Police arrested a 19-year-old York County man accused of robbing a man at gunpoint, after hitching a ride from him in Toano.
Brighton Patterson, who lives in Williamsburg, was taken into custody on May 31, according to James City County spokeswoman Stephanie Williams. Patterson remains in custody at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail awaiting a court hearing.
On April 19 around 6:30 p.m., officers responded to the 7400 block of Little Creek Dam Road in Toano in reference to a robbery, Williams said.
According an officer’s report, Patterson approached a man, which police believe was a stranger, at a local convenience store and asked him for a ride. The man then agreed to drive Patterson where he asked to go, the 7400 block of Little Creek Dam Road.
Once Patterson and the driver arrived in the area, police believe Patterson brandished his handgun and pointed it at the driver. Patterson then allegedly demanded money from the driver, Williams said.
Police believe the driver told Patterson that he had money in the back of his truck and would need to exit the car in order to retrieve it. Patterson then allegedly grabbed the man and tried to reach inside of his pockets.
A scuffle ensued after the driver grabbed Patterson’s hands. During the scuffle, Patterson dropped his gun, police said.
Patterson then exited the vehicle and took the victim’s bag from his truck bed before running into the woods, Williams said.
An investigation revealed Patterson was the person who allegedly hitched a ride from the stranger and then robbed him, police said.
Warrants for Patterson’s arrest were issued on April 28 and he was located a month later.
He is charged with one count of robbery and the use or display of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Patterson is scheduled to appear in Williamsburg/James City County General District Court on June 29.
