City, State – A man who contacted police early Tuesday to report an armed robbery was later arrested himself after investigators determined the incident occurred during an alleged drug transaction that went wrong. Authorities say evidence recovered at the scene contradicted the initial robbery claim and led to felony charges against both individuals involved.
Incident Overview
Police were initially dispatched following a suspicious activity call in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Feb. 3, in the 3000 block of Lexington Avenue. What began as a routine prowler investigation quickly escalated into a complex case involving alleged narcotics possession, an armed confrontation, and multiple felony charges.
According to police records, officers were flagged down nearby by Jonathan Abel Dougherty, 26, who claimed he had just been robbed at gunpoint.
Timeline of Events
At approximately 1:26 a.m., officers responded to a report of a man knocking on doors at an apartment complex. The caller described the individual as having dreadlocks and wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.
While en route, officers encountered Dougherty in the 3100 block of Cedar Avenue, where he told police he had been robbed moments earlier. Dougherty reported that a man with a gun had taken several personal items, including his wallet, cellphone, $80 in cash, a purse, a red sweater, and a Pittsburgh Steelers lunch bag.
Dougherty described the suspect as having dreadlocks and a tattoo on the side of his face, matching the earlier prowler description.
Details From Police and Officials
Officers followed leads that brought them to an apartment where the suspect was reportedly seen entering. Police made entry into the unit and located Derek Durrell Sandoval, 23, hiding inside a bedroom closet.
“The suspect initially resisted arrest but was eventually subdued without further incident,” police stated in an arrest affidavit.
During a search of the closet, officers recovered Dougherty’s wallet and cellphone, along with a green and black pellet gun believed to have been used during the confrontation.
Inside the wallet, officers discovered 8.78 grams of a powdery substance, later identified as a controlled substance. Additional items Dougherty claimed were stolen were found discarded inside a city-issued trash can near the apartment complex, according to investigators.
Key Facts From the Investigation
Police later determined that Dougherty and Sandoval had met at the Cedar Avenue location for an alleged drug transaction. Authorities say Sandoval was inside Dougherty’s vehicle to purchase drugs when he allegedly produced what appeared to be a firearm and took the listed items.
Dougherty later admitted that the plastic baggies found in his wallet belonged to him. Police also connected him to a $10 bill containing white powder, which officers located in the apartment complex parking lot.
According to investigators, the sequence of events was confirmed through witness accounts, physical evidence, and Dougherty’s own statements, as documented in official police reports.
Charges Filed
Dougherty was arrested and charged with first-degree felony possession of a controlled substance, listed under Penalty Group 1/1B, involving an amount greater than 4 grams and less than 200 grams. He was later charged with possession of a prohibited substance in a correctional facility.
Sandoval was arrested on charges of first-degree felony aggravated assault and Class A misdemeanor resisting arrest.
Criminal History Context
Police records show Dougherty has two prior arrests from 2018, including charges related to deadly conduct involving the discharge of a firearm, marijuana possession, and tampering with identification numbers on personal property.
Sandoval has a more extensive history, with seven prior arrests dating back to 2021. His record includes allegations of assault, deadly conduct involving a firearm, drug possession, resisting arrest, multiple human-smuggling and stash-house offenses, and terroristic threat charges, according to police documentation.
Public Safety and Awareness
Law enforcement officials emphasize that drug-related disputes often escalate rapidly and pose serious risks to everyone involved, including bystanders. Police note that firearms or imitation weapons used during such encounters can lead to dangerous misunderstandings and severe legal consequences.
Authorities urge residents to report suspicious activity promptly and avoid engaging in illegal transactions that frequently result in violence or exploitation.
Conclusion
What began as a reported armed robbery ultimately resulted in multiple felony arrests after investigators uncovered evidence pointing to an alleged drug deal gone wrong. Police say the case underscores the importance of thorough investigations and the risks associated with illegal narcotics activity.
Anyone with additional information related to the incident is encouraged to contact local law enforcement. Share your experiences in the comments below.
