Man Arrested for Sex Offense at Chantilly High School 

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Fair Oaks Police District – A 22-year-old man has been arrested following a sexual assault that occurred at 8 a.m. on Sept. 27 inside Chantilly High School. Officers responded to the school at 4201 Stringfellow Road after the victim’s mother contacted police advising her daughter had been assaulted two hours earlier. 

Officers discovered a man wearing a mask entered the school with other students early in the morning. He approached the female victim, who believed he was another student. The man initiated a conversation and then unlawfully touched the victim. She was able to get away as other students approached. She contacted her mother and returned home prior to alerting school officials. 

Upon hearing from the mother, officers searched the area surrounding the school and located Galata Bekele Bengessa, of Fairfax, on foot near Route 50 and Fairfax County Parkway. He was positively identified as the offender and taken into custody. During the arrest, Bekele Bengessa made statements to officers that led him to be taken to a nearby hospital to receive treatment.  

Last night, Bekele Bengessa was arrested and taken to the Adult Detention Center. He was charged with abduction by force, sexual battery, and trespassing on school property. Further Investigation led officers to two additional victims, who reported similar incidents involving the suspect that occurred away from school property.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who has information about this crime and anyone who may have had unlawful contact with Bekele Bengessa. Tipsters are asked to call our Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 3.  

Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), by text – Type “FCCS” plus tip to 847411, and by web – Click HERE. Download our Mobile tip411 App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards of $100 to $1,000 dollars if their information leads to an arrest. If you would like to be contacted by a detective, please provide your contact information.   

Victim specialists from our Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure that the victims are receiving appropriate resources and assistance.   

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