Masked Intruders Who Terrorized Alexandria Home Were Pranking Family: Police

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The intruders who gained national attention by wearing Halloween masks and terrorizing an Alexandria family at their home earlier this month were relatives pulling a prank, according to police.

Around 9:50 p.m. on Oct. 14, 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.

According to the residents, three people wearing masks were seen on doorbell cameras knocking at the front door and making threatening statements and demands. The residents did not open the door.

• RELATED: Masked Suspects Attempted To Break Into Alexandria Home, Police Say

Police said the suspects then entered the fenced backyard, causing damage to the fence and an outdoor storage unit.

According to police, a significant break in the case came after the department’s first news conference, when multiple community tips led investigators to the suspects, three juveniles, ages 14 to 16, who were related to the victim.

Police said a woman later confessed that she, her two sons, and her nephew were responsible for approaching the home while wearing Halloween masks. Two additional adults were in the street filming the incident, according to authorities.

Following consultation with prosecutors, police said the family declined to pursue criminal charges; therefore, authorities did not identify the suspects.

Authorities said the Alexandria Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Bureau dedicated more than 100 investigative hours to identifying those involved in the prank.

“While this case may not result in prosecution, it represents a serious moral failure,” said Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire. “Pranks of this nature are not taken lightly. Actions like these could have had deadly consequences. Adults must be accountable for their children, and parents have a moral responsibility to guide and correct their behavior.”

Tarrick continued, "From a human perspective, we hope this incident serves as a lesson for everyone involved. Justice sometimes means ensuring that accountability, learning and prevention take place— even outside the courtroom. If we could have pursued charges, I would have."

As Halloween approaches, Alexandria police said officers will have an increased presence in neighborhoods to help ensure everyone enjoys a safe holiday.

The department also offered the following Halloween safety tips:

• Discuss with your children and teens the importance of appropriate Halloween behavior.
• Encourage travel in groups and stay in well-lit areas.
• Remind everyone to never approach or prank private homes uninvited.
• Report suspicious activity to the police immediately by calling 911.