Virginia Man Dresses Like a Professional to Break Into Three Medical Offices, Finally Caught After Investigation
A Virginia man apparently dressed as if he were going to a wedding while breaking into closed medical offices and allegedly stealing equipment and cash.
Fairfax County police said 67-year-old Carlos Anthony Mitchell of Woodbridge was arrested in connection with three commercial burglaries dating back to May. Surveillance footage released by police shows one of the burglaries, with the suspect wearing a blazer, white dress shirt, gloves, and a hat.
According to the news release, the first burglary happened on May 19 at a closed business in the 8200 block of Willow Oaks Corporate Drive. Footage shows the incident occurred around 5:28 p.m., with the suspect dressed in what looks more like wedding attire than burglary gear.
Police said the suspect stole cameras, camera equipment, and cash before leaving. Detectives later discovered that the stolen camera equipment had been pawned, helping them identify Mitchell as a suspect.
Dressed for the Occasion
The investigation continued into September, when detectives linked Mitchell to two more commercial burglaries targeting medical offices.
Police said a medical office in the 1300 block of Beverly Road in McLean was burglarized on Sept. 3. Another medical office was burglarized on Sept. 11 in the 13100 block of Route 50 in Fair Oaks.
They further detailed that surveillance footage from both incidents showed a similarly dressed suspect wearing a blazer, white dress shirt, blue bucket hat, gloves, and a medical-style mask. Police said the suspect forced entry into both closed businesses.
The similar clothing and circumstances helped detectives connect the three burglaries.
Three Burglaries, Multiple Charges
After investigating the incidents, detectives determined Mitchell was responsible for all three burglaries, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
On Sept. 29, detectives with the department’s Fugitive Track and Apprehension Unit arrested Mitchell and took him to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.
Mitchell was charged with three counts of burglary, two counts of petit larceny, two counts of destruction of property, and one count of stolen property with intent to sell. He was held without bond.
Court records list a hearing for Mitchell on Dec. 28 for the charges.
What Virginia Law Says
Under Virginia law, a statutory burglary charge is punishable by one to 20 years in a state correctional facility. However, a court or jury can instead impose up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500, or both.
Petit larceny involves theft of property worth less than $1,000 in the circumstances described by the statute. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Virginia law also distinguishes between different levels of property damage. Intentionally damaging someone else’s property is a Class 1 misdemeanor if the damage is worth less than $1,000, or a Class 6 felony if the damage is worth $1,000 or more. The court may also order restitution.
Still Under Investigation
Detectives are continuing to investigate Mitchell’s possible involvement in additional burglaries across Fairfax County.
Anyone with information can contact the department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 703-256-8035. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Solvers of Fairfax County.
Mitchell is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
