Fairfax County police said they arrested a man for outstanding warrants after he allegedly tried to steal his ex-girlfriend’s car near the Fairview Park office complex.
Police said that the 33-year-old Reston man was seen acting disorderly and trying to steal the car around 9:30 p.m. yesterday (Thursday).
“Officers arrived and the man walked into an apartment and refused to come out,” police said. “He was taken into custody while trying to escape out the rear of the apartment.”
Police said they arrested him on two outstanding warrants for burglary and grand larceny.
File photo
Detectives with the Fairfax County Police Department are seeking the public’s help to solve a sexual assault case from 1995 in Merrifield.
“This case is about seeking justice for the victim,” Major Ed O’Carroll of the Major Crimes Bureau said. “Victims of horrendous attacks like this one, no matter how long ago, should not and will not be forgotten.”
Police provided this summary of the incident:
In August of 1995, a 24-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in the 8100 block of Prescott Drive in Merrifield. The suspect entered her apartment while she was sleeping, produced a weapon and sexually assaulted her. During the assault, a struggle ensued, and blood evidence collected revealed that the suspect likely sustained an injury to his upper body. The suspect was last seen fleeing out the patio door.
Evidence and DNA had been collected and previously submitted to a state forensics lab. During that process, DNA was isolated from a blood sample from the victim and from the DNA left at the scene. A DNA profile identified as belonging to the suspect was searched against the Virginia DNA Data Bank. There was no identified DNA match and the suspect’s identity remains unknown.
To engage the public in cracking the case, the police department released a composite sketch of the suspect that was done in 1995, a digital enhancement of the sketch and a third image showing an age progression for what the suspect would likely look like today between the ages of 45-55.
“The original release described the suspect as a black male, however a more accurate description would have been a man with a medium complexion,” police said.
“Working on solving these types of cold cases takes tremendous teamwork,” O’Carroll said. “I have great admiration for our detectives, victim advocates and extremely thankful for our strong partnership with experts from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for getting us to this point.”
Anyone with information on this case can contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 8 or submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-866-411-TIPS.
Image (2) via FCPD
People reported 10 vehicular crimes in Vienna throughout the week, according to police.
Four grand larcenies, four petit larcenies and two tampering incidents involving vehicles were reported between April 17-24, according to police reports.
Vehicular Issues on Elm Street
The 100 block of Elm Street SW, which is near the police station, had the most reported incidents.
One resident claimed that gift cards and sunglasses were stolen from their vehicle some time between April 17-18.
In a separate incident, a person said that their two unlocked vehicles were rummaged through early in the morning on Saturday (April 18) and that paper prescriptions were missing from one of them.
In a third report, a person said an unknown person had “rummaged through” the vehicle and had taken U.S. money some time between April 17-18.
Other Car Crimes
At School of Rock (111 Center Street S.), an employee said that he “saw his vehicle was moving in the rear parking lot” around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday (April 18), police said.
“The employee ran out to the lot and confronted a man who was in his vehicle,” police said. “The man got out of the vehicle and fled on foot southbound on Center Street.”
Here are the rest of the recent vehicle crimes:
- vehicle stolen from 1100 block of Lakewood Drive SW
- vehicle stolen from 700 block of Hillcrest Drive SW
- vehicle “rummaged through” in 100 block of Hickory Circle SW
- gift cards stolen from vehicle in 900 block of Moorefield Hill Grove SW
- U.S. currency stolen from vehicle in 200 block of Elm Street SW
- U.S. currency stolen from vehicle in 200 block of Tapawingo Road SE
Photo via Facebook
While most of the Vienna police’s recent cases have involved domestic disputes, the police department did receive a report about a theft.
In this week’s “Police Highlights,” a resident in the 600 block of Spring Street SE reported that someone tool the hockey net that the resident left near the curb in front of the house.
The theft occurred some time between 2-7 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15.
In a separate incident, the owner of the 7-Eleven (427 Maple Ave E.) said that one of the front glass doors was damage around 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 12.
Photo via Facebook
Delays are expected for the rollout of the Fairfax County Police Department’s body-worn camera program.
In late 2019, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved $4 million to begin implementation of the program.
But now in Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill’s revised budget for fiscal year 2021, the county plans to push back funding for 338 cameras for the Sully, McLean and West Springfield Stations in the second year of the program.
The county is also revisiting funding plans for 456 cameras for the third year of the program at the Fair Oaks, Franconia and South County district stations.
The proposed budget — which was scaled back considerably in response to the COVID-19 pandemic — maintains an increase of $1.77 million to support the first full year of the program.
Funding is expected to remain for 416 cameras that will be issued to the Reston, Mason and Mt. Vernon police stations, according to county budget documents.
An assault took place at Skorpios Maggio’s Family Restaurant after people asked for utensils for food they purchased elsewhere, according to police and the owners.
The alleged incident happened shortly before 3 p.m. on Wednesday (April 8) at 421 Maple Ave E., Vienna police say.
“The restaurant owners reported some people came into the restaurant requesting utensils for some food they purchased elsewhere,” the police report said. “After providing the individuals with the utensils, an altercation occurred between all parties.”
Juan Vazquez, a spokesperson for the Vienna Police Department, declined to comment on the case, saying that it’s an active investigation.
The owners behind the restaurant, Chris and Sherry Maggio, posted about the alleged assault on Facebook. The photos they posted show food on Chris and covering the ground and window outside of the restaurant.
Sherry Maggio told Tysons Reporter that females came in asking for utensils before the situation became violent and messy with thrown food.
“It was just this whole messy thing,” Sherry said, claiming the females returned with men who allegedly pushed Chris before the police came.
Though the couple said they are both okay, Sherry said that they are concerned for their safety.
Vazquez said that all of the people involved in the incident were told about the warrant process if they want to press charges.
This isn’t the first time police received reports of an assault at the restaurant.
The restaurant was vandalized about half of a dozen times this winter, which included smeared ketchup on the restaurant’s windows and van and “tire slime” placed on the sidewalk, furniture and statue outside, according to Vienna police reports.
In January, a man spat at Sherry and threw hot coffee on her, according to Vienna police reports. Police arrested a 34-year-old man and charged him with simple assault and battery.
Vazquez said that the alleged assault on Wednesday isn’t connected to the previous incidents.
The restaurant plans to stay open with limited hours, the post added.
“We understand that this is a very stressful time for all and it seems like things are not getting better,” the Facebook post said. “We, as part of the Town of Vienna believe that we are in this together.”
Catherine Douglas Moran and Ashley Hopko reported and wrote this story
Photos via Skorpios Maggio’s Family Restaurant/Facebook
Fairfax County police are investigating a burglary at a local market along Lee Highway in the Falls Church area.
Police said that the burglary happened shortly before 2 a.m. on Tuesday (April 7) at E-Z Stop & Go Food Mart (7600 Lee Hwy). The roadside market sells groceries and wine and has a deli, according to signs.
Three men broke into the business, according to the police report. Sgt. Greg Bedor told Tysons Reporter that tobacco products were stolen.
“The suspects were described as men in their 20’s wearing dark clothing,” the report said.
Image via Google Maps
Tysons is no stranger to people jumping off of its tall buildings. Now, a building under construction at Capital One’s campus seems to be the latest spot for parachuters.
Two videos posted by Reddit users on Sunday (April 5) each appear to show a person parachuting off of the building that will include a Wegmans store, rooftop park, residential units and parking.
One dash cam video recorded at the intersection of Colshire Drive and Dolley Madison Blvd appears to show a parachuter float down from near the future Wegmans building and land in the middle of Scotts Crossing Road.
The user who posted the video said that the incident happened around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The second video, which was taken in The Gates of McLean development, appears to show a parachuter jump off the building.
“Two people jumped,” the user who posted the second video said in the comments. “I saw the first jump out of the corner of my eye and was able to catch the second on my phone.”
Fairfax County police received a report of two people jumping from a building near Capital One Drive and Scotts Crossing Road around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sgt. Greg Bedor told Tysons Reporter.
Police checked the area around the building, but weren’t able to find the jumpers, Bedor said.
“We are aware of the situation and have been in contact with local authorities,” a Capital One spokesperson said when Tysons Reporter asked about the Reddit posts.
On Monday (April 6), police took a report of a trespassing complaint in the 1600 block of Capital One Drive that happened on Sunday, Bedor said.
“Officers are actively investigating to determine if the trespassing complaint is related to the event described on [April 5],” he said.
People have jumped off of Tysons buildings seemingly for fun in the past. Previously, police investigated a series of BASE jumping incidents at the 32-story Lumen building.
“Dangerous and illegal activities such as this, particularly during a time when emergency medical services are already operating under pressure, are irresponsible and put unnecessary strain on limited community resources,” the Capital One spokesperson said.
Image via u/tlis on Reddit
Local police are bracing for an increase in the number of domestic violence cases now that a stay-at-home order is in effect in Virginia.
The Fairfax County Police Department has seen an “incremental uptick” in domestic violence calls in the county.
“While not an alarming uptick, we’re seeing slightly more than what we experienced prior to three weeks,” Sgt. Greg Bedor told Reston Now.
In the last three weeks, FCPD has received a weekly average of 235 domestic-related calls, data show. Most of the incidents are reported over the weekend on a weekly basis.
The police department is attempting to triage calls by separating people from their homes and conducting interviews over the phone when possible, according to FCPD.
Officers are also making an effort to encourage individuals to turn themselves in if an arrest is warranted.
Although the county’s Domestic Violence Hotline has not seen any increases in reported incidents, county officials are encouraging people to seek help.
They say rising unemployment and the pressure of bounding bills “during the already stressful coronavirus pandemic could lead to an increase in domestic violence.”
“For victims of domestic violence, being home may not be the safest place, particularly as people are financially and emotionally stressed,” said Toni Zollicoffer, Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services division director. “Victims and survivors of recent sexual and intimate partner violence face unique challenges during this period of extended social distancing and isolation.
Her office offered the following tips:
Call or Text for Help 24/7
Call Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence hotline: 703-360-7273, TTY 711. It’s available for help 24-hours a day, every day.
If it’s not safe to talk, text LOVEIS to 22522 to connect with the National Domestic Violence Hotline. You also can online chat with RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network).
As always, anyone who is in immediate danger should call 9-1-1.
Plan Ahead
There are actions people can take to prepare, including:
- Be aware of safe rooms with locks and which rooms have doors or windows for quick exit. Discuss these with children and other family members.
- Make a list of safe contacts and emergency resources. Some people find it helpful to hide copies of important documents and safe contacts somewhere outside the home, such as buried in a planter or at a safe neighbor’s home.
- Plan with kids and other family members if you can. Think about their safety options. Think of a place you can go or send other family members in an emergency or long term.
- Arrange daily check-ins or code words with people you trust.
What You Can Do
“If you are concerned about a friend or family member, it’s more important than ever to check in with them,” said Zollicoffer. “For resources or information on ways to assist those you are concerned about, call the Domestic Violence hotline.”
We can all play a role in preventing domestic violence. Encourage people who are experiencing abuse to make a safety plan, call for help and guidance and let them know that the abuse is not their fault. Let them know you are there to listen, help and support them without judgement.
File photo
Vienna police are investigating reports of a vehicle getting vandalized with paint and a suspicious chalk message outside someone’s home.
Last Friday, a man reported that someone used paint vandalized his vehicle while it was parked in the 400 bock of Church Street NE, police said.
In a separate incident, a woman who had recently received solicitations for people claiming to be from T-Mobile reported that someone wrote “T-Mobile” on her driveway in chalk, police said.
The chalk message happened during the day on Monday (March 23) in the 500 block of Nanterry Circle SW, police said.
“Someone did the same thing on the curb earlier in the week,” police said.
On March 17, police issued a summons to the men and charged them with Soliciting Without a Town Permit after receiving several reports about two men allegedly claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or T-Mobile.
The men were released on their signatures.
Photo via Facebook
