Suspect Charged in Late-Night Burglary at Closed Building in Penrose

Arlington County police arrested a 43-year-old man for breaking into a commercial building late Thursday night.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Arlington County police responded to a report of a burglary around 10:50 p.m. on Thursday in the 900 block of South Walter Reed Drive. They determined that a man had forced his way into the vestibule of a closed commercial building. The suspect, identified as Yohannes Gebreyesus, was taken into custody and charged with burglary, possession of burglarious tools, and destruction of property.

Why it matters

Burglaries and property crimes are an ongoing concern in the Penrose neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia, which has seen a mix of commercial and residential development in recent years. This incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and security measures to protect local businesses.

The details

According to the police report, officers recovered burglarious tools from Gebreyesus during the investigation. The most serious charge he is facing is possession of burglarious tools, which is a Class 5 felony in Virginia. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison or up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.

  • The incident occurred around 10:50 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2026.
  • Gebreyesus was arraigned in Arlington General District Court on Friday morning, February 21, 2026.
  • A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on April 6, 2026.

The players

Yohannes Gebreyesus

A 43-year-old man who was arrested and charged with burglary, possession of burglarious tools, and destruction of property for allegedly breaking into a closed commercial building in Penrose.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on April 6, 2026 whether to allow Yohannes Gebreyesus out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of property crimes in the Penrose neighborhood and the importance of businesses and residents working closely with local law enforcement to enhance security and deter future break-ins.