A Washington-Liberty High School senior was killed in a double homicide yesterday in Fairfax County.
Braden Deahl, 18, was a standout soccer player on the W-L varsity team who had committed to play at St. Mary’s College of Maryland earlier this month, according to an athletics website.
Deahl’s death was announced in an email to W-L families this afternoon.
“It is with great sadness that I inform you that one of our seniors, Braden Deahl, died on Monday,” wrote principal Tony Hall. “Braden was a beloved member of the Washington-Liberty family, and impacted the lives of many of our students and staff members. He brought much joy to all who knew him, especially his soccer teammates and fellow 12th graders. We all deeply feel his loss.”
Shortly thereafter, Fairfax County police announced that Deahl was one of two young men killed at an apartment complex near Tysons on Memorial Day.
“On May 29, 2023 at 3:37 p.m., officers responded to an apartment building in the 2200 block of Pimmit Run Lane in Falls Church for a man who had been shot. Jonas Skinner, 20, of Ashburn, was found in the laundry room of the apartment building with a gunshot wound to the upper body,” wrote FCPD. “Officers found three additional individuals in the parking lot suffering from stab wounds to their upper body. Braden Deahl, 18, of Arlington County, was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.”
The other two stabbing victims are expected to survive, though one remains in the hospital.
In a press release, below, FCPD said the killings appear to have been drug-related. A teenager has been arrested and charged with robbery resulting in death.
Detectives believe a drug related robbery led to the fatal shooting of one man and the fatal stabbing of another. Police have charged one juvenile in connection to this crime and anticipate more updates to follow.
On May 29, 2023 at 3:37 p.m., officers responded to an apartment building in the 2200 block of Pimmit Run Lane in Falls Church for a man who had been shot. Jonas Skinner, 20, of Ashburn, was found in the laundry room of the apartment building with a gunshot wound to the upper body. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel declared Skinner deceased at the scene.
Officers found three additional individuals in the parking lot suffering from stab wounds to their upper body. Braden Deahl, 18, of Arlington County, was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The other two victims were taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for injuries not believed to be life threatening. One of the juveniles remains hospitalized.
During a search of the area, K9 officers located a significant amount of marijuana nearby believed to be connected to the homicide. All individuals involved are believed to be known to each other and this is not a random act of violence.
Earlier today, a 17-year-old was charged with robbery resulting in death.
Police anticipate more announcements in this case.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death in the coming days.
Deahl is at least the second Arlingtonian to be murdered outside of the county’s borders so far this year. A Yorktown High School grad was killed in a D.C. hotel room in April.
The full letter from Hall to Washington-Liberty families is below.
(Updated at 12:10 p.m.) The smell of natural gas has been reported in parts of the Westover neighborhood after a major leak.
The leak in a gas transmission line was first reported around 9:30 a.m. on the 1800 block of N. Lexington Street. Initial reports suggest that Arlington’s emergency dispatch center received reports of a gas smell in the nearby Westover library, Cardinal Elementary School and other locations as a result of the leak.
“It has come to our attention that there is a leak in a gas line up the street and there have been reports of a gas smell in pockets throughout the building, the principal of Cardinal Elementary wrote in an email to families. “We were told that the students are safe and it will be fixed soon.”
Washington Gas crews are now on scene working to repair the line. Firefighters are also standing by, just in case.
Units are on the scene of large natural gas leak in the 1800 BLK of N Lexington St. Individuals in the immediate area can expect an odor of gas as @washingtongas works to control the leak. pic.twitter.com/bFPAD2vtyG
— Arlington Fire & EMS (@ArlingtonVaFD) May 30, 2023
Arlington County will soon start using an automated system developed by Amazon Web Services to answer non-emergency public safety calls.
Starting on Thursday (June 1), non-emergency callers to 703-558-2222 will go through Amazon Connect to address their issues, according to the county.
“Amazon Connect is a cloud-based contact center service that allows residents to connect with the Arlington County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) for non-emergency inquiries,” says an FAQ on the county website. “When a caller dials (703) 558-2222 for non-emergency needs, Amazon Connect will answer the call and provide verbal assistance. It will provide a faster and more efficient response to non-emergency inquiries. Alternate languages will be built out in the future.”
“Personal information is not stored or shared with Amazon or the County,” the FAQ adds. “Amazon Connect is only for non-emergency calls like car towing inquiries, animal control needs, or noise complaints. For emergencies, always call 9-1-1.”
Additional capabilities, including the ability to speak languages other than English and artificial intelligence-driven functionality to address certain inquiries, are in the works, the county said.
In September 2021, WTOP reported that Arlington’s Emergency Communications Center was experiencing staffing shortages and “addressing concerns that its current setup is problematic and even potentially dangerous.”
More, below, from an Arlington County press release.
The Arlington County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) will launch Amazon Connect to handle non-emergency calls starting June 1, 2023. This cloud-based service allows anyone to contact the County quickly and easily for non-emergency issues using the non-emergency line, 703-558-2222, freeing up 9-1-1 professionals to focus on emergencies.
Amazon Connect is a secure and accessible service that allows the ECC to address non-emergency calls more efficiently while protecting caller privacy. The technology will streamline operations, improve service delivery, and reduce the burden on emergency responders.
“We are excited to continue to lead the region in implementing responsive and industry best-practice emergency communications technology,” said William Flagler, Director of the Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management. “The use of Amazon Connect for non-emergency calls will allow our emergency communications staff to focus on emergencies while providing residents with faster, more efficient, and secure service for non-emergency inquiries.”
Amazon Connect is only for non-emergency calls; the current 9-1-1 system will continue to handle emergency calls.
When a caller dials 703-558-2222 (the non-emergency line), Amazon Connect will answer and provide verbal assistance. The system can answer calls and speak to the caller to provide verbal direction, providing a faster and more efficient response to non-emergency inquiries. No personal information is stored or shared with Amazon.
In the future, the County plans to expand the system’s capabilities using artificial intelligence. The system will learn to identify and effectively address reasons for calling (e.g. towed cars, potholes, trail and park maintenance, noise complaints, County operating status), and will offer service in the County’s top five most spoken languages. The County also plans to connect the system to its online reporting form and update residents on resolving non-emergency issues they share.
It was a dreadful sight for boaters looking forward to a Memorial Day on the water.
Early Sunday morning, a significant blaze broke out at Columbia Island Marina, between the GW Parkway and the Pentagon, prompting a large fire department response from Arlington and D.C., including D.C. fireboats.
At least three boats and some of the marina’s dock were damaged, according to D.C. Fire and EMS. The flames could be seen from a distance.
Despite the intensity of the fire at times, fed by the boats’ fuel tanks, no injuries were reported.
Update Columbia Island Marina. 3 vessels well involved. DC Fireboats working in unified command with @ArlingtonVaFD land units have extinguished all visible fire. No injuries reported. #DCsBravest pic.twitter.com/xskmFhgDB1
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) May 28, 2023
UPDATE: @ArlingtonVaFD moved in with a hose line from land to put the initial water on the fire. It's mostly out except some hot spots. @dcfireems boats helping. 2 or 3 boats & docks burned. @ARLnowDOTcom @SafetyVid @RealTimeNews10 #firefighters pic.twitter.com/LqmRjKUaZ2
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) May 28, 2023
Additional images of the fire overnight at the Columbia Island Marina. DC’s Fireboats and @ArlingtonVaFD worked together to extinguish 3 burning vessels. pic.twitter.com/ZZFG92jG7j
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) May 28, 2023
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) May 28, 2023
Memorial Day in Arlington — “President Joe Biden lauded the sacrifice of generations of U.S. troops who ‘dared all and gave all’ fighting for their country and called on Americans to ensure their ‘sacrifice was not in vain’ in Memorial Day observances at Arlington National Cemetery. Biden was joined at the traditional wreath-laying ceremony by first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Harris’ husband, Douglas Emhoff.” [Associated Press]
Fmr. County Board Candidate Assaulted — “My friend Dan Alban and I are creating this fundraiser for our dear friend Adam Theo, who was assaulted the night of May 28th. Theo, as he likes to be called, tells the story: ‘This evening when walking home I passed a young guy arguing w/ (I presume) his girlfriend in Clarendon. He starts getting violent with her – pushing her around and trying to rip off her clothes. I intervened… and got the s*** beat out of me.'” [GoFundMe, Twitter, WUSA 9]
Wrong-Way Driver Hits ACPD Cruiser — “At approximately 3:50 a.m. on May 26, an officer driving in the area of Wilson Boulevard and N. Edgewood Street observed a vehicle driving the opposite direction down a one-way street. The officer activated her emergency equipment and as she attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver, and sole occupant, exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. The suspect vehicle continued to roll and struck the occupied cruiser head-on.” [ACPD, Twitter]
South Block Expansion Plan — “Arlington-based smoothie and juice bar chain South Block is planning a major expansion that could see its local footprint more than triple over the next few years. The company, founded in 2011 by Amir Mostafavi, has kicked off a capital raise aimed at increasing the number of stores in the D.C. area from 15 to 50… Further out, Mostafavi hopes to strike out into new markets outside Greater Washington, potentially to include Richmond.” [Washington Business Journal]
Arlington No. 2 in Va. for Wealth — “Arlington ranks second in Virginia in a new ‘wealth index’ compiled by SmartAsset.com. Counties across the nation were ranked based on per-capita income, investment income and property value. The highest scoring community (San Mateo County, Calif.) had its result set at 100, with all other communities ranking below it. With an overall wealth index of 64.86, Arlington ranked below the city of Falls Church (72.89) among Virginia locales.” [Gazette Leader]
New Commander at Fort Myer — “Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall welcomed the new joint base commander, Col. Tasha N. Lowery, and bade farewell to Col. David D. Bowling, during a change of command ceremony May 25 at Conmy Hall. Welcome to JBM-HH, Col. Lowery!” [Twitter]
New Arlington Monopoly Game — “Arlingtonopoly, a one-of-a-kind Arlington-themed board game produced by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, will hit store shelves later this year… The game is expected to go on sale in fall 2023 and will cost $40.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Local Student in Nat’l Spelling Bee — “Ruby Kadera is one of 231 competitors in the Scripps National Spelling Bee this week! Opening ceremony tonight. Spelling begins tomorrow.” [Twitter]
It’s Tuesday — Cloudy in the morning, then turning sunny, with a high near 76. Northeast wind around 10 mph. At night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 55. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph. [Weather.gov]
Good Friday evening, Arlington. Today we published articles that were read a total of 8149 times… so far.
📈 Top stories
The following are the most-read articles for today — May 26, 2023.
- UPDATED: Man with rifle stolen from police car arrested at Pentagon City mall
- Police: Man with guns arrested after trying to evade fare at Metro station
- Morning Notes
Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.
- Arlington ranks as 10th priciest rental market in U.S. (8033 views)
- Demolition comes for the Americana Hotel in Crystal City (6609 views)
- NEW: Driver charged with DUI manslaughter after woman struck and killed (6329 views)
- ACPD: Twenty-five vehicles damaged during recent theft sprees (5944 views)
- Redevelopment plans for Columbia Pike strip mall stall after grocery tenant pulls out (5601 views)
- Police: Armed, drunk men arrested in Clarendon and Ballston over weekend (4562 views)
- Goodwill and AHC propose new affordable housing, new store and child care (4321 views)
- Arlington resident to compete on Jeopardy! this week (4298 views)
- UPDATED: Man with rifle stolen from police car arrested at Pentagon City mall (4385 views)
- Rolling Thunder will rumble back into Arlington this weekend (3611 views)
- Arlington man arrested after attacking employees at hospital (3062 views)
- Joe’s had its place, but A Modo Mio is the way forward (2781 views)
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s going on Saturday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
- 2:00 pm: Artist Talk: Adam Henry
- 👉 7:30 pm: Marvelous European Masters – National Chamber Ensemble
- 7:30 pm: Marvelous European Masters – National Chamber Ensemble
Here are the events planned for Sunday:
☀️ Saturday’s forecast
Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. East wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. At night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. East wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.”
– Helen Keller
🌅 Tonight’s sunset
We hope you have a great weekend, Arlington! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋
It’s Memorial Day weekend in Arlington.
The flags are in at Arlington National Cemetery, ‘Rolling to Remember’ participants are rolling up to local hotels, and the 35% of locals who say they’re traveling for the weekend have been keeping National Airport busy.
ARLnow staff photographer Jay Westcott has been out and about over the past day or so, documenting some of the scenes around the county. Providing an assist is Army photographer Elizabeth Fraser, whose photos of the “Flags In” event were published online by Arlington National Cemetery.
This was the 75th annual Flags In at the cemetery. More, below, from the U.S. Dept. of Defense.
An honored tradition.
Soldiers assigned to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” and other service members placed American flags at headstones at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., in advance of Memorial Day.
This was the 75th anniversary of “Flags In,” during which service members adorn gravesites at Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery to honor the nation’s fallen heroes.
(Updated at 5:30 p.m.) A ballistic-vest-wearing man armed with a rifle that was allegedly stolen from a police car was arrested this morning at the Pentagon City mall.
The first call came in shortly after 9 a.m. for reports of a man armed with a long gun who was “waving it around” and walking up and down 12th Street S., near the Pentagon City Metro entrance.
Callers told 911 dispatchers that he was wearing a red plaid shirt, tan cargo pants, and a ballistic vest with federal agency markings, while holding a rifle. Subsequent dispatches suggested he was walking in the direction of the mall after trying to drop off a bag he was carrying in the lobby of the apartment building at 710 12th Street S.
Eventually, an officer radioed that she had the suspect stopped in the mall parking garage and requested backup to take him into custody.
No one was hurt. The rifle — allegedly stolen from an Arlington County police cruiser that was parked nearby — was recovered from the 21-year-old suspect.
“At approximately 9:06 a.m., police were dispatched to the 700 block of 12th Street S. for the report of a person with a gun,” Arlington County Police Department spokeswoman Alli Shorb tells ARLnow. “The preliminary investigation indicates the suspect forced entry into an off-duty officer’s parked police vehicle using a shovel and removed a secured rifle and other items.”
“With the assistance of community members contacting 911 to report a suspicious male walking in the area with a rifle and non-ACPD ballistic vest, responding officers quickly located and took the suspect into custody without incident,” Shorb continued. “The suspect was taken into custody in the parking garage and officers recovered the rifle which he was in possession of… No injuries were reported and charges are pending.”
#caughtoncamera: Watch as man with reported stolen police rifle & vest jogs into mall in Pentagon City, VA. @ArlingtonVaPD arrest him a short time later. Arlington camera via @SafetyVid. Details here- https://t.co/j5XrcTP8OI @ARLnowDOTcom @charlienbc @TomJackmanWP @BruceLeshan pic.twitter.com/QKGg3eBx1D
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) May 26, 2023
The incident comes 20 days after a man armed with a rifle opened fire at an outlet mall in Allen, Texas, killing eight people, including children.
More, below, from an ACPD press release issued Friday evening.
The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is announcing the arrest of a suspect armed with a stolen rifle in the Pentagon City area on the morning of May 26, 2023. Tyler Rodriguez-Hernandez, 21, of No Fixed Address, was arrested and charged with Grand Larceny, Petit Larceny, Receiving Stolen Goods, Destruction of Property, Wearing Body Armor in the Commission of a Crime and Unlawful Wearing of Police Insignia. He is being held in the Arlington County Detention Facility on no bond.
At approximately 9:06 a.m., police were dispatched to the 700 block of 12th Street S. for the report of a person with a gun. A perimeter was established and a lookout for the suspect was broadcast. Officers located the suspect in possession of a stolen rifle and wearing a non-ACPD ballistic vest with police insignia inside a parking garage in the 1100 block of S. Hayes Street and took him into custody without incident.
The preliminary investigation indicates the suspect entered a parking garage in the 700 block of 12th Street S. and discharged a fire extinguisher before he forced entry with a shovel into an off-duty officer’s parked police vehicle and removed a secured rifle and other items. The suspect then ran across the street, briefly entered a shopping mall and exited into the parking garage where he was located and apprehended by responding officers. The rifle was recovered on scene and no injuries were reported.
Today’s quick apprehension was aided by the proactive involvement of community members who immediately reported the suspect’s suspicious behavior by calling 911. This remains an active criminal investigation and anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact Detective A. Barnickle of the Criminal Investigations Division at 703-228-4342 or [email protected] Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
A simple fare evasion offense led to serious charges Thursday in Pentagon City, police say.
According to Metro Transit Police, a 24-year-old D.C. man tried to enter the Metro gates without paying. He was detained and “failed to comply with citation and ID check,” then was arrested and “found to be in possession [of two] semi-automatic handguns and brass knuckles,” police said.
The man is now facing gun and other charges.
The public announcement of the arrest comes as Metro steps up enforcement of fare evasion. The transit agency’s police force resumed issuing tickets to fare jumpers in November. In March, Metro revealed that 13% of riders are not paying their fare while touting new, taller faregates that are harder to hop.
Last month, Metro CEO and General Manager Randy Clarke told WTOP that “we need to gain control of the system back and we’ve got to bring a sense of orderliness.”
“Not everyone that fare evades commits criminal activity on our system,” Clarke told the radio station. “But, almost universally… 99.9% of people that commit criminal acts in our system fare evade.”
Neighboring D.C. decriminalized fare evasion in 2018, with supporters of the move arguing that its enforcement in the city was racially disproportionate. Fare evasion remains a crime in Virginia and Maryland, but in all three jurisdictions the punishment is a fine.
Henderson will be charged w/ fare evasion, carrying concealed firearms, & other charges. MTPD extends gratitude to our officers for keeping illegal weapons out of Metro, & is continuing boosted patrols across the system to reduce fare evasion & keep Metro customers safe. #wmata pic.twitter.com/nb4QVLW3qr
— Metro Transit Police (@MetroTransitPD) May 25, 2023
Memorial Day Closures — Arlington County courts, county offices, libraries, and community centers will be closed Monday for the Memorial Day holiday. County and school pools will be closed with the exception of Washington-Liberty, which is scheduled to be open from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Parking meters will not be enforced. [Arlington County]
Longtime Election Appointee Departing — “For three different stints totaling 20 years, Scott McGeary has represented the interests of Republicans and the broader community on the Arlington Electoral Board. That will end sometime this summer, as McGeary and his wife Linda will be moving to Frederick County, Va.” [Gazette Leader]
Prosecutor Race Update — “Incumbent commonwealth’s attorneys in Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun counties are all facing Democratic primary challenges this June. The contests, which will conclude on primary election day on June 20, have become arguments over what criminal justice reform in Northern Virginia should look like, and who is best placed to lead it.” [DCist]
Total Employment Rising in Arlington — “Total employment within Arlington was up 2.4 percent year-over-year to close out 2022, according to new federal data, roughly on par with the national average. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics on May 25 reported fourth-quarter employment data showing Arlington had 176,700 employed within its 26-square-mile confines.” [Gazette Leader]
Yorktown Lax in Regional Championship — “Trailing by three goals in the fourth quarter, the host and top-seed Yorktown Patriots (17-1) rallied to win, 15-14, over the McLean Highlanders by netting the final four scores in the championship match of the Liberty District boys lacrosse tournament… Yorktown and the Madison Warhawks are scheduled to play in the region championship match on Friday, May 26 at Madison.” [Gazette Leader]
It’s Friday — Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Northeast wind 5 to 9 mph. At night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph. [Weather.gov]
Address: 1824 N. Inglewood Street
Neighborhood: Tara
Type: 6 BR, 4 (+1 half) BA single-family detached — 3,800 sq. ft.
Listed: $1,475,000
Noteworthy: Expanded with 4 bedrooms upstairs, 2 main level bedrooms, 2 garages and a carport
A delightful combination of character and space, this expanded home is well sited on an 11,000 square foot lot in the leafy Tara neighborhood.
Renovated kitchen with center island flows into sun-filled breakfast room, dining room and living room with fireplace. A laundry area with pantry opens to the carport, making it convenient to bring packages directly into the home. Two bedrooms are on the main level along with both a full and half bath. Upstairs, the primary bedroom has a vaulted ceiling, two walk-in closets, a bathroom with double vanity, soaking tub, and separate shower. Three other bedrooms on this level have architectural detailing, large closets, and are served by a hall bathroom.
The lower level features a rec room with 10 foot ceilings, tall windows, built ins, and areas for media, play, and relaxing. A door leads to the patio and well landscaped back yard. A gym, second laundry room, workshop, and storage room complete this level.
Located between Westover Village and Lee-Harrison Center, the home is near parks, bike path, and amenities. Glebe Elementary School, Swanson Middle School, and Yorktown High School are nearby.
Listed by:
Betsy Twigg
[email protected]
(703) 967-4391
