Facebook Marketplace Meetup Leads To Armed Robbery In Dale City: Police Report

DALE CITY, VA — An armed robbery during a Facebook Marketplace sale meetup was one of the incidents Prince William County Police responded to in eastern Prince William County in the last few days.

Police had responded to the 14700 block of Cloverdale Road around 4:42 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10. The victim, a 34-year-old man, arranged to sell a necklace using Facebook Marketplace. The unknown individual who agreed to buy the necklace grabbed it and showed a gun before the purchase was completed. The suspect fled in a vehicle. There were no injuries to the victim.

The suspect was wearing a black surgical-style mask, dark-colored clothing and white tennis shoes.

Below are other incidents reported to Prince William County Police around the eastern part of the county. Anyone with information about a crime can contact the Prince William County Police Department tip line at 703-792-7000 or submit a tip to pwcva.gov/policetip.

Shooting into a Residential Dwelling: On January 11 at 10:21AM, officers responded to investigate a destruction of property that was reported to have occurred at a residence located in the 12100 block of Breckinridge Ln. in Woodbridge (22192) sometime overnight. The investigation revealed the homeowner woke to a loud noise and located damage to a window and inside the home later that morning. No injuries or additional property damage were reported.

Armed Robbery: On January 11 at 5:00PM, officers responded to Round 1 Bowling and Amusement inside Potomac Mills located at 2700 Potomac Mills Cl. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 16-year-old male juvenile, was approached by three unknown young males, possibly juveniles. During the encounter, one of the suspects brandished a knife while another suspect took the victim’s bag before the suspects left the area on foot. No injuries were reported. The suspects were described as Hispanic males wearing all dark-colored clothing.

Commercial Burglary: On January 9 at 5:15PM, officers responded to Mattress Warehouse located at 2680 Opitz Blvd. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a burglary. The investigation revealed entry was made into the building around 8:00AM through an unsecured door. Cameras showed the suspect take several items from inside the store before leaving. The suspect was described as a black male, wearing a black Salvation army fitted cap, jacket, a red/white plaid shirt and jeans

Malicious Wounding: On January 10 at 5:47PM, officers responded to a residence located in the 4400 block of Bunker Ct. in Dumfries (22025) to investigate an assault. The investigation revealed the victim, a 19-year-old man, was physically assaulted by another occupant of the home, identified as the accused, who has entered his room. During the encounter, the accused struck the victim multiple times with a metal coat hanger. The parties were eventually separated by other parties. The victim was treated at an area hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Austin Bender, was arrested.
Arrested on January 10: [No Photo Available]
Austin Bender, 23, of Dumfries, charged with malicious wounding
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held without bond

Armed Robbery: On January 11 at 1:41PM, officers responded to Walmart located at 17041 Richmond Hwy. in Dumfries (22026) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed a store employee observed the accused conceal merchandise before leaving the store where he was confronted by an employee. During the encounter, the accused brandished a knife before leaving the area. No injuries were reported. Later that day, the accused was identified and detained without incident. No injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Orlando Jacob Barrett, was arrested.
Arrested on January 11: Orlando Jacob Barrett, 37, of Triangle, charged with robbery
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held without bond