Alexandria City Police have arrested a man suspected of attempted abductions near two Metro stations in Northern Virginia.
The two attempted abductions happened within an hour of each other Friday night, with Alexandria police calling the attacks “deeply disturbing.”
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WATCH HEREJeffrey Gary, 35, a Fairfax County resident, was arrested early Sunday and charged with assault and battery, sexual battery, and attempted abduction.
Police said he had no prior criminal history.
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SIGN UP The first attempted abduction happened Friday at about 8:45 p.m. at the Potomac Yard station. A 30-year-old woman was assaulted while she was with her 4-year old child, police said. She was able to get away and report what happened.
An hour later, police were able to get video of another attempted abduction with the same suspect near Braddock Road, they said.
Video shared by police shows the moment the suspect crossed the street to follow a woman. The victim also was in her 30s. Police said he attacked her and took her to the ground. She was also able to break away and report the incident.
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"People are just going around trying to take people. That’s crazy," said Mikaela Roper, of Alexandria. "There’s nobody here to help us."
“We want to be very clear: It is our goal to protect every citizen of our community,” said APD Chief Tarrick McGuire. “But when there is the victimization of some of our most vulnerable — women, children and our elderly — that has a different psychological impact on public safety.”
Police said public safety cameras and collaboration with the Metro Transit Police Department led to a quick identification and arrest.
Some Metro commuters said more work needs to be done to make their rides feel safer.
"There’s signs all over the place that say they are having increased Metro police, but I haven’t seen any increased Metro police, so I don’t know about that," Roper said.
Police said there could be more victims and urge anyone with any information to contact APD immediately.
UPDATE (June 2, 2025, 8:30 a.m.): Police earlier said the suspect is 33 years old. He is 35.
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