Executive Summary
- Wendell Lewis Franklin, 39, was arrested and charged with armed robbery and assault.
- The incident occurred on November 25 at a home on Old Rustburg Road in Lynchburg.
- Police are searching for a second suspect described as a Black male, roughly 5’10”.
- The suspects reportedly fled in a dark-colored mid-sized SUV, possibly a Chevy or GMC.
Authorities in Campbell County, Virginia, have arrested a 39-year-old Lynchburg man in connection with an armed robbery and assault, while an active search continues for a second unidentified suspect involved in the incident. According to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office, Wendell Lewis Franklin was taken into custody on Saturday, November 29, following an investigation into the violent encounter.
Deputies responded to a residence in the 2000 block of Old Rustburg Road on November 25 after receiving reports of an armed robbery. Investigators state that Franklin entered the victim’s home while armed with a handgun, robbed the resident, and physically assaulted him before fleeing the premises.
Law enforcement officials confirm that Franklin has been charged with robbery, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, brandishing a firearm, and assault and battery. He is currently being held at the Blue Ridge Regional Jail.
A second suspect remains at large, according to deputies. The individual is described as a Black male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a close-cut hairstyle. Authorities noted that this unidentified man fled the scene with Franklin on the day of the crime. Both suspects were last seen departing the area in a dark-colored, mid-sized SUV, which investigators believe may be a Chevrolet or GMC.
Investigative Outlook
The swift apprehension of the primary suspect indicates that investigators secured actionable intelligence early in the case, though the outstanding accomplice poses a continuing challenge for local law enforcement. The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the Lynchburg Police Department, is leveraging public tips through Crime Stoppers to locate the remaining suspect and the identified vehicle, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in resolving violent crimes. It is important to note that all individuals, including Franklin, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
