In the early hours of Tuesday, April 30, a quick police response led to the arrest of three young suspects after a robbery at a 7-Eleven on North King Street in Hampton.
According to the Hampton Police Division, officers were called around 12:32 a.m. about a robbery in progress. Investigators say three suspects—19-year-old Ariel Davis of Hampton, along with two 15-year-old boys, one from Hampton and the other from Virginia Beach—entered the store and began stealing items. When confronted by store staff, one of them allegedly pulled out a firearm.
The group fled the scene in a vehicle, but officers, armed with descriptions of the car and suspects, quickly spotted the vehicle nearby and conducted a traffic stop. All three were detained without incident.
Davis is facing misdemeanor charges of shoplifting and wearing a mask in public.
The 15-year-old from Hampton is charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, petit larceny, simple assault and battery, and wearing a mask in public.
The 15-year-old from Virginia Beach is facing the most serious list of charges, including robbery, use of a firearm during a felony, possession of a firearm by a juvenile, possession of a stolen firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and more.
Police did not release the names of the juveniles due to their ages.
This case is a stark reminder of the rising concern around youth involvement in violent crime. Hampton Police continue to investigate.