(Updated at 8 p.m.) Residents were asked to stay inside Monday evening as police searched part of the Radnor-Fort Myer Heights neighborhood following reports of gunfire.
The initial call for gunshots heard along the 1700 block of Arlington Blvd came in around 5 p.m. Police verified with nearby Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall that no firing drills were underway at the time before starting to search the area.
The U.S. Park Police Eagle helicopter was called in to assist amid more reports of shots being heard, but has since left the county after not finding any suspects, according to scanner traffic.
“ACPD is investigating the report of shots heard in the 1700 block of Arlington Boulevard,” Arlington police said around 5:45 p.m. “At this time, no injuries or property damage have been reported. A police helicopter is assisting with an aerial search of the area. Expect continued police activity.”
The search appeared to be focused on one particular building.
“Community members are asked to avoid the area as police continue to investigate the report of shots heard in the 1700 block of Arlington Boulevard,” ACPD said around 6:20 p.m. “If you are in the area, go inside and stay inside.”
Police also closed the N. Rhodes Street bridge, near where the search was taking place, according to Arlington Alert.
Shortly before 8 p.m., the search was called off.
“A search of the building has concluded,” said ACPD. “No evidence of a shooting was located and there is no apparent ongoing threat to the community. We appreciate the community’s patience during the investigation. The avoid the area/stay indoors has been lifted.”
More, below, via social media.
CONTINUED: Community members are asked to avoid the area as police continue to investigate the report of shots heard in the 1700 block of Arlington Boulevard. If you are in the area, go inside and stay inside.
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) January 8, 2024
LOCATION: 14th St N/ N Rhodes st
INCIDENT: Police Department Activity
IMPACT: Traffic has been closed in both directions on N Rhodes St starting at 14th St N and ending at Arlington Blvd. Seek alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/HjtoXX063O— Arlington Alert (@ArlingtonAlert) January 8, 2024
Arlington County Police: SEEK INDOOR SHELTER. ACPD is reporting shots fired near 1730 Arlington Blvd. Avoid the area. If you are in the area, go inside immediately and stay inside. Close and lock all windows and doors. Stay tuned for further updates.
— Arlington Alert (@ArlingtonAlert) January 8, 2024
Eagle is searching rooftops for any armed person after reports of gunfire… @HelicoptersofDC https://t.co/52VuIJwuST pic.twitter.com/4OmnUbxFOf
— Alan Henney (@alanhenney) January 8, 2024
Anyone know what’s happening at Rt 50 & N Rhodes/N Queen? Police and helicopter circling! @ARLnowDOTcom @ArlingtonVaPD pic.twitter.com/hkOqFgE28n
— Emily L., MPA 🐰👩🏻🌾🗳 (@ehlcreations) January 8, 2024