In a recent event that sparked considerable police response, two young men found themselves facing legal repercussions for a prank gone wrong in the City of Fairfax. On March 5, 2024, Fairfax Police were called to the scene at the parking lot of Lowes on 4080 Jermantown Road, following reports of an alarming situation: an individual was seen lying inside the trunk of a vehicle, seemingly bound and gagged with duct tape. Concerned onlookers believed they were witnessing a serious crime. However, upon arrival and investigation, authorities uncovered that the scenario was staged. The individual in the trunk and the two subjects standing outside were all acquaintances participating in a prank intended for a YouTube video.
The fallout from this ill-conceived stunt came swiftly. Colin Harris, 19, from Sterling, VA, and Ahadu Geta, 19, from Falls Church, VA, were issued Virginia Uniform Summonses on March 8 and March 14, 2024, respectively. They face charges for Disorderly Conduct (18.2-415) and Falsely Summoning Law Enforcement (18.2-461.1), reflecting the seriousness with which law enforcement treats such incidents. Both young men now have pending court dates in the City of Fairfax General District Court.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of what might initially seem like harmless fun. The legal implications of their actions underscore the importance of thinking twice before engaging in activities that can lead to public alarm and the unnecessary deployment of emergency services. It also highlights the broader implications of social media culture and the lengths to which individuals might go to seek attention online.
