Arlington police responded to a pair of robberies in two of the county’s busiest neighborhoods Wednesday afternoon and evening.
The first happened in Clarendon around 4 p.m. Initial reports suggested two people were assaulted and robbed outside the Sweetgreen along Clarendon Blvd. The suspect was spotted and arrested nearby, shortly after officers arrived on scene.
In today’s crime report, Arlington County police say the victims were robbed of a tablet while sitting at a table, then were struck by the suspect as they tried to follow and confront him.
More from ACPD:
ROBBERY, 2021-10060105, N. Highland Street at Clarendon Boulevard. At approximately 4:08 p.m. on October 6, police were dispatched to the report of a robbery by force. A lookout was broadcast and the suspect was located in the area and taken into custody without incident. The investigation determined that the suspect approached the victims and allegedly stole a tablet from their table. The two victims followed and confronted the suspect who struck the victims multiple times before dropping the tablet and fleeing on foot. The victims sustained minor injuries and declined the treatment of medics. Michael Vasquez, 28, of No Fixed Address, was arrested and charged with Robbery by Force (x2). He was held on no bond.
Last night in the Crystal City area, meanwhile, a man was robbed of jewelry shortly before 9:30 p.m. The robbery happened near the 23rd Street S. shops and restaurants.
Per Arlington County police:
ROBBERY, 2021-10060182, 2300 block of S. Fern Street. At approximately 9:25 p.m. on October 6, police responding to an unrelated incident were flagged down by the victim for the report of a robbery by force. The victim stated that approximately 30 minutes prior, he was walking in the area when the two unknown male suspects approached him from behind, pressed a hard object into his back and demanded all of his possessions. The two suspects stole the victim’s jewelry before fleeing the scene on foot. Suspect One is described as a Hispanic male, wearing a black tracksuit. Suspect Two is described as a Hispanic male, wearing a white t-shirt and shorts. The investigation is ongoing.