ROANOKE, Va. (BTW21) — A 23-year-old man from Roanoke is in police custody following an armed robbery that took place during a marketplace meetup in the city’s northwest last month.
The Roanoke Police Department (RPD) reports that officers responded to the 600 block of Westwood Blvd NW shortly after 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, after receiving a report of an armed robbery.
The victim told authorities they had arranged to meet someone to sell a luxury item through an online marketplace. During the meeting, the buyer allegedly brandished a firearm and demanded the item. The victim handed it over, and the suspect fled the scene.
Following an investigation, police identified Dashawn Zykee Lambert, 23, as the suspect. He was located and arrested by RPD officers.
Lambert has been charged with robbery, and police say additional charges may follow as the investigation progresses.
In response to the incident, RPD is reminding residents to take advantage of Safe Exchange Zones when conducting in-person transactions from online platforms. These zones are designed to provide a safe, monitored environment for buyers and sellers.
Roanoke’s Safe Exchange Zone is located at 315 Church Avenue SW, adjacent to the Oliver Hill Justice Center. The well-lit, camera-monitored area offers a safer alternative to private or public meeting spots.
Anyone with more information about the case is urged to contact the Roanoke Police Department.
