Sketch Aids Detectives in Arrest of Burke Man Linked to Multiple Sexual Battery Cases

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West Springfield Police District – Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau have identified a Burke man linked to several sexual battery cases involving minors in the Burke area.

On September 7, around 6:30 p.m., a juvenile female was on the walking path near the 5800 block of Wood Poppy Court in Burke when an unknown man approached her, grabbed her wrist, and groped the juvenile’s chest. The victim was able to run away and call the police. Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau were assigned to the investigation and immediately began to follow leads. A composite sketch of the suspect was completed on September 14. Officers and detectives from multiple units participated in a large canvass of the area looking for additional leads. During the canvass, additional incidents involving the suspect were reported to police, including an assault against a minor and an additional instance of sexual battery against a minor. The composite can be viewed below:

During the canvass, officers observed a man matching the description of the suspect walking on the pathways. The man was identified as Ghafari Abdulahad, 65, of Burke. Detectives interviewed the man and discovered he frequents the walking paths in the area of Burke Commons Road and Roberts Parkway. Detectives charged Abdulahad with the September 7th sexual battery of a minor. Abdulahad is being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center on no bond.

Detectives continue to investigate Abdulahad’s connection to other reported cases in the area. A map of the general area where the assaults occurred can be seen below:

If you have been a victim of a crime involving this man or have information, please reach out to detectives from 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), and by web – Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for a cash reward. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.

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

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