Police Investigate Gang Activity; Nine Arrested

Fairfax County Police Department
Public Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax 703-246-4253
FCPD-PIO@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police
News Release: 08/LHC(6)
March 25, 2008

Police Investigate Gang Activity; Nine Arrested

After a closely coordinated effort amongst school resource officers, the gang unit, and several astute patrol officers assigned to the Franconia District station, police have charged nine young men with various gang-related activities that took place over the past three months.

Following a December 1, 2007 homicide at a Springfield Mall restaurant, graffiti was sprayed across the campus buildings of Lee High School between December 2 and 5. The writings were immediately identified as gang-related and an investigation began. The following men were charged with felony destruction of property and gang participation: Tarim Najmi, 28, of Springfield, Harold Guanilo, 21, of Alexandria, Carlos Perea, 22, of Arlington, and a 17-year-old from Arlington. They were charged between February 21 and March 14, 2008.

In January 2008, two students used markers to scribble gang-related graffiti in a boys’ bathroom of Mark Twain Middle School. These writings were identified as affiliated with criminal gang activity taking place across the region. Police arrested two boys, ages 12 and 13, and charged them with destruction of a public building.

As a result of this investigation, police were able to develop information surrounding additional gang activity in the community. Police charged three boys, two 13-year-olds and a 14-year-old, with gang participation and recruiting gang members during the week of March 10. The alleged recruitment took place at the middle school.

The Fairfax County Police Department trains school staff and faculty on gang recognition. Once gang activity is recognized, officials move quickly to eradicate it. There is a zero tolerance policy in Fairfax County for these activities. Residents are urged to take quick action and contact police officials when they see graffiti appear.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

Carlos Perea Harold Guanilo Tarim Najmi