(Updated at 1 p.m.) A man was shot in front of a lounge on Columbia Pike early this morning, continuing a string of violent incidents.
The shooting happened just before 1 a.m. in front of Caspi, located at the corner of Columbia Pike and S. Walter Reed Drive, next to the Arlington Cinema Drafthouse. It followed a dispute inside the lounge, according to police.
Initial reports suggest that a man was shot multiple times, including in the lower torso, and that a dark-colored Audi or BMW was seen speeding away after. There was at least one bullet hole in the window of Caspi, but no one inside was injured, according to scanner traffic.
Responding officers called for backup due to a large crowd around the scene.
Arlington County police say the man suffered serious injuries and was rushed to a local hospital. He remains hospitalized in critical condition.
It is unclear whether this morning’s shooting is related to recent incidents in and around Arlington, including:
- Jan: 27: A 17-year-old Arlington teen was arrested for a fatal shooting in an Alexandria hotel
- Jan. 28-29: Gunfire in the Green Valley and Arlington Mill neighborhoods
- Jan. 30: A man was shot after gunfire in Green Valley and along Columbia Pike, where the Bob & Edith’s Diner was damaged by bullets
- Feb. 2: Wakefield High School was locked down due to a possibly armed intruder seeking out a student. An 18-year-old man was later arrested and faces several charges, including gun charges.
ACPD issued the following press release about the shooting just before 1 p.m.
The Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit is investigating a shooting that took place on Columbia Pike in the early morning hours of February 4, 2023.
At approximately 12:53 a.m., police were dispatched to the report of a shooting in the 2900 block of Columbia Pike. Responding officers located an adult male victim on the sidewalk suffering from gunshot wounds and immediately began rendering aid. Medics transported the victim to an area hospital where he remains in critical condition.
The preliminary investigation indicates a dispute inside a restaurant involving a large group preceded the shooting. The victim then exited the restaurant and the suspect brandished a firearm and discharged multiple rounds, injuring the victim and causing property damage to the building. The suspect fled the scene on foot and officers canvassed the area yielding negative results. The suspect is described as a slim build, Black male in his 20’s.
This remains an active criminal investigation and anyone with videos, photos, or other media which may assist the investigation is asked to upload those files to our evidence submission portal. Any additional information related to this incident may be provided by contacting the Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit at 703-228-4180 or [email protected] or anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
UPDATE: The adult male victim was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. The investigation into the events that preceded the shooting is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact ACPD’s tip line at 703-228-4180 or [email protected]
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) February 4, 2023
— ARLINGTONAF (@ARLINGTONAF) February 4, 2023