Joint Investigation Into Vape Shop Burglaries Nabs Fairfax Man

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Investigators from the City of Fairfax Police and the Fairfax County Police departments teamed up recently to investigate a recent string of burglaries at vape shops in both jurisdictions.

Around 4:28 a.m. on Saturday, FCPD officers responded to a burglar alarm at Star Tobacco located at 10665 Braddock Road near Kings Park West, according to the incident report.

“The security company reported that an unknown suspect was captured on surveillance, breaking into the business and stealing Kratom products,” according to FCPD. “The suspect then fled prior to police arrival.”

Around 5:11 a.m., on July 13, officers responded to the same business for another alarm. They found the front door broken and evidence that someone had entered the store and stolen Kratom products.

“Vape stores across Fairfax County have become frequent targets in a wave of burglaries, with suspects stealing high-value items like vape pens and Kratom,” according to FCPD. “Kratom, a controversial herbal product, is now a top item being stolen. Its misuse and resale pose growing risks to public safety, and those struggling with Kratom use are encouraged to seek help from a healthcare provider or addiction support services.”

As FCPD investigated these two burglaries, City of Fairfax Police were investigating three recent burglaries at tobacco and vape businesses in the city.

On July 16, around 4:37 a.m., officers responded for the report of a burglary at the Tobacco Hut located at 10470 Fairfax Blvd., according to city police.

CFPD investigated similar commercial burglaries at Smoke Source Tobacco and Vape at 9988 Main St. and Tobacco Hut at 10782 Fairfax Blvd., on July 20 and July 23, respectively. During each of the burglaries, a man forced his way into the businesses and stole merchandise, according to the incident report.

Through their investigation, CFPD detectives identified 23-year-old David Elliot of Fairfax County as a suspect in this case, according to police. They also determined that the three burglaries in the city were related to the two Kings Park West burglaries that FCPD was investigating.

After city police obtained a warrant to search Elliot’s home, they worked with FCPD to execute the warrant. County police arrested Elliot and took him to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, where he was charged with five counts of burglary, according to police. He was later released on a $5,000 bond.

Elliot was arraigned Wednesday morning in Fairfax County General District Court and a preliminary hearing was set for Oct. 21, according to court records.

The five charges of entering a dwelling or business with intent to commit larceny are felonies, according to the Code of Virginia. If convicted, Elliot faces a potential sentence of one to 20 years in prison for each count. At the discretion of the jury or court trying the case, he could also be confined in jail for up to 12 months and fined up to $2,500.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact detectives at FCPD’s West Springfield District Station at 703-644-7377 option 2. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web –Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App and follow the steps to “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers.” Anonymous tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.