Robbery suspect in custody after standoff in Ocean View

NORFOLK

After a several-hour standoff at a West Ocean View convenience store, a 17-year-old wanted in a jewelry theft from a nearby store surrendered to police Saturday night.

The teenager entered Ocean View Jewelers at 9631 Granby St. at about 3 p.m. and said he was looking for a gift, said manager Gene Hendricks. When Hendricks stopped to help another customer, the man grabbed a counter display with $6,000 to $8,000 worth of jewelry and ran out, Hendricks said.

Several people pursued the teenager, who was seen entering the convenience store, said Officer Chris Amos, a police spokesman. The store's owner left and flagged down police, he said.

They surrounded the store, and crisis negotiators tried for several hours to make contact. The juvenile surrendered at about 7 p.m. and was arrested, Amos said; his identity will not be released, because he is under 18 years old. Charges were pending Saturday night.