Suspect Charged In 8 Perfume, Beauty Product Thefts At Reston Retailer

RESTON, VA — Investigators with Fairfax County Police Department arrested a 22-year-old Herndon man they say was responsible for a series of thefts at a Reston retail store in December and January.

Officers with the Reston District Station’s Neighborhood Patrol Unit responded around 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 29 to investigate the report of a larceny at the Sephora at 11960 Market St.

A member of Sephora's loss prevention team told police that they had seen a suspect inside the store conceal merchandise and leave the store before the officers arrived, according to the incident report. NBU officers, patrol officers, and detectives searched the area and located the suspect nearby. Following a brief chase on foot, detectives took Jose Gomez Carranza of Herndon into custody.

NPU officers, patrol officers, and detectives saturated the area and located the suspect nearby. After a brief foot pursuit, detectives took Jose Gomez Carranza, 22, of Herndon into custody.

"Detectives and Loss Asset Protection partners reviewed surveillance footage and connected Gomez to seven prior larcenies at the store since December," according to the report. "In each incident, he stole various perfumes and beauty products."

Gomez Carranza was taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, where he was charged with eight counts of petit larceny and possession of Schedule I/II narcotics and held on a $5,000 bond.

Gomez Carranza was arraigned on Jan. 30 in Fairfax County General District Court and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for 2 p.m. on April 4, according to court records.

The possession of Schedule I/II narcotics charge is a Class 5 felony. If Gomez Carranza is found guilty on this charge, he faces a potential sentence of one to 10 years in prison or up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500, under the Code of Virginia. The eight petit larceny charges are all Class 1 misdemeanors.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Reston Police Station at 703-478-0904. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web – Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App Fairfax Co Crime Solvers.” Anonymous tipsters are eligible for a cash reward. Leave contact information if you wish for an officer to follow up with you.