Chesapeake, VA — Two men from Bertie County were arrested on Monday after a violent armed robbery and a stolen vehicle pursuit that ended in a crash on Interstate 64 East, according to the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD).
Authorities say the chase began shortly after officers identified the stolen vehicle tied to an armed robbery reported the night before.
Armed Robbery Reported Night Before the Pursuit
According to court documents, the incident began on December 7, when two victims were robbed at gunpoint at their apartment on 1516 Twin Oaks Lane around 11:23 p.m. The victims told police they were approached by two suspects—identified as 21-year-old Ronnie Jamijah Futrell and 32-year-old Dawan Jaquez Harris.
Investigators say the suspects confronted the victims with firearms and ordered them to hand over their belongings. During the confrontation, the victims were allegedly pushed to the ground while the suspects held guns to their heads, demanding valuables and access to their vehicle.
Suspects Steal Victims’ Property and Vehicle
The victims complied, surrendering money, wallets, cell phones, jewelry, and the keys to their vehicle. After collecting the stolen items, both suspects fled the apartment complex in the victims’ vehicle. Police began searching for the pair immediately after the robbery was reported.
Authorities say the severity of the incident, combined with the use of firearms and the forceful actions against the victims, escalated the urgency of the search.
Vehicle Identified and Pursuit Begins
On Monday, a VBPD officer spotted the stolen vehicle traveling on I-264. When the officer attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over, leading police on a pursuit that moved onto I-64 East. Officers reported that the fleeing vehicle eventually lost control and crashed on the exit ramp toward Exit 291B at I-464.
Following the crash, both suspects exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, prompting a foot chase involving multiple Virginia Beach police officers.
Officer Fires Shot During Foot Pursuit
During the chase, a VBPD officer fired a shot at one of the suspects, though police later confirmed that the suspect was not struck. The confrontation intensified the search efforts, and with the assistance of a VBPD K-9 unit, one suspect was located shortly afterward and taken into custody.
The second suspect was found a short time later and was detained without further incident. According to police, two firearms were recovered at the scene, believed to have been used during the robbery and the attempted escape.
Long List of Charges Filed
Authorities say both Futrell and Harris face a substantial list of charges, including:
- Two counts of Armed Robbery
- Two counts of Carjacking
- Four counts of Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony
- One count of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery
- One count of Possession of a Firearm by a Violent Felon
Given the violent nature of the robbery and the high-risk pursuit that followed, officials say additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.
State Police Now Leading Shooting Investigation
Because the officer-involved shooting occurred within Chesapeake city limits, the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation is now overseeing the review of the firearms discharge, per protocol. The Virginia Beach Police Department confirmed that no officers were injured, and the suspects were safely taken into custody after the pursuit.
Authorities have not yet released additional details but say the case remains active.
What’s Your Take?
Incidents like this raise big questions about public safety, police pursuits, and violent crime. Do you think law enforcement handled the situation appropriately? Share your thoughts in the comments!
