Manassas Journal Messenger | Man bluffs his way out of robbery
It was a move more often used at a poker table than in everyday life, but one that luckily paid off for a 27-year-old Manassas man Sunday night.
He was walking in the 11200 block of Soldiers Ridge Circle in the Coverstone housing subdivision around 10:40 p.m. when a man came up to him with a knife, demanding his money, said Officer John Bogert, a spokesman for the Prince William County Police Department.
Not wanting to give up his money, the would-be victim decided to try a dangerous bluff, saying he had a gun although he did not. The robber became scared and ran off.
“It was a complete bluff,” Bogert said. “Luckily for the victim it worked out, but it was very dangerous. You never know what could have happened. The robber could have dropped the knife and pulled out a gun himself. In those cases, it’s best to just give the person what they want and then let the police handle it.”
Police describe the robber as a black man in his early 20s. He is 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs 160 pounds and was wearing all black clothing.
Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call Prince William County Crime Solvers at (866) 411-TIPS. Callers do not have to give their names or information and may receive up to $1,000 reward.