Arlington’s surge in property crime during and after the pandemic was the highest in the country by one measure, exceeding large increases in other urban areas.
Between 2020 and 2024, crimes against property — including larceny, vandalism and motor vehicle theft — increased by 60.5% in Arlington, home security company Vivint reported yesterday (Wednesday). The next-highest increase among studied localities was in Chicago (up 56.2%) followed by New York City (up 54.7%).
An Arlington probation officer warned a judge last year that a local man — now charged with attempted rape — was on the verge of a slippery slope of increasing violent crime.
Luzvin Orvando Garcia Moran, whose arrest has also caught the attention of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) because of his immigration status, remains in jail following a violent attack in Clarendon.
A man who attempted to rob a bank along Columbia Pike last year will spend nearly four years behind bars.
Steve Jamal Smith, 31, was sentenced Thursday to 46 months in federal prison over the Feb. 25, 2025, incident, in which he stole $711 from the Wells Fargo at 951 S. George Mason Drive.
A local restorative justice organization is approaching its fifth anniversary with a continued emphasis on expanding options for victims of crime and abuse in Arlington.
Restorative Arlington, a nonprofit that supports victims seeking justice and accountability outside the traditional criminal justice system, has been building its presence both inside and outside the courthouse. In addition to promoting diversion programs, the group has been working with survivors of abuse through a partnership with Doorways and running a pilot program that trains community leaders in restorative justice practices.
Arlington County police are investigating an armed robbery in the Barcroft neighborhood involving a group of teens.
It happened Thursday night on the 900 block of S. Buchanan Street, just north of Columbia Pike.
Victims of crime in Arlington will soon have a more soothing and intentionally designed space to speak with an attorney about their experiences.
A planned “soft interview room” from the Arlington County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is intended to create a greater sense of ease and safety during victim interviews. With pleasant art, a couch, blankets and a soothing color palette, the room — created in partnership with the nonprofit Project Beloved — will finish installation next week on the fifth floor of the courthouse.
A Maryland man was sentenced yesterday (Tuesday) for stealing multiple vehicles from Reagan National Airport, including one belonging to a federal law enforcement agency.
Tyrese McKinnon, 25, was sentenced to three years and one month in prison for conspiring to steal five vehicles from Reagan National, and another vehicle from Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport.
Crime is on track to drop in Arlington this year, reversing a trend of increasing criminal incidents over the past several years.
Total reported offenses are down about 4% compared to this time in 2024, according to preliminary numbers in the Arlington County Police Department’s crime data hub.
Some public-safety heroes walk on two legs while others walk on four, Sheriff Jose Quiroz noted as Arlington County Crime Solvers saluted the 13 K9 teams serving with local agencies.
Each of the dogs and their handlers at the Arlington County Police Department and Arlington County Sheriff’s Office have received specialized training to meet a range of challenges in an urban environment. As such, they are collectively deserving of the “Officer of the Year” award, Crime Solvers president Andres Tobar said.
An Arlington man was arrested early Sunday morning following a vandalism spree in Clarendon.
The 21-year-old suspect, Christian Amaya Ochoa, is accused of damaging flower pots and shattering the windows and glass door of Oasis: The Listening Bar, which opened in July at 2940 Clarendon Blvd. He also reportedly shattered the windows at the skin care studio Glowbar, which had announced plans to open next door this fall.
Crime is declining on the Metro system, but riders’ perceptions of safety depend on which mode of transportation they use.
Riders on Metrobus reported more safety concerns than those on Metrorail. Overall, however, rider satisfaction rates are either flat or improving, according to data reported at the Sept. 11 meeting of the Metropolitan Washington Area Transit Authority’s safety and operations committee.
Two men have admitted to conspiring to steal dozens of catalytic converters across the D.C. area, including at least 15 in Arlington alone.
Erick Alfaro Guevara, 46, pleaded guilty yesterday (Wednesday) to one count of conspiracy to engage in interstate transportation and sale of stolen goods, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced.
