Police: Falls Church Area Man Faces Abduction Charge

PHOTO: Elmer Moises Nieto Lara, courtesy of Fairfax County Police

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Fairfax County Police have arrested Elmer Moises Nieto Lara, 28, of the Falls Church area and charged him with abduction with the intent to defile.

Lara lives in the 2200 block of Pimmit Run Lane in Falls Church, police said.

Police say the investigation began when a Falls Church woman, 28, reported that she was walking home from the East Falls Church Metro station in the 1000 block of Jennifer Street on Tuesday, May 12, around 11 p.m.

A man approached from behind, grabbed her and covered her mouth with his hands, according to police. The woman struggled and screamed, which seemed to cause the suspect to let go and flee toward Leesburg Pike, police said. The victim immediately called 911 from her cell phone, FCPD said. Responding officers set up a perimeter and a suspect was quickly stopped and positively identified as Lara, police said.

Lara was arrested and transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

The victim did not require medical attention.

Anyone with information about Lara, or who may have witnessed this crime is asked to contact Crime Solvers electronically by visiting www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text-a-tip by texting “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES(274637)** or by calling 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

City of Falls Church Police have released these safety tips:

The City of Falls Church Police remind the community to be aware of surroundings, especially when walking late at night. The department offers a number of tips for personal safety:

• Avoid shortcuts that are not well traveled or well lit.
• Stay attentive to your surroundings and, if listening to music, keep the volume low so you can hear what’s going on around you.
• If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If the person continues to follow you, move quickly toward an open store or restaurant or a lighted house. Don’t be afraid to yell for help.
• Know what stores are open in your neighborhood late at night. If you suspect that you are being followed, stay away from quiet blocks and head for a store you know will be open.
• When walking to your car or home, keep your keys in your hand until you are safely inside.

For more tips and safety information, the National Crime Prevention Council offers a wealth of knowledge for personal safety for children and adults: www.ncpc.org/topics.