Motel Barricade Suspect Arrested After Chase Through Region

DISTRICT HEIGHTS, MD—The suspect who escaped from a barricade situation in Belle Haven on Saturday, Sept. 29 is in police custody.

Fairfax County Police said Tuesday afternoon they were assisting DC Police in trying to capture Alton Thodos, 32. He had been spotted earlier in the day driving a stolen vehicle near Little River Turnpike and Lincolnia Road in Fairfax County. Officers attempted to pull him over without success, leading to a pursuit through Alexandria, Arlington and DC.

After other authorities lost sight of him, Prince George's County, Md. Police made the arrest. Prince George's County authorities said the arrest happened in the 6200 block of Marlboro Pike in District Heights.

Charges related to offenses in Fairfax County are pending his extradition to Virginia. He was wanted for active warrants on grand larceny, credit card theft, credit card fraud and a probation violation.

Fox5 reported that the search for Thodos led to a lockdown at FEMA headquarters and surrounding buildings in Southwest DC.

The search involved multiple jurisdictions. The Fairfax County helicopter assisted with the search. He was considered a dangerous fugitive.

Police went to the Virginia Lodge Motel in Belle Haven on Sept. 29 to serve the arrest warrant. Thodos threatened to harm himself if police entered his motel room. He managed to escape into the attic through the ceiling and get away through another part of the building.

Since his escape, police believe Thodos was responsible for other crimes in the area. Residents reported a number of car break-ins and a stolen car in the Belle Haven and Rose Hill areas on Wednesday, Oct. 3.

Patch will update this breaking news story.

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• Virginia Lodge Motel Barricade: Man Escapes, Search Underway
• Virginia Lodge Motel Barricade Suspect Strikes Again: Police
• Barricade Suspect May Have Broken Into Rose Hill Home: Police

Image via Fairfax County Police