Updated Oct. 17, 10:10 p.m.: Alexandria Police issued a press release with new details about the investigation, including a specific address and timeline.
Alexandria police are searching for three masked individuals who allegedly threatened a family and attempted to break into their home in the 100 block of South Iris Street on Oct. 14.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:50 p.m. Tuesday when three individuals wearing Halloween-style masks approached the residence and were seen on doorbell cameras knocking at the front door and making threatening statements and demands, according to a police press release issued Friday evening. No one was physically injured, and no property was stolen.
According to residents, the suspects told the family, “If you do not come out, we will come in,” and threatened to kill them, Police Chief Tarrick McGuire said during a virtual press conference Thursday afternoon.
The residents did not open the door. The suspects then entered the fenced backyard, causing damage to the fence and an outdoor storage unit, according to police.
Alexandria police officers responded to an initial report of a suspicious event that was later upgraded to an attempted burglary. Multiple officers circulated the neighborhood Tuesday night interviewing possible witnesses with a K9 handler. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Scene Investigators later responded, collected evidence and obtained doorbell video from residents.
Detectives located footage on the roadway showing a group of individuals appearing to come from behind the residence, removing their Halloween masks and getting into a vehicle, McGuire said Thursday.
The family’s doorbell camera captured the incident. Shayla, who asked that her last name not be used, told WUSA9 she initially thought the masked visitors were playing a Halloween prank.
“At first I thought it was just a Halloween joke, a little prank,” Shayla told WUSA9. “So I said, ‘Happy Halloween.'”
When the suspects didn’t leave after she asked them to get off the property, Shayla told WUSA9 she realized it wasn’t a joke and called 911. The suspects continued their threatening behavior despite being told police were on the way.
“They kept like knocking on the door,” Shayla told WUSA9. “The knocks would get harder and harder.”
Ring doorbell video obtained by WJLA shows the suspects at the front door for approximately six minutes.
McGuire said the incident underscores the serious nature of such behavior and the potential for violence.
“I want to be very clear, this is a very serious matter,” McGuire said Thursday. “People that are in their residence, according to our laws and laws across our nation, can defend themselves.”
Shayla acknowledged to WUSA9 the family considered using firearms during the incident.
“Our Second Amendment right was not used and could have been,” she told WUSA9.
The incident has left the family shaken, particularly Shayla’s mother, who recently lost her husband, Shayla told WUSA9.
“My dad recently just died, so it’s just like I’m just glad I was there,” Shayla told WUSA9. “But now she’s in fear. She don’t wanna stay there by herself.”
In the Friday press release, McGuire said the individuals responsible will be held accountable.
“The individuals responsible for terrorizing this family will be held accountable,” McGuire said. “We prioritize community safety and will work tirelessly to ensure our residents feel safe in their homes and can walk the streets without fear. Our detectives will follow every lead until those responsible are brought to justice.”
Police said detectives have received multiple credible leads and continue to investigate the incident.
McGuire said Thursday he couldn’t confirm the motive for the incident but noted that similar events have occurred across the nation around Halloween.
“We’re approaching the Halloween season, and I can’t confirm or validate the reason why this event happened,” he said. “What we do know is that we’ve seen across the nation, incidents such as this before, around this specific season.”
If arrested, the suspects could face burglary charges based on trespassing in someone’s residence and making threats while doing so, McGuire said.
Police are asking neighbors to check exterior cameras for activity on Oct. 14 between 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. and share any footage through a public portal at https://alexandriapdva.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/100blkiris.
Anyone with information can contact Detective B. Gibson at 571-388-7615. Information may be provided anonymously.
Police offered safety reminders for residents, including:
- Use a peephole, camera or window to verify who’s at the door before opening
- Keep exterior doors locked until confirming a visitor’s identity
- Ask for identification from contractors and delivery personnel
- Call 911 if something feels off
- Keep porches, entries and side yards well-lit
WUSA9 and WJLA obtained doorbell camera footage and interviewed the family. Read WUSA9’s full coverage here and WJLA’s report here.
