Police Catch ‘Scream’ Mask Suspect With Bricks Near Lorton Community Center

LORTON, VA — Detectives arrested a Lorton man after watching him put on a "Scream"-style costume, retrieve bricks and run toward a community center that had been vandalized six times since July, according to Fairfax County police.

Detectives were conducting surveillance near the homeowners community center at 9050 Lorton Station Blvd early Aug. 17 when they saw Zion Leon Gibbs, 22, walking in the area, police said.

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At about 4:25 a.m., Gibbs returned wearing a costume matching the one captured on surveillance video during previous vandalism incidents, according to investigators. Detectives said they watched Gibbs retrieve bricks and run toward the community center before taking him into custody.

Six Incidents Caused About $8,000 In Damage

Since July 9, a masked person had damaged windows at the community center with rocks, a hammer and cinder blocks, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.

Surveillance video showed the person wearing a "Scream"-style mask, black robe, fluorescent gloves and white shoes with fluorescent laces, police said. Investigators estimated that the six incidents caused a combined $8,000 in damage.

Court records reviewed by Patch identify the dates of the six incidents as July 9, July 25, July 26, Aug. 10, Aug. 14 and Aug. 15.

The three July incidents resulted in Class 1 misdemeanor charges alleging intentional property damage valued at less than $1,000. The three August incidents resulted in Class 6 felony destruction of property charges.

Gibbs also faces a Class 6 felony charge of wearing a mask in certain places. Court records list Aug. 15 as the offense date for that charge.

Preliminary Hearing Scheduled For November

Gibbs was taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center following his arrest. Police said he was initially held without bond, although current court records list him as released on his own recognizance.

The charges were filed Aug. 18, one day after Gibbs' arrest. All seven cases remain pending, and no pleas or dispositions were listed in the court records reviewed by Patch.

Gibbs is represented by the Fairfax County Public Defender's Office. A preliminary hearing on the charges is scheduled for 2 p.m. Nov. 4 in Fairfax County General District Court.

Anyone with information about the incidents can call the Franconia Police Station at 703-922-0889 and ask to speak with a detective. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Fairfax County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS or through its website.