Burglar Nabbed After Several Several Break-Ins In Stafford: SCSO

STAFFORD, VA—A wanted Woodbridge man was arrested Thursday night after breaking into several businesses on Garrisonville Road, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

Alex Chirwa, 28, was charged with breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony, possession of burglary tools, wearing a mask in a public place, destruction of property, petit larceny and drunk in public. He also was served an outstanding warrant out of Prince William County for failure to appear.

Shortly after 11:30 p.m., police responded to an alarm from Vinny's Italian Grill at 397 Garrisonville Road and found a glass front door shattered. Surveillance video showed a masked man wearing a dark jacket and gloves breaking into the restaurant.

During that investigation, police responded to an alarm from Sam's Pizza and Subs at 432 Garrisonville Road and found the front door shattered. An officer saw a man inside running toward the back door, so he ran around back but the man then turned around and ran out the front door.

Officers chased Chirwa as he ran toward Madison Court while shedding his mask and gloves and tossing them into bushes. He finally was caught, but not before a third business was found damaged: Stafford Wings, also at 432 Garrisonville Road. A brick was found on the ground near a damaged front door but entry into the eatery apparently wasn't made.

Ultimately, Chirwa admitted to all the incidents and was arrested without incident. In all, he stole around $20.

Photo: Stafford County Sheriff's Office