A trio of creepy costumed figures caught on a Virginia family’s doorbell camera sparked a police investigation — but the incident turned out to be a prank perpetrated by family members.
The Alexandria Police Department opened an investigation into a potential attempted burglary plot after the three figures — dressed in creepy Halloween costumes — were recorded by a local family’s doorbell camera when they approached the front door.
The department issued an appeal for information Oct. 17 and asked nearby residents to check their own security camera footage for any sightings of the suspects.
Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire said investigators have now determined the three people were teenage boys related to the home’s residents.
The teens had been assisted by three adult family members and another child.
“For me, my team and this community, it represents a moral failure,” WJLA-TV quoted McGuire as saying at a Monday morning news conference. “A moral failure where consequences could result in deadly consequences.”
He said the prank may have seemed harmless, but it could have led to serious consequences. He said the home’s residents, afraid of a potential burglary or violent crime, had contacted another relative who came to the house with a gun.
“These are not pranks to be taken lightly. It is a very serious incident.” McGuire said. “I hope this is a lesson learned, not just for this particular family, but for anyone in the community during this holiday season.”
No charges are being filed in relation to the investigation.
