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.

Obituary: James Stuart Edmonds (1938-2023)

By ARLnow.com

James Stuart Edmonds (Age 84)
Memorial service info

James Stuart Edmonds of Arlington VA passed away on January 25th, 2023. He was 84 years old. Jim was born on June 4th, 1938 in Elmira, NY to Robert Mason Edmonds and Florence Hoff Edmonds. In the 1940’s his parents moved to the Edmonds family farm in the town of Benton, NY in the Finger Lakes. In 1955 Jim graduated from Penn Yan Academy and went on study Mechanical Engineering at Syracuse University. After graduating from Syracuse in 1959 he studied Applied Mathematics at the University of Michigan, earning a Master’s Degree in 1961. Jim moved to the Washington, DC area to work as a computer programmer for IBM where was employed for over 30 years working primarily at the Pentagon and CIA.

While at IBM he met his wife Yolanda Coppola and the two were married on January 13th, 1968 in Falls Church, VA. They then moved to Arlington where they raised their two sons.

During his undergraduate years at Syracuse Jim achieved in both academics and rowing. He was a member of the Tau Beta Pi Honor Society and in 1959 he and his crew represented the US at the Pan American games winning gold. After moving to Washington, DC he joined the Potomac Boat Club where he rowed competitively and earned a spot on the 1964 US Olympic Team. Jim continued at Potomac Boat Club in competition, volunteering on its board of governors and various committees, maintaining the house, rigging boats with expert precision, helping others to get the most out of rowing and making many lifelong friends.

Jim also had a great love of the outdoors and was a longtime member the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club where he volunteered much of his time maintaining trails and equipment. He frequently enjoyed hiking and canoeing with his family in the Shenandoah and Adirondack mountains, through which he instilled his lifelong appreciation for the outdoors and respect for nature in his children and their peers.

Jim will be remembered for his dependability and dedication to his friends and family including being a caregiver to his ill wife during the past 11 years. His clarity of thought and dry wit will not be forgotten, however he will be remembered above all else for his humility.

Jim is survived by his wife Yolanda of 54 years, his two sons Eric of Alexandria, VA and Marc of Arlington, VA, his brother Robert John “Jack” Edmonds of Phoenix, AZ and his nieces Christine (Tim) Hall of Mount Dora, FL and Sonja Liotti of Arlington. He is also survived by several other nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his sister Nancy E. Lent.

A gathering followed by a memorial service for Jim will be held at Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, 22203, on Friday February 3rd, 2023 from 1-4pm. In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice.

Submitted by Murphy Funeral Home, Arlington

UPDATED: Police investigating overnight shooting in front of Columbia Pike lounge

By ARLnow.com
File photo

(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:

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).

https://twitter.com/arlingtonaf/status/1621760934149488640?s=46&t=yXDrkzrwXWrOVr4_0eyvgA

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Feb 3, 2023

By ARLnow.com

Good Friday evening, Arlington. Today we published articles that were read a total of 17124 times… so far.

📈 Top stories

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

  1. BREAKING: Man arrested by SWAT team overnight, following Wakefield lockdown
  2. NEW: Teen who overdosed at Wakefield High School has died
  3. Brooklyn Bagel pleads for parking after curbside spots ceded to bike lane in Courthouse
  4. NAACP alleges current Missing Middle proposal could run afoul of fair housing laws

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

  1. BREAKING: Wakefield High School reportedly in lockdown amid police presence (64541 views)
  2. BREAKING: Police presence at Wakefield High School after reported overdoses (51057 views)
  3. DEVELOPING: Person shot, Bob & Edith’s on Columbia Pike damaged after night of gunfire (17138 views)
  4. Metro announces a three-week summer shutdown of the Ballston and East Falls Church stations (9718 views)
  5. Two local chefs named semifinalists for James Beard award, recognizing culinary excellence (8553 views)
  6. EXCLUSIVE: Key School community reeling from reportedly botched response to written racist threat of gun violence (8056 views)
  7. Arlington teen arrested after another teen shot to death in Alexandria (6831 views)
  8. BREAKING: Man arrested by SWAT team overnight, following Wakefield lockdown (6449 views)
  9. NEW: Teen who overdosed at Wakefield High School has died (6268 views)
  10. Yet another BMW stolen in yet another Crystal City area carjacking (5943 views)
  11. Columbia Pike’s Rincome Thai is set to close this month after nearly 40 years (4611 views)
  12. Plaza’s public peeing problem prompts possible portable provision, permanent potty planning process (4601 views)
  13. APS parents plan march to show support for students and demand action on youth opioid epidemic (4562 views)
  14. Four Courts starting interior demolition today, aiming for late summer reopening (3997 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

And here are the events planned for Sunday:

🌤 Saturday’s forecast

Clear throughout the day. High of 35 and low of 30. Sunrise at 7:13 am and sunset at 5:34 pm. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Thought of the Day

What is my purpose in this infinite and ever-changing universe, and how can I use my life to make a lasting impact?

🌅 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. 👋

Dancing tow truck driver draws police response on Route 50

By ARLnow.com
1/2

Arlington County police responded to an unusual incident on Route 50 this afternoon.

It happened around 1 p.m. at the intersection with Park Drive, near the Arlington Forest Shopping Center and the Outback Steakhouse.

Multiple 911 callers said the driver of a flatbed AAA tow truck parked in the travel lanes, got out, started dancing and “acting erratically.” Callers told police they were concerned for the driver’s welfare.

A traffic camera viewed by ARLnow showed the tow truck stopped in a middle eastbound lane as traffic drove by. The truck driver then drove off just before police arrived on scene.

The tow truck was not found after an initial search of the area. It is unclear whether the driver’s actions constitute anything more than a traffic infraction.

BREAKING: Man arrested by SWAT team overnight, following Wakefield lockdown

By ARLnow.com
Police presence at Wakefield High School Thursday afternoon (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

An 18-year-old Arlington man is behind bars after police say he snuck into Wakefield High School yesterday to confront a student, triggering a lockdown.

Kenan Owens was arrested around 1 a.m. this morning in the Douglas Park neighborhood by an Arlington County Police Department tactical team. According to scanner traffic, a total of nine people were detained in the operation, which targeted a small house on the 4200 block of 16th Street S., near the intersection of Four Mile Run Drive and S. George Mason Drive.

The police department said Owens “was known to carry a firearm” and “had an ongoing dispute with” the targeted student.

“The suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival and was later observed in the victim’s neighborhood,” said ACPD. Initial reports suggested that the dispute might be related to a recent shooting and that Owens was spotted wearing a ski mask while inside the school.

The trespassing incident triggered an hours-long lockdown of the school and a large police response. Classes were cancelled today at Wakefield, which is also mourning the death of a student from an apparent overdose.

More on the arrest from an ACPD press release, below.

The Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit is announcing the arrest of an individual following a trespassing investigation at Wakefield High School. Kenan Owens, 18, of Arlington was arrested and charged with Trespassing at School, Stalking, Remove/Alter Serial Number of Firearm, and Allowing Access to Firearm by Children (x3). He is being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.

At approximately 12:30 p.m. on February 2, police were dispatched to the 1300 block of S. Dinwiddie Street for the report of a trespasser. Initial information received by the Emergency Communications Center indicated the trespasser was known to carry a firearm, however, no weapon was observed during the incident. The school was placed on lockdown as police investigated the incident. The investigation ultimately determined the trespasser was not currently on school property and students were dismissed on time.

The preliminary investigation indicates the suspect allegedly entered the school and attempted to locate the juvenile victim whom he had an ongoing dispute with. Witnesses reported this information to school administration who then contacted police. The suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival and was later observed in the victim’s neighborhood.

During the course of the investigation, detectives identified the suspect and obtained warrants for his arrest. In the early morning hours of February 3, the Emergency Response Team took the suspect into custody at a residence in the 4200 block of 16th Street S. During the execution of a search warrant, three firearms were recovered including one with a removed serial number.

This remains an active investigation and anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact 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).

Hat tip to Dave Statter

NEW: Teen who overdosed at Wakefield High School has died

By ARLnow.com
Police and firefighters on scene of a reported overdose at Wakefield High School (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated at 11:55 a.m.) The teen found unconscious in a Wakefield High School boys bathroom Tuesday after an apparent overdose has died.

“The Arlington County Police Department is conducting a death investigation following the teen’s passing yesterday at the hospital,” ACPD said in a statement this morning. “The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.”

The name of the student was not given but he was identified in an online fundraising campaign and by a speaker at last night’s Arlington School Board meeting as Sergio Flores. He was reported to be 14 years old in the initial fire department dispatch on Tuesday.

A GoFundMe campaign to help pay for his funeral has raised more than $22,000 as of publication time.

“We want to give Sergio Flores the memorial he deserves, to honor his memory and say our last goodbyes,” said the page. “Sergio was a sweet caring person, he was someone who showed what real love was either family or friend wise.”

“He was someone that made everyone laugh he always had jokes he always wanted to put a smile on his friends and families face,” the page continued. “He would always be dancing with music or no music. Even if he wasn’t having a good day he always tried his best to make people happy and smile and you will be watching over all your friends and family… we love you fly high little one️.”

In recent months numerous parents and advocates have sounded the alarm to ARLnow about opioid use and overdoses in Arlington’s public schools, including middle schools and high schools.

Arlington police responded to Arlington Public Schools buildings seven times for reported overdoses between January and October 2022, according to ACPD stats. APS has been trying to combat a twin epidemic of opioid use and mental health crises among students, leading to what is now at least three student deaths since Christmas.

Still, some parents say there is more the school system should be doing. A parent march is planned in front of Wakefield High School at noon today, though classes were cancelled after yesterday’s lockdown for a potential armed trespasser.

“Say his name. Sergio Flores,” Judith Davis, Wakefield High School PTSA president, said during blistering remarks at last night’s School Board meeting. She accused APS of a “lack of leadership and inaction.”

Every single one of you in this room has been told by parents, teachers, students, PTSAs, and community leaders that we will have someone die at Wakefield. Since we came back from Covid, that has been the constant conversation and you all failed to address it. After what happened Tuesday, the only two people who contacted parents, students or PTSA were (Chief of Staff) Stephen Linkous and (School Board member) Mary Kadera, while her mother was dying. Entirely unacceptable. Stop celebrating your collective lack of performance and lack of leadership. It resulted in a loss of life. Every one of you knew this day would come. Say his name. Sergio Flores. He died. This kid is not going back to his family. The action items you claim were already happening are not in place at Wakefield. Lack of leadership and inaction is what resulted in what happened on Tuesday and what happened today. Where is the accountability for what happened? Do better. Stop celebrating yourself and talk to the community. Talk to parents. Talk to students.

Four other teens were treated by medics at Wakefield on Tuesday, at least some of whom were believed to have drug-related symptoms. Medics were also dispatched to the school yesterday, during dismissal, for a possible student overdose, according to dispatch recordings.

Police are asking the public for any additional information about Tuesday’s fatal overdose.

“This remains an active investigation and anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Tip Line at 703-228-4180 or [email protected],” said ACPD. “Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).”

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Snow on a lawn in Westover (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Pentagon City Rotating Restaurant Reopens — “Skydome, a unique rotating restaurant, has reopened atop the DoubleTree by Hilton Crystal City Hotel in Arlington. The restaurant, which closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, also underwent a conceptual redesign. The restaurant’s menu now features contemporary American fare through a Mediterranean lens, served under the direction of Executive Chef Klaus Happel and bar selections created by Haley Stone.” [Patch]

County Board Candidates Officially Announce — “The Democratic 2023 County Board field rose to five on Feb. 1, as two more aspirants kicked off campaigns. Natalie Roy and Tony Weaver join three others who announced plans a month before to seek the seats currently held by Katie Cristol and Christian Dorsey, who are not expected to seek re-election. Also at the Feb. 1 meeting, the Arlington County Democratic Committee voted unanimously to choose its two County Board nominees through a state-run primary.” [Sun Gazette]

Free ART Bus Rides — “To honor the legacy of Rosa Parks, Transit Equity Day will be celebrated this Saturday, Feb. 4th. All ART bus fares will be free for the entire day.” [Arlington County, Twitter]

APS Proposes to Nix Political Posts — “Proposed revisions to the Arlington school system’s social-media policy more directly spell out that the school system needs to stay out of political advocacy.” [Sun Gazette]

Sheriff Names First Female Chief Deputy — “County Sheriff Jose Quiroz selected Tara Johnson as his Chief Deputy within the Sheriff’s Office. She will be the first female Chief Deputy in Arlington’s history. Chief Johnson was hired in August 2000 as a Deputy Sheriff after graduating from the University of Maryland, College Park.” [Arlington County]

Sewer Work in Clarendon Area — From Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services: “Sanitary sewer upgrade work continues on North Edgewood between Franklin Road and Clarendon Boulevard, wrapping up in late March. Whole Foods parking and its dazzling Époisses de Bourgogne are not affected.” [Twitter]

Frigid Day Ahead — From the National Weather Service: “An Arctic front looks to push through late tonight into Fri. AM. A Wind Chill Advisory is in effect for portions of the Allegheny Front where wind chills will approach -10 degrees. Wind chills of 5 to 15 degrees are expected elsewhere heading into Sat. AM.” [Twitter]

It’s Friday — Partly cloudy, breezy and cold throughout the day. High of 37 and low of 16. Sunrise at 7:14 am and sunset at 5:33 pm. [Weather.gov]

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Feb 2, 2023

By ARLnow.com

Good Thursday evening, Arlington. Today we published articles that were read a total of 21133 times… so far.

📈 Top stories

The following are the most-read articles for today — Feb 2, 2023.

  1. BREAKING: Wakefield High School in lockdown amid large police presence
  2. Locals asked to opine on new pickleball courts coming to Walter Reed Community Center
  3. Morning Notes
  4. Gallery Market & Cafe on N. Oak Street in Rosslyn seems closed

📅 Upcoming events

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

⛅ Friday’s forecast

Partly cloudy throughout the day. High of 41 and low of 18. Sunrise at 7:14 am and sunset at 5:33 pm. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Thought of the Day

“Life is a precious gift– make the most of it by making a positive impact in your community and the world around you.”

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.

Most and least expensive homes sold in Arlington (Jan-Feb 2023)

By ARLnow.com

This past week saw 22 homes sold in Arlington.

The least expensive condo, single-family home or townhouse sale over the past seven days was $275,000 while the most expensive was $1,837,020.

Over the past month, meanwhile, a total of 33 single-family homes were sold. Let’s take a look at some of the most and least expensive homes sold over the past month.

Most expensive homes sold

  1. 6623 32nd Street N — $2,415,489 (7 Beds | 7.5 Baths | 6,580 SQ FT)
  2. 2911 7th Street N — $2,256,474 (6 Beds | 5.5 Baths | 4,751 SQ FT)
  3. 2134 N Stafford Street — $2,220,000 (7 Beds | 7 Baths | 7,354 SQ FT)
  4. 4001 N Richmond Street — $1,855,000 (5 Beds | 4.5 Baths | 4,681 SQ FT)
  5. 6026 Little Falls Road — $1,837,020 (5 Beds | 4.5 Baths | 5,042 SQ FT)

Least expensive homes sold

  1. 22 S Edison Street — $630,000 (3 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,368 SQ FT)
  2. 2005 N George Mason Drive — $744,000 (3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 1,555 SQ FT)
  3. 2811 21st Road S — $756,000 (3 Beds | 2 Baths | 2,688 SQ FT)

UPDATED: Wakefield High School placed in lockdown after report of armed trespasser

By ARLnow.com
1/6

(Updated at 11:55 p.m.) Wakefield High School was placed in lockdown Thursday afternoon after reports of a trespasser, possibly armed with a gun, and a threat against a student.

The cause for concern is related to a recent shooting in the Green Valley neighborhood, according to initial reports. So far, there are no reports of any acts of violence inside the school.

The initial dispatch went out around 12:30 p.m. A large police presence surrounded Wakefield and officers — some heavily armed — searched the building and classrooms, as well as nearby neighborhoods.

During the search, a student who was not considered a suspect was escorted out of the school by police, ARLnow hears.

The lockdown was lifted and student dismissal started shortly after 3 p.m. under the watchful eye of police.

“ACPD’s investigation determined the trespasser, possibly armed with a gun, is not currently on school property,” Arlington Public Schools said in a statement. “The investigation into the incident is ongoing, according to ACPD… All students and staff are safe.”

“After-school and evening activities are canceled,” the statement added. “The safety and security of your student is our top priority.”

During dismissal, a medic unit was dispatched to the school for what what described as a separate incident unrelated to the trespassing.

Groups of parents started gathering near the school after the lockdown started but were then directed to a reunification center at a nearby church, per scanner traffic. TV news crews also gathered outside of the school.

Wakefield students were dismissed early Tuesday after a student was hospitalized in critical condition after an apparent overdose in a bathroom. Friday classes were cancelled as of Thursday evening, according to APS.

Morning Poll: Should we launch user-submitted restaurant reviews?

By ARLnow.com
Dinner table for two (Photo courtesy The Little Beet)

ARLnow has been hearing for some time that readers are interested in reviews of local restaurants.

Just one problem: we’re far from being food critics. And we don’t have the time and funds to try multiple dishes at numerous new restaurants each year.

Reader-submitted restaurant reviews were previously considered, but it seemed like a lot of effort to coordinate — effort that was better kept focused on simply reporting on factual stories like restaurant openings, closing and renovations.

However, thanks to new automation capabilities, there appears to be an opportunity to launch reader restaurant reviews without distracting too much from our main work.

Here’s how the ARLnow Dining Club would work:

  • Interested readers sign up to join the club
  • A number of club members will be selected at random to review a new restaurant a couple of months after it opens
  • Those selected will get an email and will be able to accept or decline the assignment
  • The reviews, entered into an online form, will be compiled by AI and an overall review summary will be posted along with each individual review (reviewers may go by their name or a pseudonym)
  • Other readers will also be able to weigh in after publication, via the comments

There would be no cost to join the club, but we’re also not going to be paying for reviews or comping meals. Reviewers will be asked to not reveal that they’re reviewing the restaurant nor ask for free food or drink. If you sign up, you’re doing so for the love of food and restaurants and the fun of being a secret reviewer for the day.

So that’s the plan, as currently envisioned. What do you think — good idea or bad idea?

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