CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- Police are looking for two men behind a robbery and carjacking outside the Costco along the 1400 block of Mall Drive in Chesterfield, police said. The crime happened at about 8:45 a.m. Tuesday.
"The victim was at Costco to pick up a cigarette delivery for another store," police said. "After loading the cigarettes into the vehicle, a gray 2000 Ford van, the victim got into the vehicle to leave. A man armed with a handgun then approached him and told him to get out of the vehicle. The victim exited the vehicle and a second man got into the van and drove off."
The first suspect got into a gold-colored Pontiac Bonneville and left. Police released a photo of the suspect's car.
"It's a shocker, not because it's Costco, but because it's Midlothian," said shopper Ashley Parker.
Police say a man stocking up on cigarettes was robbed and his van was stolen. The witnesses say it happened fast and confirmed that the van was loaded with cartons of cigarettes.
Police say they later recovered the van at the Bon Air Community Center. The folks there told me no cigarettes were inside.
"I imagine someone was waiting for the guy,” said Mike Brown. “I mean, it's known that grocery stores use Costco to re-stock their supply."
Police say one suspect held the driver of the van at gunpoint and carjacked him as the other suspect gets away in this gold colored Pontiac Bonneville. Police are still looking for this car and the two men involved.
Some Costco shoppers said crimes like this are ones of opportunity. "It doesn't make me nervous,” said Brown. “I'm prepared for eventualities like this. So I don't worry about it, but it's a shame it happened in this area."
Other shoppers are well-versed when it comes to understanding the crime that played out at 8: 45 Tuesday morning in this parking lot. "It’s surprising to hear about it but I do know cigarettes have a high market value elsewhere," said Daniel Powell.
Police are hoping someone out there saw these men and that Bonneville around Costco or that Bon Air Community Center. If you can help them with their investigation, call Crimesolvers.
Police described the first suspect as a 5'7", 150-pound black man wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and jeans. He also had a goatee.
Police described the second suspect as a 5'7", 150-pound black man wearing a long-sleeved shirt, jeans and a hat with the color orange on it. He had a beard.
Anyone with information is asked to call Chesterfield Police at 804-748-1251 or Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660.
