Sighting prompts renewed prowler warnings
By Jana Wagoner
On the heels of another possible prowler sighting in Sterling Park, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office is reminding all county residents to watch out for suspicious people in their neighborhoods.
Early Sept. 3, a Sterling woman saw someone she did not know outside her window, Sheriff's Office spokesman Kraig Troxell.
The woman, who lives in the 700 block of Dickinson Avenue, awoke at about 3:45 a.m. and saw the person outside her window. At that point, the person ran toward Dickinson Avenue, Troxell said.
The woman was unable to give a description. When police arrived and searched the area, no one was found, Troxell said.
The Sheriff's Office isn't sure if this is related to the recent prowler incidents in Leesburg and Ashburn Farm or the sexual assault Aug. 29 in Sterling Park.
There also have been several prowler assaults in Montgomery County, Md., since last year, but Troxell said investigators have spoken with authorities there and do not believe the incidents are related.
The warning to remain on the lookout is still important. Residents also should keep all doors and windows locked. Anyone who sees anything suspicious should call the Sheriff's Office at 703-777-1021.
“Loudoun residents are the best eyes and ears of their community to determine if someone or something is out of place,” Sheriff Steve Simpson said. “You know your neighborhood better than anyone else.”
At least one resident in Sterling Park is taking the Sheriff's advice. A resident of an apartment building saw a young man climbing up a balcony after midnight Sept. 6 and called police.
It turned out to be a false alarm – a young man whose girlfriend had sneaked him into her house for a visit.
Even so, the resident did what police are asking everyone to do. When in doubt, residents should call.
Anyone with information about any of the prowler sightings or attacks should call the Sheriff's Office at 703-777-0475. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Solvers at 703-777-1919.
Anyone with information leading to an arrest and indictment could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.