Centerville carjacking suspect arrested | Fairfax County Police Department News

Sully police district – Major Crimes Bureau detectives have charged a 25-year-old Maryland man with carjacking and kidnapping.

On June 5 at 10:09 p.m., officers responded to the 14600 block of Seasons Drive in Centerville for a carjacking. The suspect contacted the victims, both adult men, after expressing interest in purchasing a vehicle they had listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

While the suspect was inspecting the interior of the vehicle, he told the victims to get out. The victims refused to exit the vehicle and a fight ensued. The suspect fled the scene before police arrived. One victim was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Through further investigation and searching for evidence at the scene, officers identified the suspect as Rodney Hart Jr., 25, of Maryland. Hart was charged with carjacking and two counts of kidnapping. He was held without bail.

Anyone who may have information about this carjacking is asked to call 703-246-7800, option 5. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477) and by web – Click HERE. Download the “P3 Tips” app and follow the steps in “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards. Please leave your contact information if you would like a detective to follow up with you.

Victim specialists from the Victim Services Division of our Major Crimes Office have been assigned to ensure victims receive appropriate resources and assistance.

Detectives would like to remind members of the community that several of our district stations offer secure exchange areas for online purchases. FCPD encourages buyers to use these safe exchange zones to ensure the safety of buyers and sellers. Below are some additional safety tips to consider when buying and selling on online marketplaces.

1. Meet in a public place: Always arrange to meet the seller/buyer in a safe, public place, such as a cafe, shopping center or police station car park. Many of our district stations have secure exchange areas for online purchases. Avoid isolated areas or invite strangers into your home.
2. Bring a friend: If possible, bring a friend or family member with you when meeting with a seller/buyer. Having another person present can deter potential scams or dangerous situations.
3. Complete the transaction during daylight hours, as soon as possible.
4. Inspect the item carefully: Before finalizing the purchase, carefully inspect the item you are interested in. Verify that this is the item you intended to purchase.
5. Trust your instincts: If the seller/buyer seems suspicious, the item seems too good to be true, or you feel uncomfortable during the transaction, trust your instincts and consider walking away.
6. Verify the identity of the seller: Before meeting, ask the seller/buyer for their name and contact details. Cross-reference this information with their social media profile or other online platforms to make sure they are who they say they are.
7. Do not share personal information: Avoid sharing personal information such as your home address, phone number, or social security number. Stick to exchanging essential information related to the transaction only.
8. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash: For more expensive items, consider using secure payment methods like PayPal or Venmo, which offer buyer protection.
9. Avoid wire transfers or money orders: Be wary of sellers who insist on wire transfers or money orders as payment methods. These methods are often associated with scams and offer little or no recourse if something goes wrong.
10. Report suspicious activity: If you encounter a suspicious seller or notice fraudulent activity on Facebook Marketplace or any other platform, report it to the platform's support or customer service immediately. This helps protect other users from potential scams.

Safety is the priority when buying or selling on any online platform. By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to scams and enjoy a safer shopping experience. If you have any further questions or need further assistance, please contact the crime prevention unit at your district police station.

Join us on Neighbors by Ring. A place where you can connect with your neighbors, see what's happening in your neighborhood, and share all available surveillance footage with our service.

For continuous updates, please read our blog and follow us on X, Facebook And Instagram to @FairfaxCountyPD.