10 Years In Prison Possible Sentence For VA Man Arrested In Armed Robbery

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Fredericksburg Police arrested a suspect on Thursday wanted for an armed robbery at a downtown business last month, according to authorities.

Officers responded around 3:03 p.m., on May 15, for the report of an armed robbery at the Express Food Mart at 2010 Princess Anne St. An investigation revealed that a man wearing a mask and carrying a firearm demanded cash from an employee, according to the incident report.

Although police arrived on the scene and cleared the area, they were unable to locate the suspect, according to police. An attempt by a K9 team to track the suspect also failed.

Based on evidence gathered at the scene, investigators identified 39-year-old Christopher Lee Childs as a suspect in the case, according to the incident report.

Detectives obtained a search warrant and, with the help of FPD’s Special Equipment Tactical Team, they took Childs into custody Thursday without incident, according to police. A search of the home revealed additional evidence relating to a robbery that took place the previous week.

After deetectives interviewed Childs at police headquarters, he was charged with attempted robbery, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, brandishing, and use of a mask to conceal identity, according to police. Childs was then taken to the Rappahannock Regional Jail, where he was held without bond.

Childs was arraigned on Thursday morning in Fredericksburg General District Court and his preliminary hearing was set for June 17, according to court records.

The wearing of masks in certain places is considered a Class 6 felony, which carries potential penalties of up to five years in prison or 12 months in jail, and/or a fine of up to $2,500, according to the Code of Virginia.

The most serious charge is using a firearm during an attempted robbery. Under the Code of Virginia, faces a possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison if convicted, according to the Code of Virginia.