Woodbridge Man's Robbery Attempt Fails At Maryland Mall: Police

WOODBRIDGE, VA — A Woodbridge man and another man were charged Friday night with robbing a man in the parking lot of Dave and Busters at Arundel Mills Mall in Maryland, although their victim refused to hand over his cash. As a reminder, Anne Arundel County Police shared safety tips for holiday shoppers, and extra officers are on patrol through the 2017 holidays at area shopping centers.

David Moises Viera, 26, of Woodbridge, was charged with attempted armed robbery, attempted robbery, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and reckless endangerment. ALuis Alfredo Viera, 26, of the 3900 block of Second Street in Brooklyn, was charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery, conspiracy robbery, conspiracy first-degree assault, conspiracy second-degree assault and accessory after the fact.

Police say the robbery was reported at 10:35 p.m. at the Hanover, Md., mall. The victim was walking to his vehicle when a man approached him, showed a handgun and demanded cash. Officers say the victim refused to give the robber any money, and the suspect left in a green SUV which was waiting nearby.

Police spotted the vehicle nearby and arrested the occupants, who were identified by the victim as the men who tried to rob him. A black BB gun resembling a semi-automatic pistol was reportedly found in the vehicle.

Anne Arundel County Police have extra officers on patrol at the area's malls and shopping areas through New Year's Eve, the department says. Customers should see more police in and around shopping centers and malls, with bike patrols supplementing the holiday patrols along with reserve officers.

Police offered these safety tips for shoppers:

• Keep your keys in your hand when walking to your car
• Park your vehicle as close as possible to street lights
• Take advantage of mall escort services to your vehicle
• Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity since criminals may attempt to distract you in an attempt to steal your money or belongings
• Avoid carrying large amounts of money and keep your wallet or money in your front pockets
• Keep your vehicle locked at all times
• Store all merchandise in your vehicle out of view, preferably in a secure place such as the trunk
• Keep electronic devices such as portable GPS units, laptop computers and cell phones out of view
• Record serial numbers off items or take pictures of serial numbers and items in case your belongings are lost or stolen

Photos of David Viera and Luis Viera courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police