Customer captures man who robbed laundromat

Quijada [FCPD]

A man who committed an armed robbery at the Surf N Suds Laundromat at 5715 Columbia Pike in Bailey’s Crossroads Aug. 28 almost got away. But then a man waiting outside for his laundry chased the suspect and held him until the police arrived.

Ricardo Guido Quijada, 32, of no fixed address, was arrested, transported to the Adult Detention Center, and charged with robbery and two counts of petit larceny, the Fairfax County Police Department reports.

Quijada allegedly entered the Surf N Suds at about 4:15 p.m., displayed a handgun, and demanded cash. After being given an undisclosed amount of money, he fled on foot.

According to FCPD spokesperson Officer Monica Meeks, a customer heard people calling “thief, thief!” so he chased the suspect across Columbia Pike, caught him by the Meaza Restaurant, and tackled him to the ground.

“There was a brief struggle, and the suspect started dropping stuff,” Meeks said. The customer “forced him to stand up, walked him back to the laundromat, and sat him down in a chair while they waited for the police.”

“The customer was not aware that the guy was armed,” she said. “We don’t recommend vigilante justice, although it worked out in this incident.”

The police do not give out the names of witnesses, victims, or bystanders.