Fairfax County Residents React to Suspect's Arrest

On Sunday, Fairfax County residents seemed largely unfazed by the news that Montgomery County police arrested the man they believe is responsible for more than 100 incidents in Northern Virginia.

"I had no idea anything was going on," said Jessica Vasquez-Burns, 22, of Fairfax. "I don't really follow the local news."

James Railey, 37, who moved with his family from Charlottesville to Herndon three weeks ago, said he followed news of the serial burglar, but didn't worry about being a potential target.

"We keep our doors locked," Railey said.

Some, though, did express relief Brad K. Edmonds, 34, of Oxon Hill, Md. is now behind bars.

"He's been working his way out to Prince William County," said Robin Clukey, 63. "I think he was in Piedmont, which is right across the street from us."

Clukey, who lives in a gated community in Haymarket, said her family didn't bother taking extra precautions knowing a serial burglar was on the loose. She said they regularly lock their doors, but usually don't activate the home's alarm system.

Edmonds was arrested Wednesday in Montgomery County after police witnessed him break into two cars and a home on Lake Potomac Drive in Potomac, Md. Later that day, investigators recovered a gun from his personal car and other items stolen from previous burglaries.

He has been charged with first-degree burglary, among other charges, according to a Montgomery County Police press release. He is currently being held at the Montgomery County Detention Center.

According to a Fairfax County Police press release, investigators anticipate charging Edmonds in their county, as well.

In the meantime, it's business as usual for most Northern Virginia residents, many of whom admitted their habits remained unchanged, even when the suspect was eluding police.

"We lock our doors regularly anyway," said Erin Campbell, 39, of Chantilly. "We lock our car doors. We lock our windows. In the grocery, I use the child strap to lock in my purse."

Liz Lewis, 19, a George Mason University student, lives in a dorm on the school's Fairfax campus, and said she, too, never felt nervous about the burglar's presence in the community.

"Fairfax, on campus specifically, is very safe," Lewis said. "We have a very heavy police presence."

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Patch Editors Erica R. Hendry and Nicole Trifone contributed to this article.