Authorities in Chesapeake and Suffolk have charged a Driver resident with a recent string of armed robberies in those two cities.

James D. Eason, 20, of the 3000 block of Driver Station Way, and a 16-year-old from Suffolk are charged with robbing two movie stores in Suffolk and three convenience stores in Chesapeake between April 4 and 7.

The two were apprehended after robbing the Movie Gallery in the 5600 block of Townpoint Road around 10 p.m. Thursday, said Lt. Debbie George, spokeswoman for the Suffolk Police Department.

Getty Mart, in the 4000 block of Portsmouth Boulevard in Chesapeake, was robbed earlier Thursday night, she said.

Shortly after the Movie Galley robbery, a Chesapeake police officer observed a burgundy van at the gas pumps of another Portsmouth Boulevard convenience store, George said. The van matched the description of the vehicle involved in the Getty Mart robbery.

The clothing worn by the van’s occupants matched that worn by the suspects in the movie shop.

Eason has been charged with four counts of armed robbery, one count of attempted armed robbery, five counts of conspiracy to commit a felony, one count of using a firearm in the commission of a felony and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He is being held in Western Tidewater Regional Jail without bond.

The juvenile, who is being held in Tidewater Detention Home, is charged with four counts of armed robbery, one count of attempted armed robbery, five counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony, three counts of conspiracy to commit a felony and two counts of wearing a mask in public.

Allison.williams@suffolknewsherald.com