HAMPTON, Va. — Two teens are facing charges after a 17-year-old boy who attends Bethel High School was robbed while waiting at a bus stop Thursday morning, according to Hampton police.
This happened around 7:30 a.m. in the 5100 block of Goldsboro Drive, police say.
Police say the minors facing charges are 15 and 16. Both are from Hampton, police say, although it's unclear if they're also students.
After investigating, police say they determined that while the boy was walking to his bus stop, the two suspects went up to him and implied they had a weapon, demanded property, and physically assaulted him. After taking the boy's property, the suspects drove away in a car that had been reported stolen earlier Thursday morning, police added.
Shortly after, police say they found the car near Big Bethel Road and Burton Street. The car did not stop when police tried to pull them over, prompting a police chase. The car ultimately crashed at the dead end of Wimbledon Terrace.
Police say the two suspects got out of the car and ran but were apprehended shortly after.
Both teens are charged with robbery, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of stolen property, obstruction fleeing from law enforcement, conspiracy to commit a felony and assault by mob, police say. The 16-year-old is facing an additional charge of wearing a mask in public, while the 15-year-old is charged with providing false information to law enforcement and assault on law enforcement officer.
In a message to families, shown below, Bethel High School Executive Principal Tanya Howard said safety precautions were put in place at the school following the reported robbery.
Good morning, this is Tanya Howard, the executive principal at Bethel High School. At Bethel, we take the education and safety of our students very seriously. As such, I would like to inform you of a situation.
This morning, we were informed of a reported off-campus incident involving a Bethel High School student who may have been the victim of an alleged robbery while waiting at a bus stop near Goldsboro Drive and Orcutt Avenue. The Hampton Police Division responded promptly and is actively investigating the situation. At this time, we understand that suspects have been apprehended.
The families of the students who were present at the bus stop are being contacted personally by school staff.
Out of an abundance of caution, we have arranged for our weapons detection canines to be present at Bethel High School today, along with an increased police presence to provide additional reassurance. Please know that there is no threat to the school, and teaching and learning are continuing as normal.
The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority, and we will continue to take the necessary measures to ensure our schools remain safe. We appreciate the partnership with our students and families. Thank you.
Police say they're still investigating the incident. If you or anyone you know has information that will assist police, they are encouraged to contact the Hampton Police Division at 757–727–6111 or the Crime Line at 1–888-LOCK-U-UP. Tipsters can also send an anonymous tip by visiting our secure tip form at P3Tips.com. Crime Line callers remain anonymous and never appear in court. If a Crime Line tip results in an arrest, the caller may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,500.
