'Scream'-masked man suspected in multiple Virginia property damage cases, police say
Suspect in "Scream" mask arrested for damages to Virginia HOA office
A suspect in a "Scream" mask was arrested and charged in connection with damage made to a Fairfax County HOA office.
LORTON, Va. - A man arrested while wearing a "Scream"‑style mask and costume has been charged with destruction of property in connection with several incidents at the Lorton Station Community Association building, authorities say.
What we know:
Investigators say that since July 9, a masked suspect committed six destruction‑of‑property incidents at the community center on Lorton Station Boulevard, damaging windows with rocks, a hammer and cinder blocks.
In the most recent incident, on August 17, detectives conducting surveillance near the building say they saw Zion Gibbs, 22, of Lorton, walking in the area around 4:24 a.m. They say he later returned wearing a "Scream"‑style mask, black robe, fluorescent gloves and white shoes with fluorescent laces.
'Scream'-masked man, identified as Zion Gibbs, suspected in multiple Virginia property damage cases, police say (Fairfax County Police Department)
Detectives say they watched Gibbs take bricks and run toward the community center.
He was stopped and taken into custody and transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, where he was charged with three felony counts of destruction of property, three misdemeanor counts of destruction of property and wearing a mask in public. He was held on no bond.
Video posted on social media shows officers unmasking Gibbs during the police response:
"The suspect would appear out of the darkness, in what we all know as the "Scream" costume — the mask, long gown — had either a hammer, a brick or some other large object that he would throw into the glass and quickly escape into the night. So, our detectives coordinated with the officers working the midnight shift, and we saturated that area," said Fairfax County Police Major James Curry.
Detectives say the incidents caused about $8,000 in damage.
Suspect is known to police
Police said Gibbs is known to officers and residents as he lives in the neighborhood where the offenses occurred. Officials said he committed the same types of crimes in 2022, making him known to investigators.
"We had an idea who we were searching for…tips from residents helped in the investigation in that way," Curry said.
The HOA manager declined to share a comment with FOX 5.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Franconia Police Station at 703‑922‑0889. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone at 1‑866‑411‑TIPS or online.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the Fairfax County Police Department.