107 Chesapeake Drive, Apt. 203, near Dumfries, a 14-year-old and two other minors from Woodbridge were each charged with auto grand larceny several hours after a 2003 Ford Explorer was reported stolen from the 16000 block of Laconia Circle in Woodbridge, said Officer Erika Hernandez, Prince William police spokeswoman.

Officer M.M. Nemerow got a report of a stolen SUV around 7:20 a.m. Monday and a few hours later spotted the vehicle with four occupants outside Dumfries, police said.

An investigation revealed that Richards, the 14-year-old and a 16-year-old boy from Woodbridge were involved in an armed robbery in the 3100 block of Chesapeake Drive around 9 p.m. on July 18, Hernandez said.

That night, two 21-year-old Dumfries men were attacked in the woods, Hernandez said.

One of the men was struck in the back of his head, police said, and his bicycle was stolen.

The second man heard someone calling for help and went toward the yelling. As he got closer, he was attacked by four males, one armed with a handgun, Hernandez said. His bicycle was also stolen.

The victims ran from the woods and called police. Neither man was injured.

Richards was charged with robbery; the 14-year-old was charged with robbery and assault and battery; and the 16-year-old was charged with robbery and brandishing a firearm.

The 16-year-old also faces charges in connection with another armed robbery two days later in the 3100 block of River Heritage Boulevard near Dumfries, Hernandez said.

A 36-year-old Woodbridge man reported being attacked and robbed around 4:30 p.m. July 20, police said.

He sustained minor injuries from being kicked and punched to the ground, Hernandez said.

The 16-year-old was charged with robbery and brandishing a firearm, and the 14-year-old was charged with robbery, police said.

All of the juveniles, whose names were not released because they are minors, are being held at the Juvenile Detention Center. All will have hearings in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, police said.

Richards was held without bond and has a scheduled court date of Sept. 17.

Staff writer Elisa Glushefski can be reached at 703-878-8062.