Police Investigate Thefts of Running Shoes Being Sold Online

Manassas City Police Officers (MCPD) are investigating three incidents involving thefts of running shoes.

In a press release issued Monday, MCPD Sgt. Eddie Rivers said the first incident occurred on Aug. 23, shortly after 3 p.m. in the 8400 block of Mckenzie Circle.

The victim reported to police he had made arrangements with a potential buyer for a pair of running shoes he was selling on the Internet. The buyers arrived on scene, removed the shoes from inside victim’s vehicle, and then ran from the area, according to police.  The running shoes were valued at approximately $220.

One suspect was described as being around 17 years old, 5-foot-7 with a slim built and short black hair. The other suspect was also described as a black teenager, but with dreadlocks. 

The second incident occurred sometime between 3:25 p.m. and 4:35 p.m. on Aug. 25, in the 10200 block of Calypso Drive, Rivera said.

The victim told officers he'd made arrangements online to sell a pair of running shoes, valued at approximately $400. According to police, he said two black males arrived at the specified location when one male asked to try the shoes and fled the scene with the shoes on, along with the other subject.

Both suspects were described as 17 – 18 years old, 150 – 160 pounds with black short hair.

The third incident occurred at approximately 9 p.m. on Aug. 26, also in the 10200 block of Calypso Drive, Rivera said. 

The victim arrived on scene and met with five black males. Police said one of the "potential buyers" asked to try the shoes on but the victim refused. The subject then punched the victim twice in the face before running off with the box of shoes, accoridng to police. The box, which carried shoes valued at around $170, was also recovered a short distance away by police K-9 officers. Police said a suspect in the incident, identified as a 16-year-old Manassas juvenile, was later taken into custody and charged with one count of robbery. He was held at the Prince William Juvenile Detention Center. His court date is pending.

These investigations are ongoing. Anyone with information about the cases or subjects involved should call Manassas City Crime Solvers 24-hour tip line is (703) 330-0330. A cash reward up to $1,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest in these cases.

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