U.S. Park Police are investigating a series of thefts from cars in the Potomac area and suspect a man may be connected to nearly 20 cases since last year.
Alexander Shamuilov, 34, is suspected in a theft from auto at Carderock Park on April 19, according to an information flyer from U.S. Park Police. The suspect entered a Honda sedan by punching the driver’s door lock, police said, and credit cards were stolen before the vehicle was re-secured.
Police said that method of break-in is consistent with 18 other thefts from auto in the Great Falls (Maryland), Carderock and Widewater areas going back to August of last year.
Videos in those cases show suspects similar to Shamuilov, according to police.
In all the cases, Hondas were targeted, most commonly the Honda CRV. Police believe Shamuilov rents vehicles from the New York or New Jersey area to travel in the local area and commit the crimes — usually with a female suspect.
Park Police ask anyone who observes this behavior or suspect to call Detective Sergeant Carl Holmberg at 202-907-1198. In an emergency, call U.S. Park Police Dispatch Operations Center at 202-610-7500 or call 911.
At this time, all information available for the investigation is contained in the information flyer, per a U.S. Park Police public information officer. Police ask anyone with information that can aid investigators to contact the numbers provided.
Police have asked National Park Service staff to stay alert for newer model cars with New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania tags in those park areas that are near Hondas, and also to stay diligent for anyone appearing to use a tool to punch car door locks.
