Springfield Man Arrested After Abduction and Attempted Sexual Assault

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Franconia Police District – A 30-year-old man is in custody after abducting a woman and attempting to sexually assault her in Springfield.

On January 27, shortly after 2:30 a.m., officers responded to the 6700 block of Metropolitan Center Drive in Springfield for an abduction and attempted sexual assault. The victim, an adult female, was walking home when an unknown suspect approached her.

After a brief verbal exchange, the suspect forcibly grabbed and attempted to sexually assault the victim. The victim fought the suspect off and ran away. Officers saturated the area and were unable to locate the man. The victim sustained minor injuries.

Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau assumed the investigation and a composite sketch of the suspect was illustrated. Through their investigation, detectives identified the suspect as Yapheth Ably Emiru, 30, of Springfield. Below is the composite sketch alongside Emiru’s mugshot.

On February 1, Emiru was charged with Abduction with Intent to Defile, Attempted Sexual Assault, and Stalking. He was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center where he is being held on no bond.

Victim specialists from our Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure the victim is receiving appropriate resources and assistance.  

Detectives urge witnesses or any other victims to come forward and call our Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 3. 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 “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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