Police Investigate Armed Robbery Near University Mall

UPDATED 4:15 p.m. 

Two men attempted to steal a 34-year-old man’s car in a parking lot near the George Mason University Fairfax campus on Thursday, June 24, according to a Fairfax County Police press release.

The victim was standing by his car around 10:30 p.m. when a 2007 BMW M6 pulled up next to him. One of the two men exited the vehicle, pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded the keys to his 2007 Honda Civic. The victim complied with the suspect, who attempted to flee in the victim’s vehicle. Unable to drive away in the Civic, however, the suspect grabbed the victim’s cell phone, retreated back into the BMW and the duo left the scene.

The release says the event took place in the 10600 block of Braddock Road, which touches the southwest edge of campus and includes the University Mall Shopping Center.

The 34-year-old victim followed them to the area of Red Spruce and Braddock Road, where the release says the suspects left their vehicle and fled on foot. Police responded to the activity, but were unable to locate the suspects, who were described as “black, between 18 and 25 years old.” One suspect was described as between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 150 to 170 pounds.

Students returning from an event with Mason’s Catholic Campus Ministry to St. Robert Bellarmine Chapel, which backs onto a wooded area near Red Spruce Road, were told to leave the area, make sure everything was secure and to stay indoors.

Police are asking that anyone with information contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.