Police Capture Armed Robbery Suspect

Photo Courtesy Prince William County Police

Prince William County Police detectives identified and charged Matthew Allen Laclair, 26, in connection with the armed robbery of the Nokesville Deli and the Wellington Road Manassas Sunoco service station Friday night.

Officers, who were looking for the suspect since the robberies, eventually located and arrested the suspect in Fredericksburg.

In both incidents, the suspect entered the businesses brandishing a handgun, demanding money and escaping on foot with undisclosed amounts.

Police employed K9 units to search for the suspect, but he fled the scene and initially avoided capture.

On Dec. 18, police released surveillance footage and asked residents for help identifying the suspect.

"On Dec. 19, detectives from the Robbery Unit were able to identify the suspect involved in both robberies as Matthew Laclair," police spokesman Officer Nathan Probus said. "Following the investigation, detectives obtained warrants against the accused relating to these incidents."

Police charged Laclair with two counts of robbery, two counts of burglary while armed and two counts of use of a firearm in commission of a felon.

According to police, the investigation continues.

Leclair's court date is Feb. 5, 2016 and he is held without bond.