NEWPORT NEWS — An armed robbery in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant in Newport News led to a high-speed police chase that lasted more than 40 minutes on Monday night and resulted in the arrest of four Delaware residents.The driver, a 28-year-old GianFranco Minello, is charged with reckless driving and evading police. Both he and the front-seat passenger, 30-year-old Randy Rickards, are also charged with robbery, possession of cocaine, and conspiracy and firearms charges. The two passengers in the back seat, a 17-year-old female and 44-year-old Kevin Payne, are charged with possession of cocaine. The female is not being identified to the media because she is a juvenile.
Holly McPherson, spokeswoman for Newport News police, said Minello and Rickards could face additional charges related to other robberies in Newport News. She said both men also have outstanding warrants in Delaware.These are the two men wanted by Delaware police for the motel robbery in Seaford, Delaware (Nov. 17, 2010) in which Kristen Shockley of Pocomoke was arrested. Minello and Rickards fled the scene before police arrived.
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