The Northampton County Sheriff’s Office reported the following, according to Captain Ashley Collier:

Virginia bank robbery suspect

Richard Charles Frey, a Virginia bank robbery suspect, took his own life Sunday after he was spotted driving a stolen vehicle as he entered Northampton County. Northampton County deputies received information that Halifax County Central Communications had picked up a stolen motor vehicle hit from its license plate reader system around 2 p.m.

An officer responded to assist, located the stolen motor vehicle, and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Frey fled and turned into a motel on Highway 46 near Interstate 95. Frey, 50, of Newport News, fled from the vehicle, and a short time later a gunshot was heard.

Frey was located having sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.

“This was a very unfortunate situation with the loss of a life,” Sheriff Jack Smith said. “I am thankful that no citizens or law enforcement officers were injured in this unfortunate encounter.”

James City County Police said the robbery occurred Saturday morning at a Wells Fargo Bank on Monticello Avenue in Newport News. On Sunday, investigators obtained warrants charging Frey with the robbery. James City County Police stated that Frey entered the bank, displayed a firearm, demanded money, and fled the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

B&E and larceny arrest

On Friday around 11 p.m., units responded to a facility located in Seaboard following an alarm call. During the investigation, deputies reviewed surveillance footage and identified James Pernell Robinson, 51, of Seaboard.

Deputies located Robinson shortly after and recovered the stolen property. Robinson had initially given officers a false name. On Monday, charges filed by Deputy Dazmon Williams were upgraded to include the false statement.

Robinson faces charges of felony breaking and entering, felony larceny after breaking and entering, felony possession of stolen goods, misdemeanor injury to real property, and misdemeanor resisting a public officer. He has a January 8 district court date.

“I commend the deputies for their quick response, diligent efforts in investigating this incident, and obtaining enough evidence to charge Robinson in this case,” Smith said.