Fredericksburg Man Accused Of Armed Robbery, Bomb Threats

Fredericksburg VA

27 July, 2021

1:20 PM

Description

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — The Fredericksburg Police Department charged a man Monday in connection with an armed robbery and a spree of bomb threats. Michael Blake, 53, of Fredericksburg was arrested and remains incarcerated at the Rappahannock Regional Jail for involvement in the incidents. In a July 16 incident, Blake approached a woman outside her home in the 200 block of Bridgewater Street with a weapon and demanded her purse, according to the Fredericksburg police. He forced the woman into a garage then took off with her belongings, the police said. Charges faced by Blake in connection with the incident include armed robbery, assault and battery, grand larceny, and abduction. On July 24, a Valero Gas Station owner reported a person left a threatening note in the bathroom demanding money and threatened to burn down the business if they did not comply. The suspect also doused the restroom with a flammable liquid. The gas station is located at 501 Jefferson Davis Highway. Charges against Blake stemming from the gas station incident include extortion, threats in writing and threat to bomb and burn. Blake also has been charged in connection with bomb threats at two residents on Monday. The residences, one in the 200 block of Charles Street and the other in the 200 block Ferdinand Street, received notes demanding money and a threat to bomb their residences if they did not comply. The Fredericksburg police said Blake doused the flower beds with a flammable liquid. In connection with the incidents, Blake faces two charges of a threat to bomb/burn; two charges of creating/possessing bombing material; and two charges of attempted arson. The police department said it worked closely with the Fredericksburg Fire Department on the bomb threat investigations.