Update: Pair Arrested in McLean Home Invasion Burglar

A man and a woman have been arrested and charged in connection with a burglary early Wednesday morning at the West McLean home of an elderly couple, Fairfax County police said.

The couple was awakened and were confronted by the burglars.

With the assistance from a citizen’s tip and resources from the Northern Virginia Gang Task Force, detectives of the Fairfax County Robbery Squad made two arrests in connection with the burglary incident, police said. This is NOT gang-involved nor is it gang related, said Lucy Caldwell, a spokesperson for the police department.

"Police, however did work with officers who are assigned to the task force to investigate this case and their resources were of great assistance; that is why they were recognized in the news release," she said.

Police identified the suspects and located them in an apartment in the 7400 block of Lee Highway around 8 pm.Wednesday. Jasmine Nadine Vanderplas a.k.a. “Thundershield”, 30, and Tae Won Kang, 29, of no fixed addresses, were both charged with robbery and abduction. They were transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

Detectives do not believe that the victims and suspects knew one another, Caldwell said. It is still to be determined why that precise home was selected, she added.

Capt. Steve Thomopson, commander of the McLean Police District* said, "Though there are many gangs represented in the McLean police district, there is relatively little gang-related crime. We encourage citizens to be alert for and to recognize suspicious or unusual activity for what it is and to report it to the police. Little regard should be given to the race or ethnicity of the people involved in the suspicious activity other than to provide a description to the police,"

A neighbor who knows the couple reported, "After the woman was beaten she started hitting at her assailants with her hands and slipper."

 Original Story. Wednesday Sept. 14-A pair of burglars, a man and a woman, broke into a West McLean home this morning and robbed an elderly couple, Fairfax County police said.

The couple in their 70s were awakened around 7:50 a.m. in the 1500 block of Pathfinder Lane when they encountered a pair of burglars that had apparently broken into their home, police said in a press release.

One of the residents had risen from her bed after hearing noises. She went downstairs where she met the intruders. They demanded money and struck her. The suspects also roused the second victim who was still in bed. They stole a purse and fled when one of the victims screamed, police said.

The president of the West McLean Citizens Association said in an e-mail to neighbors earlier today, "FCPD said that it was a targeted invasion where they believe the intruders either knew the home owners or were aware of certain valuables at the location and specifically targeted this home."

The police said in its press release, "Detectives believe the suspect and victims are not known to each other and are continuing to investigate the incident."

One of the suspects is described as male and around six feet tall. The other is a petite female. Both wore dark clothing, police said.

"FCPD said that neighbors should be careful, keep their homes and cars locked at all times, and should keep a look out for suspicious activity and people," Matt Rampy, president of the West McLean association told his neighbors.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

*The McLean Police District spreads over 44 square miles and including communities ranging from Merrifield and Dunn Loring to Langley and Great Falls.