A wild incident involving a theft suspect in Pentagon City over the weekend was caught on camera.
It happened around 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, a block away from the Pentagon Centre shopping center. Police say a 31-year-old man stole items from a nearby store and then tried to fight an officer who tried to take him into custody.
An off-duty officer driving by saw the struggle and stopped to help.
More, beloe, from today’s Arlington County Police Department crime report.
ASSAULT ON POLICE, 2024-03090121, 1200 block of S. Hayes Street. At approximately 1:41 p.m. on March 9, police were dispatched to the report of a larceny just occurred. Upon arrival, it was determined the male suspect entered the business and allegedly concealed merchandise before exiting the store without payment. A responding officer located the suspect in the area of 15th Street S. and S. Fern Street and attempted to detain him. The suspect resisted arrest, pushed the officer away and attempted to strike them during which an off-duty officer who was driving in the area observed the struggle and exited their vehicle to assist in taking the suspect into custody. The suspect sustained minor injuries and refused medical attention. [The suspect], 31, of No Fixed Address, was arrested and charged with Assault on Police, Petit Larceny and Obstruction of Justice.
The scene was caught on camera and posted to social media by local public safety watcher Dave Statter.
Watch this: A little street drama around 2pm on S. 15th between Elm and Fern in Pentagon City. A struggle occurred between an @ArlingtonVaPD officer and a person they were trying to detain. Someone jumped out of their car to help the officer before backup arrived. Officers were… pic.twitter.com/l86OExmLlV
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) March 9, 2024
Today’s crime report also details a trio of robberies, in the Pentagon City, Rosslyn, and Courthouse areas.
The first, Saturday night, involved a knife-wielding man stealing money from a tip jar. The second, Sunday morning, involved a man who drove by a woman in a parking lot and stole her phone out of her hand. The third, Sunday night, involved a theft of cigarettes from a store by a pair of robbers, one of whom reportedly had a gun.
More from ACPD:
ROBBERY, 2024-03090186, 1000 block of S. Hayes Street. At approximately 7:02 p.m. on March 9, police were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined the male suspect entered the business, approached an employee at the counter and demanded cash. When the employee refused, the suspect brandished a knife and stole money from a tip jar before leaving the scene on foot. No injuries were reported. A lookout was broadcast and responding officers canvassed the area for the suspect yielding negative results. The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 40-50 years old, 5’10”-6’0” wearing all dark clothing. The investigation is ongoing.
ROBBERY, 2024-03100095, 1100 block of Arlington Boulevard. At approximately 11:03 a.m. on March 10, police were dispatched to the report of a robbery by force. Upon arrival, it was determined a dispute ensued after the male suspect, who was driving in a parking lot, honked at the female victim, who was walking. The suspect then drove next to the victim with his window down and stole her cellphone from her hand before fleeing the scene in his vehicle. No injuries were reported. During the course of the investigation, the cellphone was recovered in the area. The suspect is described as an older white male driving a blue sedan. The investigation is ongoing.
ROBBERY, 2024-03110001, 1800 block of Wilson Boulevard. At approximately 11:56 p.m. on March 10, police were dispatched to the report of a brandishing. Upon arrival, it was determined the two male suspects entered the business, selected merchandise, approached the counter and asked for cigarettes to be added to the transaction. A verbal dispute between the employee and suspects ensued during which the suspects attempted to steal the cigarettes before exiting the store. The employee confronted the suspects outside the business during which one suspect brandished a firearm before both suspects entered a silver sedan and fled the scene. No injuries were reported. The suspects are described as white males, approximately 5’6”-5’7”, 130-180 pounds with black or brown hair. The investigation is ongoing.
A 21-year-old Reston man is facing serious charges after a high-speed chase that ended in Arlington last night.
The chase started around 10:45 p.m. on the Beltway in Fairfax County, after Virginia State Police were alerted to a stolen vehicle entering the Commonwealth from Maryland.
The chase continued north on I-395 until state police used a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver near the N. Glebe Road off-ramp, causing the fleeing driver to crash into a ditch.
The suspect was arrested after being found hiding in the trunk of the car, according to Virginia State Police. He has now been charged with attempted capital murder of a law enforcement officer, among other felonies.
The crash and aftermath was recorded from a traffic camera by local public safety watcher Dave Statter.
Watch: @VSPPIO forced a vehicle they were chasing to crash on I-395N at S. Glebe Rd. The not-so-clear traffic camera video shows the vehicle heading down the hillside toward Glebe. It took a few minutes to get whoever was inside to surrender. At least one trooper was injured… pic.twitter.com/hK3svzts01
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) March 8, 2024
More, below, from a VSP press release.
At approximately 10:45 p.m. on March 7, 2023, Virginia State Police was notified by a Maryland law enforcement agency of a stolen 2015 Chevrolet traveling across the American Legion Bridge into Virginia. A Virginia trooper located the vehicle traveling on I-495 near Braddock Rd. and activated his emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop. The Chevrolet refused to stop, sped away at a high rate of speed, and initiated a pursuit. As the stolen vehicle continued north on I-395, state police administered a pursuit intervention technique and brought the suspect vehicle to a stop near the Glebe Rd. exit.
The driver of the Chevrolet, Abiselome Belachew, 21, of Reston, Va., then crawled into the trunk of the vehicle to try and hide from the troopers. Belachew was taken into custody without further incident.
During the course of the pursuit, the Chevrolet rammed one of the trooper’s vehicles into the Jersey wall. The trooper suffered minor injuries.
State police charged Belachew with attempted capital murder of a law enforcement officer, one felony count of hit-and-run (of the trooper’s vehicle), one felony count of eluding police, auto theft and driving on a suspended license.
The same suspect was previously charged with armed robbery in Montgomery County in 2019.
An Arlington man is in jail after police say he threatened another man with a gun along Langston Blvd.
The incident happened just before noon this past Friday, near the intersection of Langston Blvd and N. Kirkwood Road. It started, police said, as a dispute inside a business.
More, below, from an Arlington County Police Department crime report.
BRANDISHING, 2024-03010111, 3100 block of Langston Boulevard. At approximately 11:52 a.m. on March 1, police were dispatched to the report of an assault in progress. The preliminary investigation indicates the suspect and male victim were inside a business when they became involved in a verbal dispute. Following the dispute, both parties exited the business and entered their respective vehicles. The suspect then allegedly circled the victim’s vehicle while brandishing what appeared to be a firearm before parking the vehicle and fleeing the area on foot. Responding officers established a perimeter, located the suspect and took him into custody without incident. [The suspect], 36, of Arlington, VA was arrested and charged with Brandishing and Driving while DUI Suspended. He was held without bond.
In another gun-related incident, police say a 24-year-old driver who got out of their car and shouted at a police officer in Crystal City had a concealed, loaded gun.
The incident happened around 11:30 p.m. Saturday.
From ACPD:
WEAPONS VIOLATION, 2024-03020218, 23rd Street S. at S. Clark Street. At approximately 11:28 p.m. on March 2, a patrol officer observed a vehicle improperly stop in the roadway before the suspect, who was the driver, exited the vehicle, approached the cruiser and began to shout at the officer. The officer then activated his emergency equipment and made contact with the suspect. During the course of the investigation, it was determined the suspect was operating the vehicle without a valid driver’s license. During an inventory search of the vehicle prior to towing, a loaded firearm was recovered. [The suspect], 24, of Washington D.C. was charged with Carrying a Concealed Weapon and released on a summons.
Also on Saturday, several cars — all Hondas — had their airbags stolen in the Waverly Hills neighborhood.
More from the crime report:
LARCENY FROM AUTO (Series), 2024-03020079, 4400 block of 16th Street N. At approximately 11:08 a.m. on March 2, police were dispatched to the report of a larceny. Upon arrival, it was determined the unknown suspect(s) forced entry into the victim’s vehicle and stole the air bag. Responding officers canvassed the area and located two additional vehicles, in the 1500 block of N. Wakefield Street and the 4300 block of 15th Street N., with stolen air bags. The involved vehicles are Honda models. There is no suspect(s) description. The investigation is ongoing.
A 25-year-old woman is facing a number of charges after a series of crashes.
Police say the Arlington resident first crashed into a parked car with people inside along Washington Blvd, shortly before 10 p.m. this past Thursday. She allegedly fled that scene but soon crashed into another car, causing her vehicle to flip over, Arlington County police said.
The scene, in the Lyon Park neighborhood south of Clarendon, was captured and posted on social media by local public safety watcher Dave Statter.
Another overturned vehicle. This one is on its side on Washington Boulevard at N. 3rd Street. Washington Boulevard is currently shut in both directions. @ArlingtonVaFD and @ArlingtonVaPD handling. @ARLnowDOTcom @matthewyoung31 #safety #crash #collision #accident #Arlington pic.twitter.com/5IwwSlKhHH
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) February 23, 2024
The suspect — who did not have a driver’s license — also allegedly bit an officer after being taken into custody and tried to grab an officer’s gun while at the hospital, according to police.
The ACPD crime report item is below.
ASSAULT ON POLICE, 2024-02220253, Washington Boulevard at 3rd Street N. At approximately 9:47 p.m. on February 22, police were dispatched to the report of a two-vehicle crash with injuries. It was determined the suspect was travelling eastbound on Washington Boulevard when she allegedly hit a parked, occupied vehicle. The suspect then fled the scene and was travelling westbound on Washington Boulevard when she struck another traveling vehicle, resulting in her vehicle flipping over. No injuries were reported by the occupants of the two struck vehicles. Responding officers located the suspect on scene and detained her on suspicion of driving under the influence. While in custody, the suspect became combative and bit an officer. She was then transported to an area hospital for medical evaluation. While at the hospital, the suspect became aggressive and grabbed the handle of an officer’s firearm before being restrained. [The suspect], 25, of Arlington, Va. was arrested and charged with Assault on Police, Disarming a Police Officer, Driving Under the Influence, Hit and Run and No Driver’s License. She was held without bond.
A person of the same name and approximate age was profiled in a 2022 Washington Post article about homeless individuals in Arlington being housed at a Days Inn motel during the pandemic.
A Herndon man is facing a gun charge after allegedly being seen by police driving on the shoulder of I-395.
The traffic stop on northbound I-395 near Boundary Channel Drive, around 6 p.m. this past Friday, was also prompted by the officer spotting “improper registration” on the vehicle, according to the Arlington County Police Department.
More, below, from an ACPD crime report.
WEAPONS VIOLATION, 2024–02160206, Northbound I-395 at Boundary Channel Drive. At approximately 5:57 p.m. on February 16, an evening patrol officer conducted a traffic stop after observing the suspect vehicle traveling on the shoulder with improper registration. During the Officers’ investigation, it was determined that the vehicle was not properly registered and officers recovered a loaded firearm in the vehicle. [The suspect], 32, of Herndon, VA was arrested and charged with Carrying Concealed Weapon and Improper use of Plates/Registration.
This morning, ACPD posted a photo of the gun and ammo on social media, touting the “proactive work by our patrol officers and… their daily efforts as they work to keep our community safe.”
Last week, a vehicle stop for an observed traffic violation resulted in the recovery of a loaded firearm. The arrest of the suspect was a result of proactive work by our patrol officers and highlights their daily efforts as they work to keep our community safe. pic.twitter.com/OzeJAecviZ
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) February 22, 2024
A New York man has been charged with drunkenly brandishing a gun in Clarendon over the Presidents Day weekend.
The alleged incident happened around 1 a.m. on Monday on the 3100 block of Wilson Blvd. Arlington County police say the man was kicked out of a bar, then returned with a gun and started arguing with an employee standing outside.
Police rushed to the scene and quickly took a suspect into custody. The 43-year-old Long Island resident is now facing multiple charges, including brandishing a firearm and public intoxication.
More, below, from the latest ACPD crime report.
BRANDISHING, 2024-02190018, 3100 block of Wilson Boulevard. At approximately 12:57 a.m. on February 19, officers working the nightlife detail were alerted to a brandishing just occurred. The preliminary investigation determined employees removed the male suspect from an establishment for disorderly behavior and he left the scene. The suspect returned shortly after and a verbal dispute ensued outside the business during which the suspect allegedly brandished a firearm and advanced towards an employee, making physical contact with them, before fleeing the scene on foot. Responding officers located the suspect in the area and he was taken into custody. A firearm was recovered. No injuries were reported. [The suspect], 43, of Elmont, NY, was arrested and charged with Brandishing, Reckless Handling of a Firearm, Assault and Battery, Public Intoxication and Carrying a Concealed Weapon while Under the Influence. He was held without bond.
Part of the incident — including officers approaching the suspect at gunpoint near the Clarendon Metro station — was caught on video. It was posted online, below, by local public safety watcher Dave Statter.
Watch as @ArlingtonVaPD Nightlife Detail officers run after a man reported to have a gun in Clarendon. Some of the officers just left a reported disturbance at Bar Bao just before 1 a.m. and were told there was someone with a gun at the 7-11 across the park in the 3100 block of… pic.twitter.com/KwYyeqcIn5
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) February 19, 2024
A 40-year-old Arlington man has been charged with raping a woman in Crystal City early Thursday morning.
Police say the man started talking to a woman who was walking in the neighborhood around 2:15 a.m., before sexually and physically assaulting her in an outdoor area along 12th Street S., near Long Bridge Park.
Following an investigation, he was arrested that night during a traffic stop.
More, below, from Arlington police.
The Arlington County Police Department’s Special Victims Unit is announcing the arrest of an Arlington man following a sexual assault investigation in Crystal City. Vernon Koning, 40, was arrested and charged with Rape and Strangulation. He is being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.
At approximately 2:15 a.m. on February 8, police were dispatched to the report of a rape. The preliminary investigation indicates the female victim was walking in the area when she became engaged in conversation with the suspect. The suspect led the victim to an outdoor area in the 200 block of 12th Street S. where he sexually and physically assaulted her. Following the assault, the victim ran from the scene and sought assistance in the 900 block of Long Bridge Drive.
Police immediately initiated a comprehensive criminal investigation. A review of evidence and witness interviews led detectives to the identity of the suspect. He was taken into custody following a traffic stop on the evening of February 8.
This remains an active criminal investigation. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Detective Maldonado at 703-228-4194 or [email protected]. Information may also be provided anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). For additional community resources and contact information, visit our website.
Two women from D.C. are facing charges after police say they robbed a store in Ballston while pushing a child in a baby stroller.
The alleged crime happened around 11 p.m. Thursday night on the 4200 block of Fairfax Drive, across from the Metro. A 7-Eleven is the only store on that block that appears to keep late night hours.
Police say the women threatened a store employee and threw an item at them before fleeing into the Ballston Metro station. They were subsequently detained in Courthouse.
More, below, from Friday’s Arlington County Police Department crime report.
ROBBERY, 2024-02080255, 4200 block of Fairfax Drive. At approximately 11:06 p.m. on February 8, police were dispatched to the report of a robbery by force. Upon arrival, it was determined the two female suspects entered the business while pushing a child in a baby stroller, allegedly concealed merchandise and exited the store without payment. An employee called police, during which one suspect made threatening statements before throwing an unknown item at them. The suspects then fled on foot into the Ballston Metro. Responding officers canvassed the area for the suspects who were subsequently located in the Courthouse Metro and taken into custody. [Suspect 1], 28, of Washington D.C. was arrested and charged with Petit Larceny and Contributing to the Delinquency of Minor. She was released on a summons. [Suspect 2], 24 of, Washington D.C. was arrested and charged with Robbery and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. She was held without bond.
Two men — including one with an apparent military connection — have been arrested in connection with a series of Pride flags stolen from an Arlington couple, police announced Friday evening.
Twenty-year-old Matthew Henshaw was arrested and charged with three counts of bias-motivated unlawful entry and three counts of petit larceny for incidents occurring on Sept. 16 and Sept. 30 and Jan. 27. ACPD said he resides at Fort Myer, suggesting he has military ties. Henshaw was released on a secured bond.
Joseph Digregorio, 23, of Bay Shore, New York, was charged with one count of petit larceny for an incident occurring on Jan. 21 and was released on a summons.
Penrose residents Michelle Logan and her partner Jenna Burnett took to social media late last month to ask for community help identifying who has stolen Pride flags from their home on five occasions over the last five months, using security camera footage. The couple also filed police reports and told their story on local TV news broadcasts.
ACPD announced its property crimes unit made the arrests one week after telling ARLnow its investigation was ongoing.
“Between September 2023 and January 2024, the Arlington County Police Department received five online reports for larcenies in the 200 block of S. Courthouse Road,” ACPD said in a statement. “In each incident, a male suspect approached the property during the early morning hours and stole a Pride flag from outside the residence before leaving the scene. During the course of the investigation, detectives reviewed evidence and conducted witness interviews which led to the identification of the suspects.”
ACPD says this remains an active criminal investigation.
“Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Tip Line at 703-228-4180 or [email protected],” the police department said. “Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).”
Photo via Michelle Logan/Twitter
Six juvenile suspects are facing charges after an alleged mini crime spree in the Pentagon City area Saturday evening.
The first incident happened around 5:30 p.m., near the Whole Foods store on 12th Street S., when a group of teen boys approached a woman and “demanded her property.” She ran away and nothing was taken, according to police.
A second incident happened about ten minutes later on the 1600 block of S. Eads Street, as the group approached a woman and brandished a gun, ultimately stealing her phone, police said.
Six suspects were subsequently detained at the Pentagon City Metro station and a BB gun — along with the stolen phone — was recovered, according to Arlington County police.
The second one happened right by my apartment. Saw a woman 60+ fleeing into her apartment crying while 2 young kids ran down the street. This happened at 6pm! Absolutely tragic.
— ZH (@ZestHockey) January 28, 2024
More, below, from today’s ACPD crime report.
ATTEMPTED CARJACKING, 2024-01270180, 500 block of 12th Street S. At approximately 5:39 p.m. on January 27, police were dispatched to the report of a robbery just occurred. Upon arrival, it was determined the female victim was outside her parked vehicle when she was approached by several male suspects who demanded her property. The female victim ran from the scene and sought assistance. No items were reported stolen. At approximately 5:50 p.m., police were dispatched to the 1600 block of S. Eads Street for the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined a separate female victim was walking in the area when she was approached from behind by several male suspects. One suspect brandished what appeared to be a firearm, during which the victim threw her cell phone. The suspects picked up her cell phone before fleeing the scene. A lookout was broadcast and officers located the six juvenile suspects entering the metro and detained them. A BB gun and the victim’s cell phone were recovered by officers. Various petitions were obtained for the six juvenile suspects including the offenses of Attempted Carjacking, Robbery, Conspiracy to Commit Felony and Use/Display Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.
Police are investigating a pair of vehicular incidents in Rosslyn and Clarendon on Wednesday.
Around 12:30 a.m., a man driving an SUV started yelling at a female pedestrian, then got out of the car and brandished a gun, according to police. He then allegedly got back in and tried to run her over.
The victim was not injured and called police. It’s unclear what prompted the incident, which happened in the Rosslyn area, near H-B Woodlawn.
More, below, from an Arlington County Police Department crime report.
BRANDISHING, 2024-01240004, N. Quinn [Street] at 18th Street N. At approximately 12:33 a.m. on January 24, police were dispatched to the report of a person with a gun. Upon arrival, it was determined the female victim was walking in the area when a black SUV pulled up to her and the suspect, who was also the driver of the vehicle, began yelling at her. The suspect then parked the vehicle, exited and approached the victim making threatening statements. The suspect subsequently brandished a firearm at the victim before re-entering the vehicle and attempting to reverse into the victim. The victim was able to move to avoid being struck and the suspect fled the scene. No injuries were reported. A lookout was broadcast and responding officers canvassed the area for the suspect yielding negative results.
Later Wednesday night, a driver in Clarendon was attacked by two drunk men, who also damaged his car, according to ACPD.
No motive for the incident was given.
The suspects tried to run from officers but were both taken into custody after foot pursuits, police said.
ASSAULT BY MOB, 2024-01240294, 3100 block of Wilson Boulevard. At approximately 10:39 p.m. on January 24, police were dispatched to the report of an assault in progress. Upon arrival, it was determined the male victim was driving in the area when he became involved in a verbal dispute with the two male suspects who were on foot. The suspects allegedly then began banging on the victim’s vehicle, causing property damage, and assaulted him through the open driver’s side window. Responding officers observed both suspects run from the area and following foot pursuits, they were taken into custody. The victim and one suspect sustained minor injuries that did not require medical attention. [Suspect 1], 29, of Arlington, Va. was arrested and charged with Assault by Mob, Destruction of Property, Public Intoxication and Obstruction of Justice. [Suspect 2], 20, of Arlington, Va. was arrested and charged with Assault by Mob, Destruction of Property and Public Intoxication.