Leesburg Man Charged in Attempted Commercial Armed Robbery

Joseph Readmond

UPDATE:

Leesburg, VA (December 30, 2021) – Pursuant to an investigation, 54-year-old Joseph Readmond of Leesburg has been charged with two counts of attempted robbery and one count of the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Readmond was taken into custody this afternoon by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO). He is being held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center on no bond, for the Leesburg charges as well as for additional unrelated charges brought by LCSO.

The Leesburg charges stem from an incident which occurred on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at shortly after 5:30 P.M., in which the Leesburg Police Emergency Communications Center received a report of an armed robbery in progress at McDonald’s (335 East Market Street, Leesburg). The caller reported that the suspect was brandishing a firearm at a cashier. Officers immediately responded and determined that the suspect had fled the restaurant on foot. Officers searched the area, however they were unable to locate the suspect at that time. It has been determined that the suspect did not obtain any cash or property before fleeing. No injuries were reported.

The incident remains under investigation by the Leesburg Police Department Criminal Investigation Section. Anyone who has relevant information and has not already spoken with law enforcement is asked to contact Detective J. Mocello at 703-771-4500 or at jmocello@leesburgva.gov. If you wish to remain anonymous please call the Leesburg Crime Line at 703-443-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent using TIPSUBMIT via text. Text 274637 (CRIMES) and begin your message with LPDTIP.

Original News Release:

Leesburg Police Investigate Attempted Commercial Armed Robbery

Leesburg, VA (December 23, 2021) – The Leesburg Police Department is currently investigating an attempted commercial armed robbery that occurred at the McDonalds, located at 335 East Market Street, Leesburg.

On Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at shortly after 5:30 P.M., the Leesburg Police Emergency Communications Center received a report of an armed robbery in progress at McDonald’s. The caller reported that the suspect was brandishing a firearm at a cashier. Officers immediately responded and determined that the suspect had fled the restaurant on foot. Officers searched the area, however they were unable to locate the suspect. It has been determined that the suspect did not obtain any cash or property before fleeing. No injuries were reported.

The suspect is described as a middle-aged white male wearing a black top and blue jeans or sweatpants.