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Va. -An Alexandria man is facing nearly 200 criminal charges following a months-long investigation into a serial theft operation targeting gym-goers across Northern Virginia
Kumneger Ayalsew, 29, was arrested on June 26 after detectives linked him to a string of vehicle break-ins and credit card fraud outside fitness centers in Fairfax County, Falls Church, and surrounding areas
Investigators say Ayalsew targeted unlocked vehicles parked outside local gyms, stealing wallets, cash, credit cards, and other personal belongings dating back to at least April 2026
Ayalsew then allegedly raced to nearby retailers to buy gift cards, often executing fraudulent transactions before victims even realized their belongings were missing
The most recent Fairfax County incidents occurred at the following locations:
- April 30: 5900 block of Trinity Parkway in Centreville
- May 1: 1700 block of Business Center Drive in Reston
- May 3: 8200 block of Greensboro Drive in McLean
- June 22: 1700 block of Business Center Drive in Reston
- June 23: 5900 block of Trinity Parkway in Centreville
Dig deeper:
The arrest recently added 32 new charges against Ayalsew in Fairfax County alone. He is currently facing nearly 200 related charges for similar crimes that previously occurred in Fairfax County and Falls Church
What’s next:
Ayalsew was released on his own recognizance for the Fairfax County charges on July 14. However, he remains in custody at the Arlington County Detention Center on separate charges filed by the Falls Church Police Department
What you can do:
Police urge residents to follow these simple habits to keep their property safe:
- Take valuables with you: Never leave wallets, purses, phones, or credit cards in your car—even in a gym bag.
- Lock up every time: Always double-check that your doors are locked and windows are fully closed, even for brief workouts or quick errands.
- Stow items early: If you must leave something in your car, hide it in the trunk before you arrive at your destination.
Theunty Police Department
VirginiaVirginia Crime
