Senior Annie Lee was robbed outside of Chantilly Library on June 15.  Through Facebook and the perseverance of a stranger, Lee will be able to retrieve some of what was stolen.

What happened on June 15?
I was doing art related research for my IB art class at Chantilly Library. The library closed at 9 p.m. and I was waiting outside for my mom to pick me up.  It got dark quickly and no one was around.  I was sitting on the bench by myself waiting trying to call my mom on the cell phone, but I couldn’t get any reception.  It was really creepy.  Then I felt something cold and metallic on my back and someone tugging on my bag.

Were you frightened?
I wasn’t scared at first because I thought it could have been a librarian or  policeman.  But when I turned around to face him, I came face to face with a knife about the length of butcher knife.  I faced the guy.  He waved the knife at my face and growled….

How did you react?
My arm loosened out of shock, and he snatched my bag and rode off on his bike. My cell phone was still in my hands, but I had no  reception so I ran into the middle of Stringfellow Road and finally received reception and got in touch with my mom.  She called the police.  Helicopters, detectives and canines all came to help.

What was in the bag?
There was my new 4G iPod, my IB art journal, my credit card, cash, drivers permit, school ID, my house keys and my flash drive with all my college essays and homework in it.

Did you ever get any of your possessions back?
A girl named Emily Harris sent me a Facebook message mid July, asking if I had lost an art notebook.  I found out later that she had contacted all the Annie Lee’s in the area, which is a lot.  She found my school ID and notebook in her back yard, so I’m assuming the guy threw out the heavy stuff. I’m planning on stopping by her house to pick up my stuff soon.  I’m really grateful.  But I still wish I could get my college essays back.

Are there any updates on the thief?
I’ve been meeting with the county detective and just this past Wednesday identified him in a photo lineup.  I’m going to court on October 18.  I don’t think I’ll ever get my stuff back but at least I might get reimbursed.  My mom’s really freaked out though because she thinks if he sees me in court he might seek revenge.