Detectives from the Fairfax County Police Department’s Auto Crimes Enforcement (ACE) Unit arrested a man in Groveton for auto theft and unlawful possession of a firearm. The arrest took place on August 14 at around 10:38 a.m., when detectives, while on patrol in the Mount Vernon District, found a stolen vehicle in the 6000 block of Richmond Highway.
Police identified the driver as Nathan Temesgen, 23, of Alexandria. He was taken into custody without incident. During an inventory search of the vehicle, officers discovered a loaded firearm. Investigators later confirmed that Temesgen is a convicted felon and is not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition.
Temesgen was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. He faces charges including Grand Larceny Auto, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, and Petit Larceny. He is being held without bond.
The arrest falls under Operation Press Check, an initiative by Fairfax County Police aimed at reducing illegal firearm possession among convicted felons to enhance public safety.
“Our ACE Unit continues to focus on proactive enforcement efforts to recover stolen vehicles, identify offenders, and remove illegally possessed firearms from our community,” police said in a statement.
Detectives are seeking information related to this incident and encourage anyone with details to contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 5. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), online via their website, or through the ‘P3 Tips’ App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers.” Tipsters may be eligible for cash rewards if they provide contact information for follow-up.
Residents are encouraged to register their security cameras with Connect Fairfax County to assist police investigations involving crimes or missing persons.
For further updates on this case and others, visit the department’s blog or follow them on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram @FairfaxCountyPD.
