Sterling Man Charged after Girl Awakened During Burglaries

Deputies with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Sterling man early Friday morning after he fled during a burglary investigation in the area of Marcum Court and Giles Place in Sterling.

Deputies first responded to a report around 2:15 a.m. today that an unknown man awakened a female juvenile after pulling her blanket as she slept in the home on the 200 block of Marcum Court, according to an LCSO press release on the incident. The suspect fled. Residents later reported that jewelry was missing.

A little after 2:30 a.m., while still on the scene, reports of a burglary in progress led deputies to the 600 block of Giles Place, where they watched a man flee and return to the home on Marcum, according to the LCSO press release. A canine unit on the scene took Jose Reyes-Benitez, 24, into custody inside the home.

A third burglary was later reported around the same time at another home on the 200 block of Marcum Court.

“The quick response to these burglaries and the coordination with our canine unit led to this suspect being taken into custody before he could commit more crimes in the county,” said Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman. “I am proud of the work of our deputies who quickly established a perimeter around this area, leaving the suspect little opportunity for escape.”

Reyes-Benitez is being held without bond on three counts of burglary and grand larceny. Other charges could follow, according to the LCSO report.