A man armed with an axe tried to rob a business in Ballston before leading police on a foot chase, according to ACPD.
The incident started just before 5:30 p.m. Saturday on the 4200 block of Fairfax Drive, at the Cigars Unlimited shop. The man allegedly shattered a display case before fleeing the store.
Officers located the suspect nearby and gave chase, taking him into custody on the 900 block of N. Stuart Street, at the Ballston Exchange office complex, about 20 minutes after the initial robbery attempt.
The 18-year-old suspect was previously banned from the store and was charged with petty larceny several days prior to Saturday’s arrest, according to Arlington County police and court records. He was released on summons from that incident and was due back in court for an arraignment on July 18.
The police response during the case was caught on video and posted on social media, below, by local public safety watchers Dave Statter and Matthew Young.
Here's video 🔽🔽 of the @ArlingtonVaPD foot chase in Ballston about an hour ago. More details from @matthewyoung31 in the attached post ⏬⏬. @ARLnowDOTcom @HCBright10 #safety #crime #arlington #police #chase #Ballston https://t.co/3pYSQblYZb pic.twitter.com/utLzqL1dko
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) June 1, 2024
The suspect is now facing four additional charges and is being held without bond, police say.
More, below, from an ACPD crime report.
ATTEMPTED ROBBERY, 2024-06010196, 4200 block of Fairfax Drive. At approximately 5:25 p.m. on June 1, police were dispatched to the report of destruction of property. Upon arrival, it was determined that the male suspect entered a business he had previously been banned from and went behind the counter, during which an employee called police. The suspect then walked towards the exit, produced an axe concealed in a backpack and struck a display case, causing damage. The suspect then fled the scene on foot. Officers broadcast a lookout and observed the suspect running in the area. Following a foot pursuit, the suspect was taken into custody in the 900 block of N. Stuart Street. The axe was recovered by officers. [The suspect], 18, of No Fixed Address was arrested and charged with Attempted Robbery, Destruction of Property, Possession of Burglarious Tools, and Trespassing. He is being held without bond.
