Virginia police are searching for three suspects who wore Halloween masks and attempted to break into a home in Alexandria on Tuesday night, in what authorities say was far from a prank. The incident, captured on a doorbell camera, occurred around 10 p.m. on the 300 block of East Windsor Avenue.
The footage shows the trio approaching the front door, shouting threats and demanding the residents come outside. One voice can be heard saying, “It’s either you coming out or we coming in,” while another yells, “Open the door!” A woman visiting her mother at the home told local media she initially thought it was a joke, but the suspects continued knocking harder and threatened to kill them even after she called 911.
When the group failed to enter through the front, they moved to the back of the house, breaking part of a fence and pounding on a window. The ordeal lasted about 10 minutes. Alexandria Police Chief Tarrik McGuire stated that the suspects’ actions constitute burglary under Virginia state law, as they attempted to enter a residence unlawfully.
Chief McGuire urged the suspects or their parents to come forward voluntarily, warning that such behaviour can lead to serious injury. He also cautioned that pranks involving masks can escalate into violence, referencing similar incidents across the nation. Police are reviewing additional footage from nearby homes and businesses to identify the suspects, who are believed to have fled in a vehicle after removing their masks.
Investigators are asking residents in the area of Duke and South Jordan streets to check their doorbell or security footage between 9 and 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday for any suspicious activity. The suspects may face charges including burglary and making criminal threats.
