Tip Leads to Arrest of Suspect in 2 Armed Robberies of Same Alexandria Gas Station

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- A suspect who allegedly twice robbed the same Alexandria gas station over the past year is in custody in Washington, D.C., according to the FBI Washington field office.

Authorities have been looking for a suspect in a string of convenience store and gas station robberies, including two in Alexandria, that took place from last October to last week.

Suspect Alvin Ponson, 57, of the District, is in custody in DC, according to the FBI. DC Police confirmed Thursday that Ponson was arrested Sept. 9. DC Police said a tip led to his arrest.

Ponson allegedly started his crime spree in Alexandria, robbing the Exxon gas station at gunpoint, at 501 S. Van Dorn last year, on Oct. 18 at 12:18 p.m., according to authorities.

Ponson reportedly returned to the scene of the crime Sept. 4 at 6:47 a.m., again robbing the same gas station at gunpoint, according to the FBI.

In between the gas station robberies in Alexandria, Ponson is alleged to have robbed a 7-Eleven in College Park and a Shell gas station in Bowie, Md.. After the Sept. 4 gas station robbery in Alexandria, authorities say he robbed a CVS store in Seat Pleasant, Md. and a Sunoco gas station in Arlington, both on the same day, Sept. 6.

PHOTO of Alvin Ponson courtesy of FBI