A Chesapeake man was taken into custody in Rockbridge County on several felony warrants from Virginia Beach last week, including abduction of a juvenile, car theft and burglary.
Devron Derron Anthony Thomas, 37, was arrested by deputies from the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia Conservation Police last Monday, Dec. 8, according to a statement released by the sheriff’s office on Friday.
Officers responded to an alert from a Flock Safety License Plate Reader camera in the Fairfield area of the county for a stolen vehicle reported from Virginia Beach.
Sgt. Kenny Randozzo and Deputy Emily Davis with the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office and Officer Daniel Trout with the Conservation Police responded to the area in an effort to locate the vehicle.
Trout found the vehicle at White’s Travel Center in Raphine and initiated surveillance on the vehicle until additional units arrived, boxed in the vehicle and took Thomas into custody without incident.
Thomas was charged with two counts of grand larceny of a vehicle, one count of abduction of a juvenile by force, attempted robbery by force and burglary.
The day before, on Dec. 7, in Chesapeake, Thomas allegedly stole a vehicle containing a child, which he later abandoned. He then allegedly unlawfully entered a commercial building and then stole a police officer’s personal vehicle which contained a firearm.
Deputies with the sheriff’s office forensically processed the vehicle on behalf of the Virginia Beach authorities and recovered the stolen firearm.
“This arrest highlights the critical role technology plays in modern law enforcement, and, more importantly the professionalism and teamwork of our deputies and partner agencies,” Sheriff Tony McFaddin said in the release. “Because of their quick action, a dangerous individual was taken into custody and a stolen firearm was recovered. Our commitment remains clear: protecting our communities and supporting our law enforcement partners across the commonwealth.”
