Tobacco deal via app snuffed out

Armed Robbery – On April 21 at 6:09PM, officers responded to the 12700 block of Galveston Ct. in Manassas (20112) to investigate a robbery.

The victim, an 18-year-old man, reported to police that he made arrangements to sell tobacco products to an unknown buyer via the “Snapchat” app at the above location. Once at the location, the victim made contact with the buyer, later identified as the accused, and exchanged the merchandised.

During the encounter, the accused brandished a firearm towards the victim before fleeing without paying for the products. The victim then went to the area of the Prince William Pkwy and Hoadly Rd where he flagged down a passing police officer.

No injuries were reported. The victim was able to provide police with information that later led to the identity of the accused. Detectives and officers located the accused at his address in Manassas where he was taken into custody without incident. A search warrant was executed on the home and the firearm used in the robbery was located.

Following the investigation, the accused, identified as, a 16-year-old male juvenile, was arrested.
Arrested on April 21: [Juvenile]
A 16-year-old male juvenile of Manassas
Charged with robbery and use of a firearm in commission of a felony
Court Date: Pending | Status: Held at the Juvenile Detention Center
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Anyone with information regarding the incidents is asked to contact the Prince William County Police Department tipline at 703.792.7000 or submit a webtip to: http://www.pwcgov.org/policetip.