(Updated at 1 p.m.) A large group of dirt bike and ATV riders rolled through parts of Arlington last night.
As in years past, the apparent “Sunday Fun Day” ride saw dozens of riders drive from D.C. to Arlington and back to the District. The riders — who typically ride when the weather is especially nice, as it was last night — reportedly entered the county via Route 50, rumbled past Rosslyn and Courthouse, and then headed south to Crystal City.
The group was followed by a couple of police cruisers.
“Heard a thunderous noise outside my apartment that sounded like fighter jets,” one resident told ARLnow. “Came out to my balcony to see a swarm of bikes and ATVs on Route 50. The police gave chase 30 seconds later.”
On Monday afternoon, Arlington County Police revealed that an 18-year-old Maryland man was arrested on drug, weapon and other charges during the dirt bike ride. ACPD is working with other police agencies to identify each of the nearly 100 riders in the group, per a crime report item (below).
FELONY POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA WITH THE INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE (Significant), 2019-08250230, 800 block of 18th Street S. At approximately 9:36 p.m. on August 25, police were dispatched to the report of suspicious persons attempting to load an ATV and dirt bike into the back of a truck. During a probable cause search of the truck, officers recovered a firearm and evidence related to the distribution of marijuana. During the course of the arrest, the suspect provided false information regarding his identity. Alfonso Murphy, 18, of Landover, MD, was arrested and charged with felony possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, identity theft, forgery and carrying a concealed weapon. He is being held without bond. The investigation is ongoing.
ELUDING (Significant), 2019-08250191, Key Bridge at Fort Myer Drive. At 7:57 p.m. on August 25, police were notified that approximately 100 ATVs and dirt bikes were entering Arlington County from the District of Columbia utilizing the Key Bridge. Officers responded to the area, activated their emergency equipment and monitored the group for the safety of pedestrians and motorists. No injuries or property damage were reported. Arlington County Police are actively investigating and working with our regional partners to identify the riders. The operation of all-terrain vehicles on any public highway or other private property is prohibited by Virginia State Code § 46.2-915. If citizens observe these vehicles being operated in the county or know the identity of someone riding on Arlington County roadways, they should call the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222. Information can also be provided anonymously to Arlington County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.
More via social media:
@ARLnowDOTcom a long line of motorcycles and 4-wheelers doing wheelies and tricks on 50 in Rosslyn. ACPD followed shortly. pic.twitter.com/nwvVVxAt9S
— Peter Dola (@ptdola) August 26, 2019
@PoPville they’re in crystal city now pic.twitter.com/0BGz69v6x0
— Michael Shannon (@mcshannon12) August 26, 2019
Photos courtesy James Mahony