(Updated at 8:50 p.m.) A man wanted for a series of credit card and vehicle thefts has finally been taken into custody after a high-speed chase that zoomed through Arlington.
Alton Thodos, who escaped from a Fairfax County motel two weeks ago while surrounded by police, drove a reportedly stolen SUV northbound on the HOV lanes of I-395 this morning, pursued by Fairfax County police. Arlington County officers and the Fairfax County police helicopter assisted pursuing officers as the chase continued northbound toward the 14th Street Bridge.
Before the chase crossed the bridge, an Arlington officer attempted but to use a “spike strip” to flatten the tires of the SUV, but Thodos managed to maneuver around it, according to scanner traffic. (The image above shows the chase just before it crossed the river.)
Officers lost sight of the SUV after crossing into the District, but the search continued and the pursuit later continued in D.C. and Maryland. Thodos, 32, was later arrested after a crash in District Heights, Md.
More via Twitter:
Scanner: Police chase just zoomed up I-395 and crossed the 14th Street Bridge. Fairfax County PD chasing a stolen vehicle. Pursuit now happening in D.C. pic.twitter.com/ctGnRWuHwN
— Arlington Now (@ARLnowDOTcom) October 9, 2018
This is the vehicle that was being chased through Arlington on I-395 earlier today https://t.co/xTiGy6gWkW
— Arlington Now (@ARLnowDOTcom) October 9, 2018
MULTI-AGENCY CHASE HAS ENDED W/ARREST- 6214 Marlboro Pike in District Heights. Suspect is in custody. Seveal vehicles damaged in chase. Need EMS for minor injury.
— Alan Henney (@alanhenney) October 9, 2018
Witnesses say Thodo was being chased by police when he crashed and was surrounded. He jumped from his window and was tackled by police. The fugitive has been on the run after escaping a barricade situation in FFX pic.twitter.com/v8g9eLkuAd
— Brad Bell (@ABC7Brad) October 9, 2018
UPDATE: Alton Thodos has been arrested by the Prince George’s County Police Department in Maryland. Thanks to all the jurisdictions for assisting us with his arrest. @PGPDnews, @VSPPIO, @AlexandriaVAPD, @USParkpolicepio, and @DCpolicedept.
— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) October 9, 2018
Recent Stories

Need help dealing with anxiety, depression or stress?
If you’re struggling to cope with anxiety, depression or stress, our virtual psychotherapy services can help. We offer a confidential and convenient service that’s tailored to your needs.
In our practice, cognitive behavioral therapy (or CBT) is an important tool we use to provide effective relief for those facing anxiety and depression. We believe that cognitive change can be used to improve behaviors and emotions, thus allowing you to achieve mental wellness. By understanding the cognitive distortions that lead to negative thought patterns, we are able to create interventions tailored to each of our clients. This empowering approach can help you gain control of how your own thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors impact your experience. With CBT, our service provides an effective treatment that can bring long-term change and mental stability.
Book a free consultation today and see how we can help you live a happier and healthier life.

St. Charles offers a play-based curriculum in a welcoming, Christ-centered environment.
Our program focuses on socio-emotional development and kindergarten readiness through hands-on and engaging activities. Our programs offer different schedules ranging from 7:30 am-5:30 pm for students, ages 2-5. We feature a full-day Jr. kindergarten class for older 4’s/5’s. Our facility includes a full-sized gymnasium, school chapel, and library. All of our students enjoy music and physical education weekly. Children have an opportunity to participate in enrichment classes such as soccer, basketball, ballet, and science.
We offer Summer Camp with weekly themes and twice a week water play, including Fun Friday moon bounce. Please join us for our Open House Feb. 3 at 9:30 am and 11:00 am. Click here to sign-up.
For more information or to schedule a tour, visit us at www.stcharlesarlington.org or call (703) 527-0608.
Almost, Maine
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, join us for a series of vignettes that revolve around the theme of love. Taking place in an almost-town called Almost, Maine, we will show you different, but important, facet of love in each
First-time Moms Meet & Greet
The truth, your first pregnancy and new mom months are full of twists and turns, ups and downs, and lots of questions! None of us really know the best way to do it – we just figure it out, together…