Man taken into custody in connection to Danville robberies

Danville Police are looking for 54-year-old Donzell M. Coles as a person of interest in connection with the two robberies and a third attempted robbery in Danville on Wednesday. (Danville Police Department)

DANVILLE, Va.UPDATE

The suspect in a string of robberies in Danville has been taken into custody, according to the Danville Sheriff’s Office.

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Donzell Coles, 54, has been charged with robbery and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in connection to a string of robberies.

Authorities said someone who works at Danville City Sheriff’s Office was on his way to work on Wednesday morning and recognized Coles walking down the street. He was taken into custody without incident.

Coles is being held at the Danville City Jail without bond. Authorities said the incidents remain under investigation and additional charges could be pending.


ORIGINAL STORY

A 54-year-old man has been identified as a person of interest in connection to two robberies and an attempted robbery, according to the Danville Police Department.

Authorities said Donzell M. Coles is currently wanted in Pittsylvania County for breaking and entering and petit larceny.

This comes after police said a man went to the Family Dollar located at 2639 North Main Street, threatened the cashier with a gun and demanded money on Tuesday at 12:25 p.m. According to authorities, while police were still at the scene of this robbery, another robbery took place at Dollar General at 2398 West Main Street at 1 p.m.

Based on surveillance footage, police believe the man robbed both stores. While there were several people in the stores at the time of both robberies, no one was injured in either incident, according to authorities. It is currently unclear how much the suspect stole from each store.

Police did not disclose where the third attempted robbery, which happened on Wednesday, took place.

Anyone who may have information on these cases is asked to contact the Danville Police Department at 434-793-0000 or use the crime tips app CARE at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=818#.


About the Author

Jazmine Otey joined the 10 News team in February 2021.

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