Teen Arrested by Violent Crimes Division Following Two Especially Aggravated Robberies January 21, 2022

An investigation by the Violent Crimes Division (VCD) led to the arrest of a 16-year-old who caused facial injuries to two women during robberies over the last two days. Jamel Brown was taken into custody yesterday with the assistance from the THP Aviation Unit.

On Wednesday, Brown approached a 38-year-old woman while she was putting items into her 2019 Jeep Wrangler on Gartland Avenue. He struck her in the face after asking to use her cell phone. The teen then drove off with the victim's Jeep. The woman was transported to St. Thomas Midtown Hospital with serious facial injuries.

Yesterday VCD detectives responded to a woman who was struck in the face at the Salvation Army on Dickerson Pike. A 64-year-old woman was inside her vehicle in the parking lot when Brown approached her. He asked for directions and opened her car door while he asked the victim for money.

When she refused, Brown struck her in the face multiple times while pulling her from the car and onto the ground. Brown then drove off in a gray Jeep. She also sustained serious facial injuries.

Shortly after the incident, VCD detectives were able to spot the Jeep on Buena Vista Pike. After a brief pursuit, with the help of a THP helicopter, Brown and two females were taken into custody on Chester Avenue.

Detectives found a rock inside of a sock in the vehicle that is believed to have been used to hit the two victims.

The females, ages 14 and 16, charged with joyriding.

Brown has been charged with two counts of especially aggravated robbery.