Five Businesses, One Hatch: Burglar’s Sneaky Entry Ends in Arrest

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Mount Vernon Police District — Officers arrested a man in connection to five burglaries in Hybla Valley.

On July 20 at 7:49 a.m., officers responded to a burglary in progress at Mount Vernon Plaza in the 7600 block of Richmond Highway in Hybla Valley. A victim monitoring the inner office video footage informed officers that the suspect was still inside. Upon arrival, officers found Gabriel Lynch, 22, of no fixed address, at the shopping center with stolen items in his possession.

Preliminarily, detectives from our Criminal Investigation Division have determined that Lynch entered the building through an unlocked roof fire hatch. He proceeded to burglarize five businesses located within the plaza.

Lynch was arrested and charged with five counts of Burglary, five counts of Misdemeanor Destruction of Private Property, and five counts of Grand Larceny. He was taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and is being held without bond.

Gabriel Lynch, 22

Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this incident or others to call our detectives at our Mount Vernon District Station at 703-360-8400.  Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web – Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for a cash reward. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.

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