On August 13, 2024, the City of Fairfax Police Department responded to a shoplifting incident at Fair City Mall. The call came in at 12:47 PM, prompting officers to search the area near 9600 Main Street, where they located a suspect pushing a shopping cart filled with merchandise. The suspect, later identified as Kodjo Banks, 41, of Alexandria, attempted to evade law enforcement by fleeing across Main Street and entering Woodson High School through an unlocked door.
The school was placed on immediate lockdown as officers, in coordination with Fairfax County School Security, Fairfax County Police, and the school’s administration, set up a perimeter and began their search. Banks was found inside the school and apprehended without incident.
Investigations revealed that Banks was already wanted by Fairfax County for petit larceny. Following his arrest, he was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, where he was charged with grand larceny and obstruction of justice. Additionally, Banks was served a warrant for the outstanding petit larceny charge. He is currently being held without bond.
Fairfax Police expressed their gratitude to Fairfax County Public Schools and School Security for their swift and effective response during the incident.
