Alleged Heroin Dealer Arrested in Reston: Police

PHOTO: DC resident Clarence Dickerson, 39, also known as "Nephew," was arrested Wednesday for allegedly dealing heroin in Fairfax County. Photo courtesy of FCPD.

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FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Fairfax County Police arrested an alleged heroin dealer Wednesday at a Reston gas station, after a lengthy investigation, the police department announced Friday.

Clarence Dickerson, 39, a DC resident known as "Nephew," was allegedly selling heroin in several areas in Fairfax County including on Richmond Highway and in the Town of Vienna, according to police.

The Organized Crime Narcotics Division (OCN) was conducting a long-term investigation into the distribution of heroin in Fairfax County, police said. A confidential informant was developed and purchases of heroin were made in various areas throughout the county.

Investigators utilized Fairfax 1 (the police helicopter) to assist with surveillance during the investigation, police said. This led to the discovery of a consistent pattern in Dickerson’s distribution habits. A buyer was identified in the Town of Vienna as well as a business on Richmond Highway, where Dickerson was also dealing, according to police. As a result of this investigation, arrest warrants were obtained for Dickerson charging him with five counts of distribution of heroin.

On Wednesday, the Street Crimes Unit (part of the Organized Crime and Narcotics Division/OCN) stopped and arrested Dickerson at an Exxon gas station on Wiehle Avenue in Reston (see map below).

A search of his vehicle revealed heroin, crack cocaine, scales, packaging material and other items commonly used in the distribution of illegal narcotics, according to police. As a part of the investigation, officers with the United States Park Police executed a search warrant for OCN at Dickerson’s home in Washington, D.C. Wednesday night. They seized cocaine, heroin, a 9 mm handgun and an undisclosed amount of cash.

The investigation also revealed that Dickerson had multiple heroin customers throughout Fairfax County including in the Town of Vienna, police said. He was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center where the initial five warrants were served. Two additional warrants were obtained and served, charging Dickerson with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and heroin. He is currently being held on no bond. Additional charges are being considered, including federal charges.