Fairfax police chief highlights gym thefts, AI policing and e-bike safety
Tue, July 21, 2026 at 4:18 PM
UpdatedTue, July 21, 2026 at 4:20 PM
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Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis announced the arrest of 16 individuals from across the U.S. and Canada who were engaged in predatory acts online. (7News)
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (7News) —Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis discussed a major gym theft investigation, the department’s use of artificial intelligence to improve emergency response and safety concerns surrounding electric bikes during an interview with 7News anchor Michelle Marsh
Davis said a 29-year-old Alexandria man is facing more than 200 criminal charges after investigators linked him to thefts from vehicles parked at gyms across Fairfax County and parts of Falls Church
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Police allege the suspect targeted gym parking lots, stealing wallets from vehicles before using victims’ credit cards to purchase gift cards
“He has over 200 separate charges,” Davis said
According to Davis, investigators spent weeks reviewing surveillance video and digital evidence before identifying the suspect. Search warrants led to the recovery of stolen property and additional evidence, he said
Davis urged residents to avoid leaving valuables in their vehicles, noting that gym parking lots have become attractive targets for professional thieves
The chief also highlighted the department’s use of artificial intelligence through a system known as Prepared 911, developed by Axon
Davis said the software analyzes 911 calls for keywords that may indicate an emergency. When those keywords are detected, the system can automatically dispatch a drone to the reported location before the call is assigned to an officer
“We’ve had our drones as first responder respond to over 1,500 calls for service already,” Davis said
He said the technology has improved situational awareness for police officers, firefighters and emergency responders while reducing response times
Addressing privacy concerns, Davis said the drones are deployed only to qualifying emergency calls in public spaces and are not used to monitor private property
The interview also focused on the growing popularity of electric bikes among children and teenagers
Davis warned parents to understand Virginia’s e-bike laws before purchasing one for their children
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“If the e-bike does not have pedals, it’s illegal,” Davis said. He added that modifying an e-bike to exceed legal speed limits can also make it unlawful to operate
The chief encouraged parents to educate themselves about the rules governing e-bikes to help keep young riders safe during the summer months
