Delivery driver robbed at gunpoint on Port Republic

For the third time in a year, an armed bandit robbed a restaurant delivery driver in the 200 block of Port Republic Road.

Waynesboro police said a 51-year-old driver for Ming Garden gave up about $30 at 9:25 p.m. Thursday night after a man with a gun, wearing a blue bandanna over his face, confronted the driver near a residence.

“Sometimes the order will be made on a ruse to get the driver up there, and then the person is laying in wait for the driver and will accost him at gunpoint,” Sgt. Brian Edwards said.

On Jan. 7 a Papa John’s driver was robbed. On Aug. 14 a Four Star Pizza driver was robbed of “a couple hundred dollars,” Edwards said. Some of that money may have been the driver’s personal cash.

Restaurant policies often require drivers to carry less than $30.

“In all these cases the drivers have been compliant, which is good,” Edwards said.

Police searched the area with a K-9 team, but lost the scent about a quarter mile from the robbery scene, Edwards said. The suspect is described as a black man, about 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighing between 180 and 200 pounds.

Anyone with information is asked to call Central Shenandoah CrimeStoppers at 1-800-322-2017. Callers with information leading to an arrest could receive cash awards up to $1,000. The information can be given anonymously.