York Seeks Local Man in Robbery

By WYDaily Staff Sunday, April 18, 2010

The York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office is looking for a Yorktown man suspected in a series of strong-arm robberies in York, Newport News and Hampton.

According to York Sheriff's Deputy Mike Russell, investigators obtained warrants on Friday for robbery, abduction, attempted maiming and grand larceny for 41-year-old Jeffrey W. Collett, of the 100 block of Tewkesbury Quay in Yorktown.

The charges stem from a strong-armed robbery that occurred Friday in the parking lot of the Shady Banks Shopping Center in Tabb. According to Russell, Collett approached the victim and attempted to take a purse when a struggle ensued and the victim was dragged approximately 10-15 feet as Collett fled in his vehicle, which is described as a black 2001 Chevy Tahoe with Virginia tag XWD8754.

Russell said Collett is also wanted for questioning for a string of similar style larcenies in York County, Newport News and Hampton. He also has an outstanding misdemeanor warrant on file in Virginia Beach.

Investigators have not released a photo of Collett, as the investigation is continuing. Russell said Collett should, however, be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on these crimes is asked to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.