Prince William County, Va. — Aaron H. Thomas, the man police have dubbed the East Coast Rapist, arrived in Prince William County today to face charges of rape in a case dating back to Halloween 2009.
Thomas was extradited from Connecticut, where he was arrested at his home in New Haven in March.
Police say Aaron H. Thomas, now 39, approached three female teenagers while they were walking home from a night of trick-or-treating.
Thomas used a gun forced them into a wooded area and then raped two 17-year-old girls while a 16-year-old girl watched helplessly.
The 16-year-old used her phone to summon help, police said. By the time police arrived that night, the suspect had fled the area, said police.
After the suspect was arrested, police said he used to live in Dale City.
Earlier this year, police erected billboards with sketches of the suspected rapist’s face up and down the east coast. Shortly after that, a tip came into police from Maryland that led police to their suspect in Connecticut.
Police began looking for the alleged East Coast Rapist when the first attacks were reported in 1997 in Maryland. Of the 40 attacks he’s been linked to, six of them happened in Virginia, police said.
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The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
