Town of Vienna, Virginia Police Department

Media Information Release

“East Coast Serial Rapist” Email- The True Facts

The open letter below was written by the Reston District Station Commander, Deborah
Burnett of the Fairfax County Police Department. The Town of Vienna Police
Department has also received several inquiries relating to the “Serial Rapist” email.

Please read the letter below to understand the facts of recent cases which occurred outside
of the Town of Vienna in Reston, Virginia. There is no known link to any serial rapist.

From Captain Deborah Burnett- Reston Station Commander, Fairfax County

Police:

March 26, 2010

Dear Citizens:

In the past week and a half, there has been a malicious and erroneous e-mail circulating
in our community which is causing undue alarm and hysteria. This e-mail has the subject
line “Serial rapist spotted in Reston” and has many inaccuracies, false information and
presumptions which have caused much concern in our community. As a result of this e-
mail being circulated to our schools, HOAs, other jurisdictions, etc. my office, our
dispatch center, and the police Public Information Office have been inundated with calls
and e-mails referencing the rapist loose on the Reston pathways.
The facts are that on Saturday morning March 13, we had two reports of a suspicious
male on the pathway along Glade Drive between Soapstone Drive and Twin Branches
Road. Based on these reports, I directed additional patrol and resources to the pathway in
an attempt to identify the subject along with providing a sense of security to the users of
the pathways. The subject did not commit any crime nor was there any physical contact
made.

On Monday March 15, the Washington Post had a detailed report of an East Coast Serial
Rapist. Based on this article, the circulating e-mail erroneously made the leap that our
suspicious person report was somehow linked. First, let me state there is ABSOLUTELY
no information which remotely ties the suspicious male/incident to the East Coast Rapist.

Second, we encourage all citizens to call the police when suspicious activity occurs.
However, there is no evidence to substantiate the concern that the East Coast serial rapist
is loose in Reston. If you receive such an e-mail, it would be best not to forward the
information; call the police Public Information Office at 703-246-2253. On March 16,
information was released and is currently available on our webpage
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/stations/reston/

Thank you,

Captain Deborah Burnett

Commander, Reston District Station

The Town of Vienna Police Department still strongly encourages all citizens to continue
to exercise good crime prevention strategies while out in the community, be vigilant, and
consider the safety tips as outlined in the below listed portion our previous Media Release
on outdoor safety. A link to that entire release is also included:
http://www.viennava.gov/Town_Departments/media_releases/Exercising%20Safety%20
2010.pdf
 Town of Vienna, Virginia Police Department
Media Information Release of March 24, 2010

Safety Tips for People Exercising Outdoors

In and Around Vienna
In light of the recent incidents on the Washington and Old Dominion Trail in
Arlington, Virginia the Town of Vienna Police Department would like to remind
you about safety when exercising. While these tips offer some suggested
practices, they are not foolproof nor can they guarantee your safety at all times.
They can, however, help you to get assistance in a time of need or prevent a
risky situation from occurring.

Try to exercise in pairs. Walk or jog with a friend.

Carry a cell phone. A cell phone is a valuable tool for use in case of injury or if
you need to report suspicious or criminal activity. Time delays can hamper law
enforcement efforts to quickly respond and possibly make an arrest.

Always report suspicious activity to 9-1-1. Do not discount your internal “danger
sensors” when you see something suspicious such as individuals acting oddly,
loitering in wooded areas, loitering near or on a trail, or behaving in a manner
which you feel is inconsistent for a person engaged in physical activity. The
Vienna Police are ready to investigate and we need your help in reporting
suspicious behavior quickly.

Try to be aware of your location at all times. When exercising on the W/OD Trail,
there are 1/10 mile markings for reference when requesting help. If exercising on
the street, know your area and nearest cross streets.

Be aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated areas. Scan the area around
you to be aware of approaching individuals and vehicles.

Please contact MPO Bill Murray for further information at

wmurray@viennava.gov or 571-251-0770.