Efforts to combat retail theft in Pentagon City led to the arrest of more than a dozen suspects in a single day last month.
The Arlington County Police Department’s “focused enforcement” effort on Aug. 22 resulted in 15 suspects being taken into custody, with charges ranging from petit larceny and receiving stolen property to narcotics violations.
One suspect was also charged with obstruction of justice for making threats to kill officers while he was being detained, according to ACPD.
“With the help of our regional law enforcement partners and the Arlington business community, we are working to disrupt this type of criminal activity and are sending a message to anyone thinking of committing retail theft in Arlington County,” ACPD Chief Andy Penn said.
In total, the suspects were charged with 15 felony and 30 misdemeanor offenses. Thousands of dollars of merchandise was recovered and suspects received 20 notices banning them from stores.
The operation follows a previous retail theft detail in the spring that resulted in eight arrests in Pentagon City.
Penn called the most recent arrests “impressive” and said they highlight “the extent of retail theft that can occur within our businesses.”
“Arlington County Police officers and detectives remain committed to ensuring public safety in accordance with our key initiative of crime prevention and control,” Penn said.
