Arlington County police are investigating an incident that resulted in a theft suspect discharging a round from the gun of a responding officer.
The incident happened just after 4:30 p.m. when a person began to load up a backpack with merchandise from the Target at 740 N. Glebe Road, according to scanner traffic.
The suspect fled the store on foot, with officers spotting and attempting to take the suspect into custody as he went north on N. Vermont Street, according to scanner traffic.
According to police, a struggle ensued that resulted in the suspect discharging a round from an officer’s firearm. Backup rushed to the scene during the struggle after a report that the suspect was trying to take the officer’s gun.
No injuries were reported. A police spokeswoman told ARLnow that the exact circumstances of the incident were still under investigation.
The suspect was taken into custody in a home’s front yard near the intersection of N. Vermont Street and 7th Street N., approximately a quarter-mile from Target.
More, below, from a preliminary ACPD incident summary.
POLICE ACTIVITY: At approximately 4:38 p.m., ACPD responded to a larceny in the 700 block of N. Glebe Road. A responding officer located the suspect and gave him commands to stop. The suspect ran and a foot pursuit was initiated. The officer attempted to take the suspect into custody in the 700 block of N. Vermont Street when a struggle ensued and the suspect discharged a round from the officer’s firearm. The suspect was then taken into custody. No injuries were reported. As a precaution, the officer and suspect have been transported to an area hospital. The investigation is ongoing.
The Ballston Target has recently been a frequent target of thieves. In just the first half of this year, theft offenses in the 700 block of N. Glebe Road are up nearly 50% year over year, according to stats provided by Arlington County police.
Update on 8/8/24 — Police have released more information about the suspect and the incident.
