Arlington County police are conducting a death investigation along Langston Blvd, near Rosslyn.
A body was found in a wooded area late Sunday afternoon. Officers remain on scene today, collecting and documenting evidence. There’s no word yet on whether police consider the death to be suspicious.
“At approximately 4:18 p.m. on February 25, police were directed to the 2100 block of Langston Boulevard where human remains were located in a wooded area,” Arlington County police spokeswoman Ashley Savage tells ARLnow. “The Arlington County Police Department is conducting a death investigation with assistance by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner who will work to positively identify the deceased and determine cause and manner of death.”
“The preliminary investigation has not revealed an ongoing threat to the community,” Savage added. She noted that the investigation is “in the early stages.”
The Arlington County Board and the Human Rights Commission are at odds over whether commissioners had the right to request an investigation into possible human and civil rights violations at the county jail.
Earlier this month, the commission sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice, voicing concerns over reports that inmates at the jail lack adequate healthcare, a situation they argue could put them “at risk of death and severe harm.” This follows up on letters to the County Sheriff’s Office and the DOJ from the Arlington branch of the NAACP and its national organization, asking for an investigation after hearing from former and current inmates.
In response, County Board Chair Libby Garvey told the DOJ in a letter last week that the commission’s request “does not represent the position or opinion” of the Board, though she did not elaborate on the Board’s position on either the commission sending the letter or the conditions within the jail.
For County Board member Matt De Ferranti, there are at least grounds for procedural concerns. Before the commission approved the letter, he told them via email that state law requires County Board approval before “seeking assistance with the prevention or relief from discriminatory practices from external enforcement authorities.”
The commission argues it was not requesting the enforcement of a specific violation; rather, it wants the agency to look at the general policies and practices of the jail, Arlington Human Rights Commission Chair Bill Rice told ARLnow.
“We’ve been hearing reports of widespread discrimination in this area and asking for like an investigation into that, but that second part doesn’t necessarily result in like some type of enforcement action — it usually results in some type of report,” Rice said.
The Board’s response, meanwhile, has left Rice and other commissioners confused about where the Board officially stands, as no members have openly objected to the substance of the letter.
“The County Board knows about it already, or it should know about it already,” Rice said. “It’s been in the news, people have raised it with the County Board members before, and the NAACP has raised the issue with numerous people before. Sending the letter to the County Board would just be telling them something they already were aware of.”
Last month, ARLnow reported the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office is under pressure from personnel, inmates and the NAACP to improve conditions at the county jail amid claims of inadequate healthcare and chronic staffing shortages leading to excessive confinement and mismanagement.
Deputies have highlighted the safety risks associated with staffing shortages, and several former inmates, including John Parker and Moika Nduku, have since come forward to support these claims.
“I was there for 20 months… We came out a handful of times, literally seven or eight times, that we came out for food, to perhaps talk to our lawyers, over months and months at a time,” Nduku said during a special Human Rights Commission meeting held last month. “We’ve experienced something that’s way past inhumane, denying our basic rights.”
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 grim anniversary quietly passed last month: four years since the still-unsolved murder of Scott Ratigan.
The 24-year-old was found dead with “trauma to the upper body” in his Ballston apartment in January 2020. The 911 caller reported a strong smell of bleach in the apartment, according to scanner traffic at the time.
A year later, police released video and images of a “person of interest” in the case. The person had their face covered as they walked down Ballston sidewalks, a few weeks before the Covid pandemic prompted widespread use of masks.
Online communities, including on Reddit, have continued to follow and discuss the case. One such community recently asked followers to “demand an update” in the case, resulting in numerous emails to ARLnow.
Arlington County police, however, have continued to keep details — beyond those already released — close to the vest.
“We want to [assure] the public that the investigation into identifying and holding responsible the suspect(s) responsible for Scott Ratigan’s homicide remains a top priority,” ACPD spokeswoman Ashley Savage told ARLnow last week, when pressed on any substantive updates in the investigation.
“To ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigation, there are no additional details to provide at this time,” Savage continued. “Detectives continue to follow up on investigative leads and will continue to evaluate the case for any possible future updates.”
Savage also noted that the department is still seeking more tips from the public.
The investigation into the homicide of Scott Ratigan remains open and active. Detectives continue to follow up on every investigative lead and remind the public that any information, regardless of how small it may seem, could be the tip that leads to justice on behalf of Scott and the Ratigan family. The Ratigan family has offered a reward of $50,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) responsible for Scott Ratigan’s homicide on January 17, 2020. Police continue to ask anyone with information related to this incident to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s tip line at 703-228-4180 or [email protected]. Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
Online sleuths have gone so far as to produce detailed recaps, from a 36-minute YouTube video to a 38-minute episode of a true crime podcast, but a lack of publicly released details has led to forums that abound with rumor, speculation and frustration — but little new analysis that meaningfully advances the case.
In encouraging people to contact ARLnow and the Washington Post, forum users emphasized the need to keep the story “top-of-mind” with the public, so it does not fall into “cold case” status.
“Please do an update on the Scott Ratigan murder investigation,” one of the people who emailed ARLnow wrote. “Keeping that story in the press is important.”
Photo via Google Maps
(Update at 11:50 a.m.) Police and firefighters investigated a suspicious package in Courthouse this morning.
Emergency personnel were dispatched to a lower floor of the office building at 2111 Wilson Blvd shortly before 10 a.m. A larger bomb squad response was later requested to the scene.
Arlington County police said two floors of the building were evacuated and other occupants were being asked to shelter in place.
CONTINUED: The investigation is ongoing. Expect continued public safety presence in the area.
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) February 15, 2024
The all-clear was given as of 11:15 a.m., per ACPD.
FINAL: The all clear has been given and the package was determined to be non-hazardous. The partial evacuation and shelter in place have been lifted.
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) February 15, 2024
Photo via Google Maps
A D.C. man is in jail after police say he tried to run from officers during a traffic stop in the Clarendon area.
Arlington police conducted a traffic stop on a reported stolen vehicle around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, near the intersection of 10th Street N. and Wilson Blvd. The driver then ran, police said, leading to a foot pursuit.
According to scanner traffic at the time, the chase briefly entered the Clarendon Animal Care veterinary clinic on 10th Street N. before the suspect was apprehended.
More, below, from an ACPD crime report.
UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A VEHICLE (Significant), 2024-02130072, 10th Street N. at Wilson Boulevard. At approximately 10:35 a.m. on February 13, an officer observed a vehicle reported as stolen travelling in the area and initiated a traffic stop. The driver stopped the suspect vehicle and officers gave commands during which the driver exited the vehicle and subsequently ran from the area. Following a foot pursuit, the driver was taken into custody. During a search of the vehicle, a stolen license plate was recovered. No injuries were reported. [The suspect], 21, of Washington D.C. was arrested and charged with Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, Obstruction of Justice and Buying/Receiving Stolen Goods. He was held without bond.
Separately, Arlington County police are looking for a Fedex truck that was stolen in Rosslyn earlier this afternoon (Wednesday).
The reported theft happened as the driver was making deliveries.
STOLEN FEDEX TRUCK— 1700 blk N. Pierce St off Clarendon Blvd. Man stole a white FedEx box truck while driver was making deliveries. @ARLnowDOTcom #DMVCrime pic.twitter.com/wt1mw60FwF
— Alan Henney (@alanhenney) February 14, 2024
A 25-year-old man was arrested near Clarendon over the weekend and charged with stealing money from the tip jar at two local businesses.
The suspect also threatened an employee during the early Saturday incident, according to Arlington County police.
More, below, from an ACPD crime report.
ROBBERY, 2024-02100055, 3300 block of Wilson Boulevard. At approximately 2:32 a.m. on February 10, police were dispatched to the report of disorderly conduct. Upon arrival, it was determined the male suspect allegedly entered a business and stole money from a tip jar. An employee confronted the suspect during which he made threatening statements and subsequently exited. The suspect then entered another nearby business and stole money from the tip jar before leaving the scene. Responding officers located the suspect in the area and took him into custody. [The suspect], 25, of No Fixed Address, was arrested and charged with Robbery and Petit Larceny. He was held without bond.
Also in the crime report, an Arlington man was arrested this weekend after police say he jumped in front of a car while holding a boxcutter in the Courthouse area, then injured an officer who responded to the scene.
From ACPD:
ASSAULT ON POLICE, 2024-02100013, 2000 block of Clarendon Boulevard. At approximately 12:34 a.m. on February 10, police were dispatched to the report of a suspicious person. The reporting party stated the male suspect jumped in front of their vehicle and began yelling while holding what appeared to be a boxcutter. The reporting party was able to leave the scene in their vehicle. Responding officers located the suspect in the area and took him into custody. The suspect was allegedly noncompliant, resisted officers and assaulted an officer, causing minor injuries. The suspect was evaluated and released on scene by medics for minor injuries sustained prior to police arrival. During a search of his person incident to arrest, a boxcutter was recovered. [The suspect], 37, of Arlington, Va. was arrested and charged with Assault on Police, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Obstruction of Justice and Public Intoxication. He was held without bond.
Monday’s crime report also included a trio of weekend robberies, in Pentagon City, Ballston and Crystal City.
ROBBERY, 2024-02100172, 1000 block of S. Hayes Street. At approximately 1:07 p.m. on February 10, police were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined the male suspect and another male subject entered the business and the suspect allegedly concealed merchandise and attempted to exit the store without payment during which he was confronted by loss prevention personnel. The suspect then brandished a knife and left the store on foot with the male subject. Loss prevention personnel called police and a lookout was broadcast. No injuries were reported. Responding officers canvassed the area, located the male suspect and took him into custody. [The suspect], 34, of Washington D.C. was arrested and charged with Robbery. He was held without bond. The male subject was located in the area, detained and determined to be wanted by the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office. [The subject], 33, of Suitland, Md. was arrested and charged with Probation Violation (x2).
ROBBERY, 2024-02110114, 700 block of N. Glebe Road. At approximately 12:07 p.m. on February 11, police were dispatched to the report of a larceny just occurred. Upon arrival, it was determined the male suspect allegedly entered the business and concealed merchandise during which loss prevention personnel confronted him. The suspect then made threatening statements towards them and exited the store without payment. Loss prevention called police and a lookout was broadcast. Responding officers canvassed the area, located the suspect in the Ballston Metro and took him into custody. The stolen merchandise was recovered. Identifying information for the adult male suspect was unable to be located during the preliminary investigation. He was arrested and charged with Robbery.
ROBBERY, 2024-02100027, 300 block of 23rd Street S. At approximately 1:12 a.m. on February 10, police were dispatched to the report of an assault in progress. The preliminary investigation indicates the male victim exited a business and was standing on the sidewalk when three unknown male suspects approached and began assaulting him. The suspects then stole the victim’s wallet, cash, glasses and cell phone before fleeing the scene on foot. The victim’s wallet was later recovered. The victim was transported to an area hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. A male witness, who is known to the victim, attempted to intervene during the assault, during which the witness suffered minor injuries but did not require transport to the hospital. The suspects are described as Black males wearing dark clothing. The investigation is ongoing.
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.
A 30-year-old man has been charged with arson, among other crimes, after allegedly trying to light a fire inside an ACPD cruiser.
The incident started Tuesday morning at the Pentagon Centre shopping center in Pentagon City. Arlington County police say the suspect shoplifted from two separate stores before officers arrived and took him into custody.
That’s when things took a wild turn, with the suspect allegedly assaulting a police officer and later trying to light his seatbelt on fire with a “concealed lighter” while in the back of the police cruiser. On top of that, according to police, the man was determined to be a fugitive wanted by the U.S. Marshal’s Service.
From an ACPD crime report:
ASSAULT ON POLICE, 2024-02060102, 1200 block of S. Hayes Street. At approximately 10:52 a.m. on February 6, police were dispatches to the report of a larceny in progress. Upon arrival, it was determined the male suspect allegedly entered a business, concealed merchandise and exited the store without payment. The suspect then entered another nearby business, collected merchandise and subsequently exited the store without payment. Responding officers took the suspect into custody as he exited the store and the stolen merchandise was recovered. While in custody, the suspect provided false identification, was noncompliant and assaulted an officer, causing minor injuries. The suspect was then placed in a parked police cruiser where he produced a concealed lighter and set fire to his seatbelt, which was immediately extinguished by officers. The suspect did not sustain any injuries and was transported to an area hospital for evaluation. During the course of the investigation, it was determined the suspect was wanted by the U.S. Marshal’s Service. [The suspect], 30, of No Fixed Address was arrested and charged with Assault on Police, Identity Theft, Petit Larceny (x2), Arson, Fugitive from Justice and Obstruction of Justice. He was held without bond.
A person of the same name and approximate age as the suspect pled guilty to assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest in the District in 2020, according to D.C. Witness. He was also previously convicted of domestic violence and accused of violating a protective order.
“At the end of the day, he does need help,” the victim in the protective order case was quoted as saying, of the suspect. “But if y’all let him out and he does the same s*** anyway, then what?”