Fairfax County, VA — A man accused of abducting a toddler at a shopping center in Fair Oaks is now in custody, thanks to a fast and coordinated response by Fairfax County police units.
The incident unfolded around 11:43 a.m. on July 18 at the Fair Oaks Shopping Center. Authorities say a man approached a small child near an indoor play area and abruptly carried her away. He made it to the upper level of the mall before one of the child’s parents intercepted him and safely retrieved the girl. The suspect fled the scene before officers could arrive.
Officers from multiple units—Patrol, the Criminal Investigation Division (CID), the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), and the Violent Crime Suppression Unit (VCSU)—immediately launched a coordinated investigation. Detectives quickly identified the suspect as 26-year-old Andres Caceres Jaldin, who has no fixed address.
Further investigation revealed that Caceres Jaldin had allegedly stolen a car earlier that morning from a nearby autobody shop in Chantilly, around 10 a.m.—an hour before the attempted abduction. Surveillance footage showed the exact vehicle near the mall, and it was later located in the parking lot of a local Extended Stay hotel, where the suspect had been staying.
Detectives moved in quickly. When Caceres Jaldin exited his hotel room, he was taken into custody without incident.
He is now facing charges of Abduction of a Minor and Grand Larceny – Auto Theft, and is being held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.
“This case demonstrates the critical value of real-time intelligence and teamwork,” said officials with the department. “From identifying the suspect to coordinating the arrest, every unit played a key role in ensuring the child’s safety and apprehending the suspect swiftly.”
Police are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at 703-256-8035. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers (1-866-411-TIPS) or via the P3 Tips App. Anonymous tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
Meanwhile, victim specialists from the Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division are working closely with the young girl’s family to provide support and connect them with appropriate resources.
Fairfax County residents are encouraged to register their security cameras through Connect Fairfax to help investigators prevent and solve crimes more efficiently.
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