Arlington County police are investigating a sexual battery incident just a block from their headquarters in Courthouse.
It happened Monday night around 10:30 p.m. on the 1300 block of N. Troy Street, as a woman was walking her dog.
From an ACPD crime report:
SEXUAL BATTERY, 2022-11280277, 1300 block of N. Troy Street. At approximately 10:38 p.m. on November 28, police were dispatched to the report of a sexual battery. Upon arrival, it was determined the female victim was walking in the area when the unknown male suspect approached her from behind, lifted her jacket and touched her inappropriately. The victim screamed and the suspect fled the scene. The suspect is described as a younger, unknown race male, approximately 5’6″ – 5’7″ tall with a skinny build and wearing dark clothing. The investigation is ongoing.
The victim posted on Reddit about the incident to warn other women in the area and ask whether anyone got a better look at the suspect. She noted that “I’ve never felt scared to walk alone in Arlington before.”
From the post:
This is half PSA and half plea for information.
Last night at 10:35 I was walking my little 12 lb dog up North Troy street by the Palatine apartment building when a man came up behind me, lifted up my jacket, and grabbed my crotch and pulled at my pants. I immediately shrieked and he went running south back down Troy. It all happened so fast I didn’t get a good look at the guy. He had a black hoodie on with the hood up and black sweatpants. I didn’t see his face. My best guess is that he’s between 5’6″ and 5’8 and probably young-ish based on light build and his swift speed.
I called the police (the police station is literally half a block away from where this happened) and they were very kind and professional but I’m just so frustrated I couldn’t really give them any info about this guy. So, if you live in the area and think you saw anything (I screamed really [expletive] loud – maybe somebody looked out the window and saw what shoes he was wearing or something?), please let me know.
Also, ladies, please keep an eye out. This guy appeared out of nowhere – my best guess is he was hiding in some shrubs – and it seems like he’s done this before and I would guess will do it again. I usually do this walk with my husband but he’s sick right now so last night I was out by myself for the first time in a while. I’m so sad. I’ve never felt scared to walk alone in Arlington before.
Photo via Google Maps