Author: ARLnow.com

Launched in January 2010, ARLnow.com is the place for the latest news, views and things to do around Arlington, Virginia. Started by a Pentagon City resident who has spent the past several years working in local TV news, ARLnow.com seeks to distinguish itself with original, enterprising, up-to-the-minute local coverage.

UPDATED: Police say teen was not sexually assaulted along Columbia Pike, despite report

By ARLnow.com
File photo

Update on 3/28/23 — From the Arlington County Police Department today: “Detectives conducted a thorough investigation which ultimately determined a sexual assault had not occurred at Columbia Pike and S. Four Mile Run Drive on the morning of March 6, 2023. The investigation into this incident has concluded and there is no ongoing threat to the community.”

Earlier: Police are investigating the sexual assault of a teen girl Sunday night along Columbia Pike.

The attack happened around 9:15 p.m., near the intersection of the Pike and S. Four Mile Run Drive. The suspect grabbed the girl from behind, pulled her into the woods and sexually assaulted her while armed with a “bladed object.”

Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect, who was only described by his clothing.

More from an Arlington County police press release, below.

The Arlington County Police Department’s Special Victims Unit is investigating a sexual assault on S. Four Mile Run Drive and is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.

At approximately 12:11 a.m. on March 6, police were dispatched to the report of a sexual assault at Columbia Pike and S. Four Mile Run Drive. Upon arrival, it was determined that at approximately 9:15 p.m. on March 5, the female victim, a juvenile in her teens, was walking in the 4900 block of Columbia Pike when the suspect began to follow her. As she turned onto S. Four Mile Run Drive, the suspect grabbed her from behind and touched her inappropriately before pulling her into a wooded area. The suspect then produced a bladed object and sexually assaulted the victim before fleeing the scene on foot. The victim was then able to walk home and seek assistance.

The suspect is described as an unknown race male wearing a black jacket and black or gray sweatpants.

This remains an active investigation and anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact Detective R. Munizza at 703-228-4171 or [email protected] or 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).

Attempted robbery of computer buyer goes wrong in Penrose

By ARLnow.com
File photo

A robbery attempt in the Penrose neighborhood did not go as planned, after the would-be victim reportedly grabbed and broke a suspect’s replica handgun.

That’s according to scanner traffic and an Arlington County Police Department crime report today.

The incident happened Sunday afternoon on the 2800 block of 8th Street S., two blocks north of the intersection of Columbia Pike and S. Walter Reed Drive.

“At approximately 2:35 p.m. on March 5, police were dispatched to the report of an attempted robbery,” said the crime report. “Upon arrival, it was determined the male victim and two unknown suspects arrived at this location for the prearranged sale of a computer. The suspects showed the victim the computer before brandishing what was later determined to be an air soft gun and demanding the victim’s money.”

“The victim handed the suspects cash and took control of the air soft gun,” the crime report continued. “The suspects then fled the scene on foot, dropping the money in the process. No injuries were reported.”

Scanner traffic at the time suggested that the black handgun, which looked like a Glock, broke when the victim snatched it away from the young suspect.

The suspects — described as in their teens or early 20s — showed up to the sale wearing hoodies and masks, according to ACPD. The computer in question was described as a Mac in a police dispatch.

“The investigation is ongoing,” police said.

Hat tip to Alan Henney

Man arrested for pair of buttocks slapping incidents in Courthouse

By ARLnow.com
Arlington police car outside police headquarters (file photo)

A man is in jail after a pair of alleged sexual battery incidents in the Courthouse area Sunday evening.

Both happened along Wilson Blvd and involved the 22-year-old suspect approaching women and hitting them on the buttocks, police said.

From an Arlington County Police Department crime report:

SEXUAL BATTERY, 2023-03050171, Wilson Boulevard at N. Courthouse Road. At approximately 6:47 p.m. on March 5, police were dispatched to the police station for the report of a suspicious person. Upon arrival, it was determined the female victim was walking her dog in the area when the male suspect approached her and allegedly hit her on the buttocks before fleeing the scene on foot. During the course of the investigation, it was determined a second female victim was approached by the suspect in the area of Wilson Boulevard and N. Troy Street, during which he hit her on the buttocks before fleeing the scene. A lookout was broadcast and responding officers located the suspect in the area and took him into custody without incident. [The suspect], 22, of No Fixed Address, was arrested and charged with Sexual Battery (x2). He was held without bail.

The suspect is expected in court tomorrow (Tuesday) for a bail hearing, per court records.

Ballston area pet store appears to be closing later this year

By ARLnow.com
Leasing sign in front of Unleashed by Petco store near Ballston (photo courtesy Ray Caputo)

(Updated at 11:20 a.m.) The building that hosts a Ballston area pet store is being offered for lease.

A leasing flyer says the 4,666 square foot, circa-1925 commercial building at 3902 Wilson Blvd is available for new a tenant starting in January 2024. That suggests that the existing tenant, Unleashed by Petco, will be closing later this year after its lease is up.

Unleashed opened in the space in September 2013, about nine-and-a-half years ago. It replaced the quirky, homegrown burger-and-hot-dog restaurant Wiinky’s.

The flyer notes that the free-standing building was renovated in 2013, when Petco moved in, and that the property has 19 parking spaces.

The only other remaining Unleashed store in Arlington is located at 5400 Langston Blvd. It opened in 2011. A Pentagon City location closed in 2021.

Among other pet-related businesses along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, the Loyal Companion pet store at 2509 Franklin Road in Courthouse just closed but is expected to be replaced soon by Dogma Bakery & Boutique.

Hat tip to Ray Caputo

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Blossoms illuminated by the setting sun as the moon rises behind in Westover (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Planning Comm. Takes on Missing Middle — “With less than two weeks until the expected vote on a land use rule change aimed at increasing the number of affordable missing middle housing units, Arlington County neighbors will have one of their last opportunities to provide county leaders feedback… The board is expected to vote on this proposal during their March 18 meeting. The public will have one more chance before this meeting to provide feedback during Monday’s Planning Commission meeting.” [WJLA]

Fmr. Lt. Gov. Representing Gunston Family — “Weeks after an Arlington 8th grader says he was forced to pick cotton in a class game, his family is still demanding justice, and according to family attorney Justin Fairfax, they are exploring all legal options. 7News first spoke with Keisha Kirkland and her middle school son… a week after [he] first told his family a long-term sub at Gunston Middle School forced him to pick cotton during a game in French class.” [WJLA, Twitter]

Some Lee Hwy Signs Remain — “I’ve noticed green VDOT signs on I-66 near Lyon Village still show Lee’s name (as does a NOVA Parks sign on the W&OD trail). ‘There are two sign structures that need to be replaced to accommodate the new panels for the Langston Blvd signs,’ VDOT spokeswoman Ellen Kamilakis told me. ‘The contract will go out to bid in April.'” [Falls Church News-Press]

Local Health Startup Expanding — “Arlington diabetes care startup Ryse Health LLC wants to increase its headcount and patient base, break into new markets and strike partnerships with health plans and employers this year after raising $6.5 million in a Series A financing round. Armed with that fresh funding, the roughly 2-year-old company is preparing to expand its care model that it says is already driving improvements for patients with Type 2 diabetes.” [Washington Business Journal]

Car Fire On I-395 — A vehicle was engulfed in flames along northbound I-395 near the 14th Street Bridge late Saturday morning. No injuries were reported but several lanes of the highway were closed while firefighters extinguished the blaze. [Twitter]

Abortion Protests at Walgreens — Pro-life demonstrators protested against an abortion pill, mifepristone, inside at least three Walgreens stores in Arlington on Saturday, per scanner traffic. [Twitter]

Wakefield Gets New Football Coach — “Clarence Martin believes he is prepared and the right person for the job to take over as the new head football coach at Wakefield High School. Martin recently was hired as the Warriors new coach and was introduced during a Feb. 28 afternoon school ceremony in the cafeteria, with 62 potential players in attendance. He inherits a team that finished 0-10 this past fall.” [Gazette Leader]

It’s Monday — Sunny, then partly cloudy throughout most of the day. High of 57 and low of 36. Sunrise at 6:35 am and sunset at 6:07 pm. [Weather.gov]

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Mar 3, 2023

By ARLnow.com

Good Friday evening, Arlington. Today we published articles that were read a total of 19075 times… so far.

📈 Top stories

The following are the most-read articles for today — Mar 3, 2023.

  1. Furry convention returns to Crystal City next week
  2. NEW: Gun store robbed in Clarendon
  3. Arlington County sues civic association and residents over attempt to block bus parking
  4. BREAKING: Second phase of Amazon’s HQ2 delayed, county ‘not surprised’ but optimistic

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  1. The Lot in Clarendon begins its long goodbye with big events before redevelopment begins (13025 views)
  2. To fight flooding, Arlington is offering to buy homes in Cherrydale and Waverly Hills (12173 views)
  3. JUST IN: Police on scene of near-fatal teen overdose in Ballston (11625 views)
  4. Corner Bakery closes in Courthouse after company declares bankruptcy (7651 views)
  5. Police: Man shot himself at hotel, tried to make it look like a robbery (6345 views)
  6. The new Shirlington Jeni’s Ice Cream is giving away free ice cream next week (5776 views)
  7. Arlington police investigating weekend carjacking near Courthouse (5148 views)
  8. Furry convention returns to Crystal City next week (4763 views)
  9. NEW: Gun store robbed in Clarendon (4148 views)
  10. NEW: Police investigating possible shot fired in Westover (4131 views)
  11. Arlington County sues civic association and residents over attempt to block bus parking (4110 views)
  12. Mail delivery issues continue to plague 22204 zip code, but relief may be the horizon (3889 views)
  13. BREAKING: Second phase of Amazon’s HQ2 delayed, per reports (3085 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Saturday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

Here are the events planned for Sunday:

☔ Saturday’s forecast

Clear throughout the day. High of 60 and low of 37. Sunrise at 6:38 am and sunset at 6:05 pm. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Thought of the Day

“The sun is shining bright, the sky a perfect clear.” (From Emily Bronte’s “A Day Dream”)

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

We hope you have a great weekend, Arlington! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋

TRAFFIC ALERT: Major backups on GW Parkway after crash near Key Bridge

By ARLnow.com
Backups from crash on GW Parkway (via Google Maps)

(Updated at 4:15 p.m.) All southbound lanes of the GW Parkway are blocked by a crash near Key Bridge.

Drivers should expect significant delays in the area, with the backup in the southbound lanes now extending to Chain Bridge.

The parkway has been the scene of numerous crashes around a bend in the road near the bridge, especially during rainy weather days like today.

In another rainy GW Parkway crash earlier today, a vehicle ran off the northbound GW lanes and into the woods near Windy Run. Three occupants were able to get out of the car, per scanner traffic, and at least two were hospitalized.

Map via Google Maps

Wind Advisory issued for Arlington, most of D.C. area

By ARLnow.com
Flags blowing in the wind at Arlington County government headquarters (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Arlington County is under a Wind Advisory for much of the day on Saturday.

Rain showers will give way to fog tonight (Friday) before the clouds clear Saturday and the wind starts blowing. Gusts of up to 50 mph are expected.

The gusty wind combined with waterlogged ground could topple trees and cause power outage.

More, below, from the National Weather Service.

256 PM EST Fri Mar 3 2023

…WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 3 PM EST SATURDAY…

* WHAT…West to northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.

* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northern and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and northern Virginia.

* WHEN…From 10 AM to 3 PM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

Arlington Pet of the Week: Pretzel

By ARLnow.com

Welcome the new arrivals at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, which are getting ready for adoption.

“We received 16 dogs from a group of 60 that were rescued from commercial breeders/puppy mills in the Midwest and flown to Virginia to start their new lives,” said AWLA’s Chelsea Jones. “We have a group of French Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Corgis, and more.”

One of those 16 dogs is Pretzel, an adorable Corgi who may be a bit shy but has the fluffiest fur. This fluffy pup has had a long journey and is going to need a welcoming forever home!

Pretzel, along with the other arrivals need time to settle and rest, and applications are not available yet.

AWLA is accepting donations to help these new arrivals with medical care, food, grooming and more.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by AWLA (@awlaarlington)

NEW: Gun store robbed in Clarendon

By ARLnow.com
An Arlington County police car in Clarendon (file photo)

A man has been arrested after allegedly robbing a gun store in Clarendon.

Police say the 22-year-old man, of an unknown address, stole a gun and ammunition from the store on the 2600 block of Wilson Blvd, which corresponds with the address of Nova Armory.

From an Arlington County Police Department crime report:

ROBBERY, 2023-03020128, 2600 block of Wilson Boulevard. At approximately 1:34 p.m. on March 2, police were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined the suspect entered the business wearing a ski mask and was asked by store employees to remove it but did not comply with their requests. The suspect then allegedly selected a firearm and ammunition and began to exit the store. Employees tried to stop him, during which the suspect attempted to strike one of the employees before fleeing the scene with the stolen items. The suspect boarded a Metro Transit bus and responding officers stopped the bus, located the suspect on board and took him into custody. During a search of his belongings, officers recovered the stolen firearm and ammunition. [The suspect], 22, of an unknown address was arrested and charged with Robbery and Prohibition of Wearing of Masks in Certain Places. He has held without bond.

The robbery suspect has the same name as a man who charged the suspect in the shooting death of his twin brother in a Pittsburgh courtroom last year.

In December, a man in his early 20s tried unsuccessfully to steal a gun from Nova Armory. The gun was recovered after the store manager chased him down, but the suspect managed to get away.

BREAKING: Second phase of Amazon’s HQ2 delayed, county ‘not surprised’ but optimistic

By ARLnow.com
1/3

(Updated at 3 p.m.) Amazon is putting the second phase of its second headquarters in Arlington on pause, Bloomberg and various other business news outlets are reporting.

“The construction moratorium will delay the online retailer’s full arrival at its biggest real estate project, and could create headaches for local developers, as well as construction and service workers banking on Amazon’s rapid expansion,” Bloomberg first reported.

It is a move that is not totally unexpected but yet will have significant local economic ramifications. Phase 2 of HQ2, approved by the Arlington County Board in April 2022, would have come with hundreds if not thousands of construction jobs, nearly 3 million square feet of office space, and the futuristic, nature-inspired Helix building.

That’s not to mention possible impacts on some of the development in the area spurred by Amazon’s arrival.

Amazon is still on track to complete the first HQ2 phase in Pentagon City this summer and told the Washington Business Journal that it still plans to eventually hire some 25,000 workers for its Arlington presence.

Thus far, this move is being described as a “pause” and not a cancellation. Amazon still plans to apply for permits associated with the project’s second phase, on what’s known as the PenPlace site, according to the Business Journal.

Amazon recently announced that it would be bringing most employees back to the office at least three days per week, after three years of working from home during the pandemic. Some employees, including those who work on national security-related business lines, have been working out of rented office space in Crystal City during that time.

Earlier this year, Amazon announced plans to lay off more than 18,000 employees across the company. It also paused work on office construction projects in Nashville and in the Seattle area.

Arlington County issued the following statement about Amazon’s decision today.

Arlington County values the ongoing partnership with Amazon throughout the creation of its second headquarters – HQ2 has always been a multi-year project, and it continues to be a long-term commitment to Arlington and Virginia. We’re confident Amazon remains committed to the second phase of the project — PenPlace — and its benefits to the community, including affordable housing and the exciting partnership with Arlington Public Schools for the Community High School. We remain committed to working with Amazon in the years ahead, and look forward to the opening of phase one — Met Park — later this year.

At a virtual press conference this afternoon, County Board Chair Christian Dorsey said the HQ2 delay is “not exactly surprising” and “makes sense” given economic conditions and post-pandemic work patterns.

“It really doesn’t concern me, in fact i’m quite understanding,” Dorsey said. “Every [organization], from every sector, is thinking of its long term plans in a new light.”

“We’re going to ultimately see all of the benefits that we envisioned at the beginning, it’s just going to take longer,” Dorsey said, confidently predicting that the second HQ2 phase will still get built. “There’s no indication that I have that as Amazon expands, a central piece of that won’t be HQ2 and Arlington.”

(more…)

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