Man arrested after theft involving a firearm at CVS in Lynchburg

LYNCHBURG, Va. ( WFXR ) – The Lynchburg Police Department (LPD) responded to retail theft involving a firearm.

On Sunday, October 27 around 6:22 p.m. LPD received a report of a theft at CVS located at 3908 Campbell Avenue.

An employee said they allegedly witnessed a man putting merchandise into a pillowcase. When the employee confronted the man, he allegedly lifted his shirt and displayed a firearm. The suspect then fled the scene.

LPD officers responded quickly and located the man in a nearby apartment complex. The suspect surrendered and worked with officers without further confrontation.

40-year-old Edward Lewis Franklin of Lynchburg was identified as the alleged suspect.

Lewis is facing the following charges:

• Assault: Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony (subsequent offense)
• Robbery: Robbery involving the use or display of a firearm
• Weapons Offense: Possession or transportation of a firearm by a convicted felon

He is currently being held at Blue Ridge Regional Jail without bond.

If anyone has more information about the incident, contact the LPD non-emergency number at (434) 455-6050 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 798-5900. You can also provide an anonymous tip at http://p3tips.com through the P3 app on mobile devices, or by texting CVCS to 738477 to receive a link to our anonymous tip form.

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