Pair arrested for string of armed robberies in Virginia, Maryland

ACCOMACK CO., Va. – Two people have been arrested following a string of armed robberies and a pursuit Thursday morning.

The first armed robbery was reported just after 4:30 a.m., at the Cape Charles Royal Farms, with the second reported just an hour later at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Exmore.

At around 7:40 a.m., the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an armed robbery at the Nelsonia Corner Mart. Approximately 20 minutes later, another armed robbery was reported at the Temperanceville Corner Mart.

At around 8:40 a.m., the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an armed robbery at the Pocomoke Advance Auto Parts. Police say in this incident, the suspects walked into the business, assaulted an employee, and left with an unknown amount of cash.

In all five incidents, law enforcement was able to determine that two men fitting the same description were reported to be involved and were believed to be traveling in a vehicle. Law enforcement units then began canvassing all three counties in an attempt to locate the vehicle and individuals involved.

Accomack County Sheriff’s Deputies observed a vehicle fitting the description traveling southbound through the Temperanceville area just after 9 a.m. Deputies tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver led them on a pursuit, traveling in excess of 120 mph. The pursuit continued south on Lankford Highway, and just a few minutes later, the vehicle lost control, crossed over the median, and crashed into two other northbound vehicles near the Exmore Hardees. Police say both suspects tried to get out of the vehicle and flee on foot but were quickly taken into custody. The driver reportedly physically resisted arrest and was taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The pair, identified as 28-year-old Christopher Orbeta and 31-year-old Brandon Gibson, have each been charged with two counts of armed robbery. Gibson was also charged with two counts of felony eluding and assault and battery of a law enforcement officer.

Charges in Accomack and Worcester Counties are pending.

Anyone with additional information on these incidents is asked to contact either the Northampton, Accomack, or Worcester County Sheriff’s Offices at 757-678-0458, 757-787-1131, or 410-632-1111.