Mystery man in beard and trench coat wanted in Newport News
Newport News, VA – A man draped in a trench coat is wanted after a New Year’s Day shopping spree made on someone else’s dime — and cops say he used a lost credit card to fund his hit list of purchases that included fried chicken, booze, and a vape run.
On Monday, January 1, a victim lost their credit cards at the Food Lion on Pilot House Drive in Newport News. Before they could cancel the cards, a man allegedly scooped them up and used them across multiple nearby businesses in what investigators are calling a coordinated string of fraud transactions.
Security footage places the suspect at the same Food Lion, followed by visits to a neighboring vape shop, Family Dollar, a cell phone repair shop, Popeyes, and the Virginia ABC store located directly across the street. The purchases appear to have taken place in quick succession, according to investigators.
The Newport News Police Department says the suspect is a black male who was last seen wearing a blue or green trench coat, athletic pants, and a black head covering. He has a chin-strap style beard and was seen entering and exiting several businesses alone.
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The case remains under investigation, and the NNPD is turning to the public for help identifying the individual. Tipsters may remain anonymous and could receive a reward of up to $1,500 if their information leads to an arrest.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or submit a tip online at P3Tips.com.
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Key Points
- A man allegedly used a lost credit card for purchases at six businesses in Newport News on New Year’s Day
- Suspect described as a black male in a trench coat with a chin-strap beard
- Public tips could earn up to $1,500 for information leading to an arrest
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