Masked Trio Escapes Charges After Allegedly Terrorizing Family Members’ Home

Authorities said Monday that three masked figures who appeared to stage a violent break-in at a Virginia home earlier this month were actually family members pulling a prank.

Alexandria police spent more than 100 hours examining what appeared to be a late-night attempted break-in captured on a Ring camera, authorities confirmed in a press conference. The video showed three masked intruders pounding on doors, damaging property, and shouting threats outside a residence on Oct. 14. Detectives later identified the suspects as cousins of the residents.

Police Chief Tarrick McGuire said an adult woman, her two sons, and a nephew staged the incident while two other adults and a child recorded the scene. The woman admitted to orchestrating the prank after detectives followed up on numerous tips generated by national coverage of the case.

“For me, my team, and for this community, it represents a moral failure. A moral failure where consequences could result in deadly consequences,” McGuire said. (RELATED: Video Appears To Show Alleged Concealed Carry Holder Engaging In Gunfight With Home Invaders)

“Adults should be accountable for their children and not exercise this type of behavior. Hopefully, this will be a learning experience for their family,” the chief added.

Investigators initially treated the case as an attempted burglary because the masked intruders entered the fenced backyard and caused property damage. Officers arrived within minutes, unaware the so-called suspects were relatives.

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