22-year-old Woodbridge man arrested after armed robberies in multiple counties

CAROLINE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A 22-year-old Woodbridge man was arrested following several armed robberies at Sheetz gas stations in multiple counties.

Around 2:15 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12, there was an armed robbery at the Sheetz gas station on Ladysmith Road.

According to a Facebook post from the Caroline County Sheriff's Office, a deputy had previously warned the Sheetz's staff about a similar armed robbery in King George County.

Just five minutes after the deputy left, the suspect entered the Sheetz.

The suspect, an adult male, was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a face mask. According to authorities, he approached the clerk while waving a firearm and demanded money from the register. The clerk complied. The suspect then fled toward U.S. Route 1.

Investigators determined that the suspect was believed to have gotten in a white SUV along Center Drive. Authorities then used Flock camera license plate reader technology to identify the suspect.

According to the sheriff’s office, the license plate reader placed the same vehicle near the earlier King George County robbery. The Caroline County Sheriff's Office worked with the King George County Sheriff's Office to compare the incidents.

Further investigation revealed that there were similar robberies in Stafford, Spotsylvania and Prince William counties. A joint investigation between multiple law enforcement agencies was opened.

Working together, authorities found the suspect shortly after 2:45 a.m. on Thursday, March 13 in Spotsylvania County.

According to the Caroline County Sherriff’s Office, 22-year-old Deontae Terell McManus of Woodbridge was arrested in connection to these robberies. He faces multiple charges in Caroline County, including:

• Armed robbery
• Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony
• Possession of a firearm by a convicted violent felony
• Wearing a mask while committing a crime for the purpose of concealing identity

McManus is being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

"The quick and exceptional work of our deputies and investigators, coupled with the cooperative efforts of our neighboring law enforcement agencies, exemplifies our commitment to community safety,” said Scott Moser, Caroline County's sheriff. “This incident underscores the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration and advanced technology in apprehending suspects and preventing further crimes. The CCSO remains dedicated to maintaining peace and safety in Caroline County and continues to work diligently with our community and law enforcement partners.”