Crime spree on Eastern Shore of VA and MD ends in police chase

EXMORE, Va. – Two men are behind bars following a crime spree spanning the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and part of Maryland. Christopher Orbeta of Chesapeake, Va. and Brandon Gibson of Norfolk, Va. are facing multiple charges.

“They are in custody in Virginia, where they were apprehended, and there is no longer any danger from these suspects to our community,” said Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli.

Sheriff Crisafulli says the spree started in Virginia. “We have learned of a strong arm robbery in Pocomoke City that originated in Northampton County Virginia,” he said. “There were several robberies that took place in Virginia.”

The robbery committed in Pocomoke City, at an Advanced Auto Parts sore, was a strong arm. In other words, it was committed without a weapon. “There is force used and the taking of something. There was a strong armed robbery at the Advanced Auto Parts where a civilian worker was assaulted,” Sheriff Crisfaulli said.

Police say the suspects then attempted to make an escape on the highway. “They fled the area and proceeded south on Route 13 back towards Virginia, where they were subsequently involved in a chase with Virginia authorities,” Sheriff Crisafulli said.

Virginia law enforcement say the crime spree ended when the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with two other vehicles. Both suspects attempted to run away, but were apprehended. Police say the driver resisted arrest, forcing sheriff’s deputies to deploy their canine.

“Thankfully, none of our law enforcement were injured, and the only injury at this time was the civilian clerk at the Advanced Auto Parts in Pocomoke City,” Sheriff Crisafulli said. “[They] received minor injuries during the strong arm robbery.”