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ALEXANDRIA, Va. - An Alexandria man faces nearly 200 criminal charges after a months-long investigation into a series of thefts from vehicles parked at fitness centers across Fairfax County and neighboring jurisdictions, Fairfax County Police said Monday.
Kumneger Ayalsew, 29, of Alexandria, was arrested June 26 in the City of Alexandria with assistance from the Alexandria Police Department and the Falls Church Police Department following a coordinated investigation by Fairfax County detectives, according to a release from the Fairfax County Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division.
Detectives say that since April 2026, Ayalsew targeted unlocked vehicles parked at gym locations across Northern Virginia, stealing wallets, credit cards and other personal belongings before quickly making fraudulent gift card purchases at nearby retailers — often before victims realized the thefts had occurred. Investigators linked the cases using surveillance footage, financial records, digital evidence and search warrants.
The most recent Fairfax County incidents occurred at fitness centers in Centreville, Reston and McLean between April 30 and June 23. No incidents in the City of Alexandria were listed among the Fairfax County charges.
The 32 new charges filed in Fairfax County include nine counts of credit card larceny, nine counts of credit card fraud, five counts of identity theft, four counts of vehicle trespassing, two counts of petit larceny, two counts of money laundering and one count of obtaining money by false pretense.
Ayalsew is also facing charges filed separately in the City of Falls Church that bring his total to nearly 200 related charges across jurisdictions, according to FCPD. He was released on his own recognizance on the Fairfax County charges on July 14 but remains held at the Arlington County Detention Center on the Falls Church charges.
Charges are not evidence of guilt. Ayalsew is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Protect yourself
Detectives are urging gym-goers across the region to take precautions. Never leave wallets, purses, credit cards, cash or electronics inside a vehicle, even during a quick stop. Lock all doors and close all windows every time you leave your car. If you must leave an item in the vehicle, secure it in the trunk before arriving at your destination so it is never visible from outside.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call the Fairfax County Criminal Investigation Division at 703-814-7000. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-8477, online or through the P3 Tips app. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.
