From HPD Facebook: Virginia Brown has been taken into custody by the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office.
HPD Arrests One Suspect, Continues to Investigate Armed Robbery
On March 9, 2022 the Harrisonburg Police Department began investigating an armed robbery at Big Valley Games located on Baxter Drive. It was reported that around 10:30 p.m. a masked male in dark clothing entered the business with a handgun and stole a cash box.
During the investigation, detectives from HPD’s Major Crimes Unit discovered that two female accomplices were present and assisted in the armed robbery. Virginia Brown, 53 of Fort Defiance, lured the sole employee to the rear gaming room away from the employee office. Meanwhile, Melody Wilson, 58 of Bridgewater, was at a gaming console near the front entrance and was communicating with the armed suspect. Once the employee was distracted by Brown, the offender entered the business and was directed to the employee office by Wilson. Brown and Wilson were described as regular customers of the business.
Despite the attempt to distract the employee, the offender was still noticed entering the office. When the employee approached the offender, he pointed the handgun at the employee. After grabbing a cash box, the offender fled the scene on foot. No shots were fired and no injuries were reported.
On March 10, 2022, the Bridgewater Police Department assisted in locating and apprehending Melody Wilson without incident. Wilson was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and one count of armed robbery - principal in the second degree; both are felonies. Wilson was released on March 11, 2022 on a $5,000 secured bond.
Virginia Brown is currently wanted by the Harrisonburg Police Department. Warrants were obtained for conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery – principal in the second degree; both are felonies. The investigation to identify the armed robbery suspect continues.
If you were a witness to this crime, can provide the whereabouts of Virginia Brown or have any further information to assist in the investigation, please call Detective Wetherell at 540-432-7788 or email her at leslie.wetherell@harrisonburgva.gov. Anonymous tips related to this incident, or any crime can be sent to Crime Solvers at (540) 574-5050 or by texting “HPD” plus their tip to CRIMES (274637).
CRIMINAL CHARGES, AND ANY DISCUSSION THEREFORE, ARE MERELY ALLEGATIONS AND ALL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY
Photo: HPD