Fairfax 1 Locates Stolen Vehicle; Suspects Apprehended After Woodlawn Carjacking

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Mount Vernon Police District— Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau have arrested two suspects after they carjacked a victim in Woodlawn.

On September 8, at 2:43 p.m., officers responded to the 5800 block of Saint Gregory’s Lane in Woodlawn for a carjacking. The victim reported he met with a buyer to sell clothing he advertised online when a second suspect approached him, displayed a firearm, and the two stole his vehicle. The victim was able to use the Find My iPhone app to assist with locating his vehicle.

Fairfax 1 responded to the 9500 block of Burdett Road in Burke and located the vehicle and two suspects nearby. Officers took Noel Isaac Sanchez, 20, of Alexandria and a 17-year-old juvenile into custody. During the arrest, officers recovered a discarded firearm located near where the suspects were taken into custody.

Sanchez was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and charged with Carjacking, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, and Robbery. He was held on no bond.

The 17-year-old juvenile was transported to the Fairfax County Juvenile Detention Center and charged with Carjacking, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, Underage Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm with no Serial Number, and Robbery. No mugshot is available.

Detectives would like to speak to anyone who may have information about this case. Those with information are asked to please call our Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 5. 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 and follow the steps to “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers.” Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.     

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

How you can protect yourself:

Several of our district stations offer safe exchange zones for online purchases. FCPD encourages buyers to utilize these safe exchange zones to ensure the safety of both buyers and sellers. Below are some additional safety tips to consider when buying and selling from online marketplaces.

  1. Meet in a public place: Always arrange to meet the seller/buyer in a safe, public location, such as a coffee shop, shopping center, or police station parking lot. Several of our district stations have safe exchange zones for online purchases. Avoid secluded areas or inviting strangers to your home.
  2. Bring a friend: Whenever possible, bring a friend or family member with you when meeting a seller/buyer. Having someone else present can deter potential scams or unsafe situations.
  3. Whenever possible, complete the transaction during daylight hours. 
  4. Inspect the item thoroughly: Before finalizing the purchase, carefully inspect the item you’re interested in. Check to ensure that it is the item you intended to purchase.
  5. Trust your instincts: If the seller/buyer seems suspicious, the item appears too good to be true, or you feel uncomfortable during the transaction, trust your instincts, and consider walking away.
  6. Verify the seller’s identity: Before meeting, ask the seller/buyer for their name and contact information. Cross-reference this information with their social media profile or other online platforms to ensure they are who they claim to be.
  7. Do not share personal information: Avoid sharing personal details like your home address, phone number, or social security number. Stick to exchanging essential information related to the transaction only.
  8. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash: For more expensive items, consider using secure payment methods like PayPal or Venmo, which offer buyer protection.
  9. Avoid wire transfers or money orders: Be cautious of sellers who insist on wire transfers or money orders as payment methods. These methods are often associated with scams and provide little to no recourse if something goes wrong.
  10. Report suspicious activity: If you encounter a suspicious seller or notice any fraudulent activity on Facebook Marketplace or any platform, report it to the platform’s support or customer service immediately. This helps protect other users from potential scams.

Safety is the priority when buying or selling on any online platform. By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to scams and enjoy a safer shopping experience. If you have any further questions or need more assistance, please reach out to your district station’s Crime Prevention Unit.

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