DC Men Arrested For Burglaries From Restaurants In Merrifield, Tysons: Police

MERRIFIELD, VA — A 27-year-old District man is facing felony charges in connection to two burglaries at restaurants in Merrifield and Tysons, according to authorities.

On Aug. 23, 2025, officers responded shortly after 1 p.m. to investigate the report of a burglary at the Pupatella Pizza located at 2980 District Ave. in Merrifield, the incident report says. Investigators determined that someone had forced their way into the restaurant through the rear door and stole alcohol.

Around 8:15 p.m. on March 1, officers from the McLean District Station investigated a burglary at the Churasuko Japanese Brazilian Steakhouse located at 1755 Tysons Central St. investigators say that someone had entered the restaurant through an unsecured door and taken money from a cash register.

"Detectives from our Criminal Investigations Division responded to both incidents to assume the investigation," according to the incident report. "Through their investigation, officers were able to obtain commercial surveillance footage of the suspect and identified the vehicle being used. On March 13, through the use of license plate read technology, detectives identified Sinqway Hawkins, 27, of Washington, D.C., as the man responsible for both burglaries."

With the help of the Fugitive Tracking & Apprehension Unit, detectives arrested Hawkins and then took him to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, according to police. After Hawkins was charged with two counts of felony entering a building to commit larceny, assault and battery, or another felony. He was released on a$5,000 secured bond.

Hawkins was arraigned on Tuesday morning in Fairfax County General District Court and a preliminary hearing was scheduled 2 p.m. on June 2, according to court records.

If convicted of the charges he's facing Hawkins could be sentenced one to 20 years in prison or up to 12 months in jail and/or fined up to $2,500, under Virginia law.

Police are asking anyone with information about either incident to call our McLean District Station at 703-556-7750 and ask to speak with a detective. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web.