Alexandria Police Unmask Pranksters Behind Home Scare — They Were Relatives Of The Victim

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA – What began as a terrifying home intrusion scare in an Alexandria neighborhood has taken an unexpected turn — the masked “suspects” caught on camera were actually teenage relatives of the woman they frightened, police confirmed Monday.

According to the Alexandria Police Department, the incident occurred on October 14, when a woman reported three masked figures approaching her home late at night on the 1200 block of her street. Security footage, later shared online, showed the individuals walking up the front steps in eerie costumes, prompting fear across the local community.

Police Identify “Suspects” as Family Members

After a brief investigation, police determined that the supposed intruders were four teenagers and three adult family members participating in a prank gone wrong. The individuals wore masks and costumes in what they described as a “Halloween-style joke” meant to scare their relative.
Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire said during a press conference that the group had not intended to harm the woman but admitted the prank was “poorly thought out” and understandably frightening.

Victim Declines to Press Charges

The woman, who initially believed she was being targeted by strangers, told police she was “shocked and shaken” but relieved to learn the masked figures were people she knew. She has since decided not to press charges against her relatives.
“While this was intended as a prank, it understandably caused panic and alarm,” Chief McGuire said. “We remind everyone that jokes involving threats, masks, or trespassing can have serious consequences — especially at night.”

A Cautionary Tale for Prank Season

Police say the situation serves as a reminder to think twice before attempting pranks that could be perceived as threatening. In recent years, similar incidents nationwide have escalated into dangerous confrontations, with authorities stressing the importance of using good judgment.
Neighbors who saw the footage said they initially feared it was another home invasion attempt, as the masked figures appeared in the woman’s driveway just after midnight.

Community Reaction

While the revelation brought relief to residents, many took to local forums to express concern about how easily the prank could have led to tragedy. “If someone had called 911 faster, officers could’ve arrived thinking it was a real threat,” one neighbor said. “It’s lucky no one was hurt.”
Police have since closed the investigation, but officials urged the public to use discretion during the Halloween season and to notify others before planning any surprise visits.

Readers can share their thoughts on neighborhood safety and prank awareness in the comments at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.