Crime & Safety

Ashburn Man Arrested, Leesburg Man Wanted in Alleged Purcellville Home Invasion

One man was assaulted; the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office recovered weapons as a result of the investigation.

Investigators are trying to locate David C. Russell Jr., 21, of Leesburg, in relation to a reported armed robbery at an apartment in Purcellville. John C. Barwis, 23, of Ashburn, has been arrested and charged with robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery in the case.

Officers with the Purcellville Police Department and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office responded to an apartment on the 100 block of N. 21st Street around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, following reports an armed robbery, according to an LCSO press release.

Suspects entered the home brandishing firearms and took cash, injuring one person in the apartment who was treated at Inova Loudoun Hospital’s Cornwall Campus, according to the release. The Fairfax County Police Department assisted a ground search with a helicopter.

Find out what's happening in Ashburnwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

LCSO detectives indentified and arrested Barwis Tuesday. The weapons reportedly used during the incident were recovered as well, according to the release. Barwis remains in custody at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center without bond.

Investigators are now looking for Russell in connection to the incident. He might be driving a white Dodge Charger and is known to frequent the Leesburg and Sterling areas, according to the release. Investigators believe additional suspects may be involved. 

Find out what's happening in Ashburnwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Anyone who knows where authorities may find Russell is asked to call Detective M. McCaffrey at 703-777-0475. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call Loudoun County Crime Solvers at 703-777-1919.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.