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Fairfax County police arrested a naked man suspected in a string of burglaries and attempted break-ins after drones tracked him through Centreville’s London Towne neighborhood and back to his own house.

Residents lined the road, cheering and clapping as 21-year-old Sederick Walker was taken into custody early Monday, Maj. Jim Curry said at a news conference.

“I’ve never seen anything like it, where there were audible cheers and shouting for him being taken into custody,” Curry said.

Police believe Walker was involved in several incidents over four days in March and again on April 1. Investigators said the suspect entered three homes but did not steal anything.

Authorities initially worked from a sketch, followed by a photograph and video of a man wearing only sneakers and a face covering. Police Chief Kevin Davis said the department eventually installed cameras in public areas because investigators expected the suspect to return.

An officer spotted a naked man on camera at about 4:45 a.m. Monday, prompting police to deploy drones within 30 seconds. The drones confirmed what detectives had seen and followed the man as officers approached.

Police said Walker ran when confronted. A veteran officer with 20 years on the force chased him while drone footage showed the suspect circle a group of townhouses, jump a fence and enter the back door of his own home.

Detectives had conducted surveillance in the neighborhood every morning since an April 1 attempted break-in in the 14800 block of Palmerston Square. Curry said officers worked from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m., staying outside their vehicles and hiding in bushes as they waited for the suspect to return.

After obtaining a search warrant, officers entered Walker’s house and persuaded him to come downstairs before arresting him.

Walker was charged with burglary, two counts of breaking and entering to commit a misdemeanor, four counts of indecent exposure, two counts of trespassing, wearing a mask in public and obstruction of justice. He was being held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

Police said Walker had no criminal history and was not previously known to the department.

Asked about Walker’s possible mental state, Curry said the suspect appeared aware of officers’ commands and took deliberate steps to evade capture before hiding inside his home.

Investigators have not determined why the suspect allegedly targeted his neighbors’ homes. Davis said police feared the conduct could escalate, although no one had been physically harmed.

Anyone with information about the case can contact Fairfax County police at 866-411-8477.