Arlington County police are warning of a man who has been grabbing people from behind in a sexual manner.
The incidents have taken place in the Arlington Mill neighborhood and typically involve female victims having their buttocks touched inappropriately by the suspect, who then flees the scene well before police arrive, according to ACPD.
At least three such sexual battery incidents have been reported since Nov. 23. The latest involved a girl under the age of 18 and police believe there may be more incidents and more victims.
The past two incidents, as described in ACPD crime reports, are below.
SEXUAL BATTERY, 2024-12210141, 5100 block of 8th Road S. At approximately 5:10 p.m. on December 21, police were dispatched to the report of an assault just occurred. Upon arrival, it was determined the juvenile female victim was walking outside when the male suspect approached her from behind, touched her buttocks and subsequently fled the scene on foot. Responding officers canvassed the area for the suspect yielding negative results. The suspect is described as a heavy-set Hispanic male, approximately 5’6” wearing all black clothing. The investigation is ongoing.
SEXUAL BATTERY (late), 2024-12180190, 8th Road S. at S. Greenbrier Street. At approximately 7:09 p.m. on December 18, police were dispatched to the late report of an assault. Upon arrival, it was determined at approximately 6:50 p.m., the female victim was walking outside when the male suspect approached her from behind, touched her buttocks and subsequently fled the scene on foot. Responding officers canvassed the area for the suspect yielding negative results. The suspect is described as a heavy-set Hispanic male, approximately 30 years old, 5’6”, wearing a black jacket, blue jeans, black gloves and a hoodie. The investigation is ongoing.
Police issued a press release about the crimes Monday night.
The Arlington County Police Department’s Special Victims Unit is investigating a series of sexual batteries in the Arlington Mill neighborhood and is seeking possible additional victims.
At approximately 5:28 p.m. on November 23, police were dispatched to the report of an assault just occurred. Upon arrival, it was determined the female victim was walking outside in the area when she passed by the male suspect who subsequently touched her buttocks before he fled the scene on foot. The suspect is described as a heavy-set Hispanic male, approximately 17-30 years old and 5’3”-5’6” tall.
Similar incidents were reported in Arlington Mill on December 18, 2024 and December 21, 2024. Preliminary incident summaries for each of these incidents can be found on our Daily Crime Reports.
ACPD reminds community members of the following safety tips for traveling on foot:
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times
- Walk in well-lit, high-traffic areas
- When possible, walk with another person or group of people
- If you see something suspicious, call 9-1-1 in an emergency or 703-558-2222 in a non-emergency
Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives believe there may be additional incidents that have not been reported to police. Anyone who may have experienced a similar incident or has information is asked to contact Detective C. Oesterling at 703-228-4241 or [email protected]. Information may also be provided anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
