ARDEN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Asheville Police Department has arrested two men in connection with an armed robbery and carjacking in south Asheville Thursday evening and is investigating a woman suspected to be involved.

Around 6:17 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14, APD officers responded to a report of an armed robbery and carjacking near Avalon Park Circle in Arden.

When officers located the victim, he indicated that upon entering the residence of a woman he had been communicating with online, two men, later identified as Theodore Anthony Brooks, 21, and Real Samuel Wells, 19, robbed him at gunpoint.

Brooks and Wells left with the victim in the victim’s vehicle, dropping him off several miles away unharmed.  

During the investigation, APD officers and detectives located the victim’s stolen iPhone at a residence on Reed Street, making contact with Brooks, Wells and the female suspect. Brooks and Wells were taken into custody without incident. Charges are forthcoming for the female suspect pending further investigation.

Following the execution of a search warrant, narcotics, firearms, and additional stolen property were located. 

Seized:

  • 62.6 Grams Fentanyl
  • 22.6 Grams Crack Cocaine
  • 69.7 Grams of Marijuana
  • Glock 19
  • Palmetto Dagger
  • RG IND Model RG 25 (25ACP)

Brooks was charged with:

  • Felony: Firearm by felon
  • Felony: Robbery with a dangerous weapon
  • Felony: Conspiracy robbery with a dangerous weapon
  • Felony: 2nd degree kidnapping
  • Felony: Conspiracy
  • Felony: Larceny of motor vehicle
  • Misdemeanor: Assault by pointing a gun

Brooks was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a $20,000 secured bond issued by a magistrate.

Wells was charged with:

  • Felony: Robbery with a dangerous weapon 
  • Felony: Conspiracy robbery with a dangerous weapon
  • Felony: 2nd degree kidnapping
  • Felony: Conspiracy
  • Felony: Larceny of motor vehicle
  • Misdemeanor: Assault by pointing a gun

Wells was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under an $80,000 secured bond issued by a magistrate.

In a press release, APD shared that “August is Romance Scam Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating the public about one of the most emotionally and financially devastating forms of fraud. In a romance scam, criminals create fake online identities to build trust and affection with their victims. Once a connection is established, the scammer exploits the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate, deceive and ultimately steal from the victim.”

To learn more about these scams and how to prevent them, visit: www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/romance-scams

Detectives ask if you have any information about this incident to please contact APD at (828) 252-1110. You can also send an anonymous tip using the TIP2APD app or by texting “TIP2APD” to 847411.

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