Photo courtesy of APD
A ring camera caught this image of a masked individual in Alexandria Oct. 14.
After a disturbing attempted home burglary last week in Alexandria's West End that was caught on camera and went viral — capturing headlines locally and across the country in People magazine, the New York Post and the Miami Herald — police are offering these safety tips to local residents as they continue to investigate the matter:
Safety Reminders
- Stay aware. Limit distractions (phones, earbuds) when arriving home or answering the door.
- Look before you open. Use a peephole, camera, or window to verify who’s there.
- Keep doors locked. Keep exterior doors locked until you confirm the visitor’s identity.
- Ask for ID. Legitimate contractors and delivery personnel will have identification or branded materials.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, don’t open the door—call 911.
- Use lighting. Keep porches, entries, and side yards well-lit; consider motion-activated lights.
- Seasonal home check. Replace bulbs, test window/door/gate locks, secure sheds, and remove/secure valuables from porches and yards.
Here's a message from Alexandria Police about the incident:
Photo courtesy of APD
A ring camera caught this masked individual Oct. 14 in Alexandria.
Alexandria Police Detectives of the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) continue working to identify the individuals responsible for an attempted burglary that terrorized a family in their home on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025.
Detectives are actively pursuing multiple leads provided by community members, and every tip is being thoroughly investigated. At approximately 9:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, Alexandria Police officers responded to a report of a suspicious event that was later upgraded to an attempted burglary at a residence in the 100 block of South Iris Street.
Photo courtesy of APD
A ring camera caught this masked individual Oct. 14 in Alexandria.
According to the residents, three individuals wearing Halloween-style masks were seen on doorbell cameras knocking at the front door and making threatening statements and demands. The residents did not open the door. The suspects then entered the fenced backyard, causing damage to the fence and an outdoor storage unit. No property was reported stolen.
Upon dispatch, multiple officers responded Tuesday night who then circulated the neighborhood interviewing possible witnesses with a K9 handler. Detectives from APD’s CID and Crime Scene Investigators later responded, collected evidence and spoke with residents obtaining doorbell video.
“I want to be very clear — this is a very serious matter,” said Tarrick McGuire, chief of police for the Alexandria Police Department. “The individuals responsible for terrorizing this family will be held accountable. 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.”
APD’s CID has received multiple credible leads and continues to investigate this incident.
It’s important for residents to know that a police response is best to assess incidents of suspicious nature, to take necessary steps so that everyone is safe.
Together we keep Alexandria Safe: you report and we respond.
Neighbors are asked to check exterior cameras for activity on Oct. 14, 2025, between 9:30–10:30 p.m. and share any footage with detectives via this public portal: https://alexandriapdva.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/100blkiris
