VIRGINIA — Two people are facing numerous felony charges following an armed robbery investigation in Bristol, according to police.
Police said the investigation began May 5 after officers responded to a report of a robbery involving a firearm in the 2100 block of Bradley Street. Investigators said the victim told officers he had arranged to meet someone at the residence after communicating through a social media platform.
According to police, when the victim arrived, a masked suspect approached him, displayed a gun and demanded his belongings. No injuries were reported.
Authorities later executed search warrants at the residence and a vehicle connected to the investigation. During the searches, officers said they recovered firearms, ammunition, suspected narcotics and property believed to be tied to the robbery.
Gregory Wheeler Jr., 41, of Bristol, Virginia, was arrested May 5 and initially charged with felony robbery by displaying a firearm in a threatening manner, conspiracy to commit robbery with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Additional warrants were later served on Wheeler on May 7. Those charges include use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of a sawed-off rifle, wearing a mask to conceal identity, child abuse or neglect involving reckless disregard for life, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of Schedule I or II controlled substances and possession of a firearm while possessing Schedule I or II substances.
Police also charged Wheeler in connection with a separate July 2024 case, including robbery, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and grand larceny.
Wheeler was taken to the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail in Abingdon, where he is being held without bond.
Teela N. Irick, 34, of Bristol, Virginia, was also arrested May 5. She was initially charged with felony robbery by displaying a firearm in a threatening manner and conspiracy to commit robbery with a firearm.
Additional charges filed against Irick on May 7 include use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of a sawed-off rifle, child abuse or neglect involving reckless disregard for life, possession of a firearm while possessing Schedule I or II substances, possession of Schedule I or II controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Irick was also transported to the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail in Abingdon and is being held without bond.
