Alexandria police arrest one, seek two others in $8,000 retail theft on King Street
Officers using real-time camera monitoring responded within minutes to Dec. 10 incident at ALO yoga store
Alexandria Police arrested a Baltimore woman and are searching for two other suspects after an officer monitoring surveillance cameras observed three women leaving a King Street yoga apparel store with approximately $8,000 in merchandise on Thursday, Dec. 10.
Lakeira Taneisha Sampson, 33, of Baltimore, was apprehended after fleeing on foot as she attempted to enter a vehicle, according to a news release from the Alexandria Police Department. Two other suspects escaped and have not been located.
The arrest marks an early test of the department’s Holiday Crime Prevention Initiative, a data-driven enforcement effort launched on Nov. 21 and running through New Year’s Day. The initiative relies on increased patrols, real-time camera monitoring, and business partnerships to combat seasonal crime.
An officer with the Alexandria Tourism-Oriented Policing unit, which was formed in September to focus resources on high-traffic commercial areas, was monitoring a public safety camera when he saw a woman wearing a face mask approach a store employee at ALO. He then observed three women exit carrying armfuls of clothing, police said.
The department reported citywide larcenies have declined 27% compared to the same period last year. Overall, Part 1 offenses are down 27% in 2025, according to APD data.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective LaRusso at 703-746-6618. Tips may be provided anonymously.