masked Halloween prank goes too far

By: Brionna Gillis

Police are now investigating a prank gone too far, as a trio of people in Halloween masks tried to break into a family home in Alexandria, Virginia. 

Disturbing ring camera footage was released, showing three people approaching the door of an Alexandria home around 10 p.m on Tuesday, their faces hidden behind Halloween masks, as they shouted threats and demanded the residents come outside. “It’s either you coming out or we coming in,” one can be heard saying on the video. Another yelled, “Open the door!” per The Independent. 

“It is super creepy to go terrorizing some random people’s home in Halloween masks. This is not the purge,” said Kalorra Smith, a journalism major from Virginia Beach. 

The residents told them that 911 had been called, and the actions of the trio soon escalated.​ Their knocking became increasingly aggressive and the masked individuals threatened to enter the house and kill the residents. When the group couldn’t get in through the front, they moved to the back, breaking apart a fence and pounding on a window. The situation lasted 10 minutes. 

Shayla, the daughter visiting her mother at the targeted home, recalled thinking it was a prank at first, but once the trio became more aggressive, the ordeal became terrifying. 

“They threatened to kill us,” said Shayla, “It’s not even a joke gone wrong. They tried to enter the home. My heart dropped when they said they were gonna take a chair and break down the door. That is just too much,” per The Independent. 

Investigators believe the suspects fled in a vehicle after removing their masks. The police are now reviewing additional video from nearby homes and businesses in an effort to identify them. 

Alexandria Police Chief, Tarrik McGuire, said the suspects’ actions were criminal and far from a prank, stating that the suspects could face charges including attempted burglary, destruction of property, and making threats to kill. 

“This is a very serious matter,” said McGuire, “If you are the one that engaged in this type of behavior, we're actively searching for you. If it was someone young, I encourage parents to come forward. It is better to address this voluntarily than wait for us to make an arrest.” 

Investigators are now asking anyone in the area of Duke and South Jordan streets to check their doorbell or security footage for suspicious activity between 9 and 10:30 p.m Tuesday.