ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Two men have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery and carjacking in south Asheville, following an online setup that police say resembled a romance scam.
On August 14, at around 6:17 p.m., Asheville Police responded to a report near Avalon Park Circle. The victim reported that after entering the home of a woman he met online, he was confronted and robbed at gunpoint by Theodore Anthony Brooks, 21, and Real Samuel Wells, 19.
After taking control of the situation, the suspects allegedly forced the victim to leave in his own vehicle. He was later dropped off several miles away, unharmed.
Further investigation led officers to a residence on Reed Street, where they recovered the victim’s stolen iPhone and made contact with Brooks, Wells, and the unnamed female suspect. Charges for the female are pending.
Following a search warrant at the scene, officers seized:
62.6 grams of fentanyl
22.6 grams of crack cocaine
69.7 grams of marijuana
A Glock 19, Palmetto Dagger, and RG IND Model RG 25 (.25 ACP) handgun
Charges against Brooks include:
Felony firearm possession by a felon
Felony robbery with a dangerous weapon
Felony second-degree kidnapping
Felony larceny of a motor vehicle
Felony conspiracy
Misdemeanor assault by pointing a gun
He was booked at the Buncombe County Detention Facility on a $20,000 secured bond.
Wells faces similar charges, minus the felon firearm count. He is being held on an $80,000 secured bond.
The case also coincides with Romance Scam Awareness Month, as officials highlight how scammers are using fake online relationships to target and manipulate victims.
“Criminals build trust online before exploiting it,” said APD in a statement. “Always be cautious when meeting someone you’ve only interacted with virtually.”
