Press release: Strasburg police arrest teen, apprehend 3 juveniles in carjacking incident

(From a press release) The following press release was issued today by Strasburg Police Chief Tim Sutherly:

On 2-15-2009 at approximately 9:30 PM, Sgt. R. L. Conner and Officers C. A. Payne and J. E. Magdenic responded to the 300 Bl. of Bowman Mill Road for a report that a 17-year- old male was abducted and carjacked in his own vehicle (1995 Honda 2 door), by a man with a gun, and wearing a mask over his face. He advised he had two friends with him and the gunman told them to get out of the car. As they did so, the gunman got into the front seat and told him to drive. When they got away from town, near a wooded area of Bowman Mill Road, he was told to stop and give up his wallet. He was then told to exit the vehicle and the suspect drove away. The victim then ran to a nearby residence to call 911.

Dispatchers received a description of the suspect's vehicle and gave out that information to Strasburg officers. As officers responded to the scene, they passed the suspect vehicle and stopped and detained the suspects. The suspect vehicle was stopped and was occupied by three 17 year old males. One 18 year old male was later found and detained by the Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office. Two of the suspects were with the victim when they were approached by the gunman. The suspects all admitted to the incident but advised it was all a prank. They also advised they had done this type prank in the past. The weapon was a black Air Soft pellet gun. It had been thrown from the vehicle before officers responded. It was later found by officers near the scene.

One adult male was arrested and juvenile petitions were obtained on three 17-year-old males. Charges were:

• Christopher Ryan Neff, 18, of the 1500 Bl of Fairfax Pike, White Post, Va. Charged with conspiracy to carjack, conspiracy to abduct, and carjacking. Held in Shenandoah County Jail pending a bond hearing.


• 17 Yr. old male, Strasburg. Conspiracy to carjack, conspiracy to abduct, carjacking. Released to parents.


• 17 Yr. old male, Strasburg. Brandishing a Firearm, Wearing a mask with intent to abduct, abduction, armed robbery, carjacking. Released to parents.


• 17 yr. old male, Strasburg, Conspiracy to carjack, conspiracy to abduct, and carjacking. Released to parents