Suspects Flee Great Falls Armed Robbery With Their Child In Vehicle

GREAT FALLS, VA — Two people are charged in relation to a Great Falls armed robbery which they allegedly fled with their child in the vehicle Thursday.

Around 12:35 p.m. Thursday, police responded to an armed robbery at the Safeway store at 9881 Georgetown Pike in Great Falls. According to police, a man and a woman stole merchandise and pointed a gun at an employee before fleeing the store.

The suspects allegedly fled with their child in the backseat. Police pursued the vehicle until the car stopped on the Capital Beltway near Lewinsville Road in the McLean area. Police say there were no reported injuries, and the child is safe with caregivers. Several police cruisers and a community member's vehicles were damaged.

Police did not locate a gun from the incident.

Police arrested Marquse Lucas, 24, of DC and Benea Smith, 32, of DC. Lucas was charged with robbery with a firearm, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, felony disregarding police signal to stop, felony child endangerment, petit larceny, reckless driving, and driving without an operator’s license. Police also served outstanding warrants for robbery, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and carry a concealed weapon for a robbery in Prince William County. Lucas was held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

Smith was charged with robbery with a firearm and felony child endangerment. An outstanding warrant for robbery in Prince William County was also served. Smith was held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

Anyone with information about the case or similar cases can contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 5.