Two Out-of-State Women Linked to Organized Retail Theft Series

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Fairfax County, VA— Detectives from our Criminal Investigations Division have charged a Maryland woman and are awaiting the extradition of a D.C. woman for their involvement in multiple organized retail thefts throughout Fairfax County.

On July 19, 2024, at 5:51 p.m., officers responded to the 2900 block of District Avenue in Merrifield for a grand larceny case. The complainant reported that three women entered the business and stole merchandise. The suspects fled the area in a vehicle prior to police arrival. Detectives from our Criminal Investigations Division assumed the investigation.

Through their investigation, detectives identified Tanihya Allen, 20, of Maryland and Destiny Howard, 20, of Washington, D.C. as two of the three suspects. Detectives connected the women to multiple additional cases and obtained warrants for both suspects. They were informed that Allen was arrested in Montgomery County on local charges and Howard was in custody at the Howard County Jail in Maryland.

On March 19, Allen was extradited from Maryland to Fairfax County. Allen was charged with four counts of Grand Larceny, three counts of Larceny with Intent to Sell, three counts of Conspiracy to Commit Larceny, Assault on Law Enforcement Officer, Eluding, Reckless Driving, two counts of Hit and Run, No Operator’s License, and Altered/Forged License Plates. Allen was later released on a $2,500 bond.

Howard remains in custody in Maryland, but detectives have obtained warrants for three counts of Grand Larceny, three counts of Larceny with Intent to Sell, and three counts of Conspiracy to Commit Larceny.  Howard is expected to be extradited to Fairfax County after legal process.

Detectives have linked Allen to all the retail theft incidents listed below. Howard was linked to three of the incidents.

Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding these incidents or others to call our detectives at our McLean District Station at 703-556-7750 option 2. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web – Click HERE for a reward up to $5,000.

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