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.
Death investigation at Inns of Virginia (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Death investigation at Inns of Virginia (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Death investigation at Inns of Virginia (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Death investigation at Inns of Virginia (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Death investigation at Inns of Virginia (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
(Updated at 2:50 p.m.) Arlington County police are investigating after two people were found dead in a hotel room this afternoon.
Initial reports suggest that police were called after a guest failed to check out on time at the Inns of Virginia hotel, at 3335 Langston Blvd, and officers then found a man and a woman unresponsive in their room. Medics pronounced them dead on the scene.
Police are now trying to determine what happened, but so far there is no indication that the deaths are being considered suspicious.
“ACPD is conducting a death investigation in the 3300 block of Langston Boulevard,” police spokeswoman Ashley Savage confirmed to ARLnow. “At approximately 12:33 p.m., police were dispatched and located an adult male and female deceased inside a hotel room. Based on the preliminary investigation, the deaths do not appear suspicious and there is no apparent ongoing threat to the public. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death.”
In August 2020, two people were found dead of a suspected overdose in the Buckingham neighborhood. Then, in December 2021, two people were found dead in Ashton Heights of “narcotics-related” causes.
Stabbing at Eden Center (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Stabbing at Eden Center (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Stabbing at Eden Center (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Stabbing at Eden Center (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Stabbing at Eden Center (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Stabbing at Eden Center (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
(Updated at 1:45 p.m.) Falls Church police and Arlington medics responded to a stabbing at the Eden Center just before noon today.
One person was stabbed in the back in the rear of the shopping center, according to initial reports, and the suspect is currently at large. The circumstances leading to the stabbing, where exactly it took place in the complex, and the condition of the victim are unclear.
The Eden Center is located on the 6700 block of Wilson Blvd, near the border with Arlington County.
Falls Church Police released the following statement about the stabbing Thursday afternoon.
At about 11:50 a.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2023, City of Falls Church Police responded to 6795 Wilson Blvd. for a report of a stabbing at the Eden Center.
One victim was stabbed and taken to a local hospital. Victim is stable.
Anyone with information should contact Detective Gandionko at 703-248-5284 (TTY 711) or [email protected].
Men working aloft in Ballston (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Amazon Layoffs and Loan — “Amazon Inc.’s layoffs will affect more than 18,000 employees, the highest reduction tally revealed in the past year at a major technology company as the industry pares back amid economic uncertainty. The Seattle-based company in November said that it was beginning layoffs among its corporate workforce, with cuts concentrated on its devices business, recruiting and retail operations.” [Wall Street Journal, TechCrunch]
Arlington Impact Unclear — “Later in November, Amazon began laying off… employees, according to reports, including at its Alexa division, which is supposed to have a large presence at its HQ2 in Arlington… At HQ2, Amazon is wrapping up construction on its two-tower first phase, Metropolitan Park, set to open later this year. The company has yet to break ground on the second phase, PenPlace.” [Washington Business Journal]
Chase Ends in I-395 Wreck — From Dave Statter: “#caughtoncamera: Chase & crash at 6:30 pm. @VSPPIO after speeder who then tried to plow through I-395N traffic at Boundary Channel. Multiple injuries. Arrests made.” [Twitter, Twitter]
Daytime Street Robbery in Pentagon City — “1100 block of S. Hayes Street. At approximately 4:16 p.m. on January 3, police were dispatched to the report of a robbery by force. Upon arrival, it was determined approximately 20 minutes prior, the female victim was walking in the area when the two unknown male suspects approached from behind, assaulted her and stole a bag containing a laptop. The suspects then fled the scene on foot.” [ACPD]
Board Trims Long Public Comment Periods — “Arlington County Board members have approved a modification to public-hearing rules that would impact, and perhaps streamline, meetings when lots of lots of people want to have their say. The proposal, embedded in the board’s 2023 meeting procedures slated for adoption at the Jan. 3 organizational meeting, would cut the time available to speakers when a large line of speakers – in person and/or ‘virtually’ – has developed.” [Sun Gazette]
Chamber Calls for Better Buses — “As the 10th anniversary of the demise of the proposed but never inaugurated Columbia Pike streetcar project starts to loom over the horizon, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce is pressing county officials to do more to improve transit service in the Columbia Pike corridor. In its 2023 policy priorities, the business organization calls on the county government to support bus-rapid-transit (‘or similar’) for the Columbia Pike corridor, which has the highest concentration of bus ridership in the commonwealth.” [Sun Gazette]
Missing Middle Debate ‘Getting Intense’ — From the Washington Post’s Teo Armus: “Arlington’s missing middle debate is getting intense on NextDoor, where one critic says the proposal will make the county ‘lower classed, noisier, dirtier, etc.’ ‘All you would be doing is cause stress to your kids when they see how others live better than they do.'” [Twitter]
Transit Cops Now Carrying Narcan — “Metro Transit Police Officers have a new tool to protect customers and save lives. All active duty MTPD officers and Metro’s crisis intervention specialists will be equipped with naloxone (commonly known as Narcan) to prevent deaths by opioid overdose. The addition of naloxone as a life-saving resource comes as a result of increased calls to MTPD reporting suspected overdoses, from 27 incidents in 2021 to 43 incidents in 2022.” [WMATA]
It’s Thursday — Partly cloudy throughout the day. High of 67 and low of 50. Sunrise at 7:28 am and sunset at 5:01 pm. [Weather.gov]
Digital art of a Clarendon crowd (generated via DALL-E 2)
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Gun detected in a traveler’s carry-on bag at Reagan National Airport on Jan. 1 (courtesy TSA)
Gun detected in a traveler’s carry-on bag at Reagan National Airport on Jan. 4 (courtesy TSA)
The new year is starting off with a proverbial bang for security at Reagan National Airport.
A Transportation Security Administration officer stopped an Alexandria man who tried to bring a loaded, semi-automatic folding rifle onto to a flight on New Year’s Day, the agency said. Then, three days later, the TSA allegedly confiscated a loaded, semi-automatic handgun from a Prince William County man’s carry-on baggage.
“It is only the fourth day of 2023 and already our officers have prevented two individuals from bringing loaded guns through the security checkpoint and onto their flights” John Busch, TSA’s Federal Security Director at National Airport, said in a statement. “Let’s hope that the frequency level of people bringing guns to our checkpoints does not continue this new year. Individuals who own firearms should familiarize themselves with regulations regarding where their weapons can and cannot be carried.”
Both men were cited on weapons charges. The citations are civil offenses that come with a fine, not jail time.
More on the rifle confiscated on Sunday, below, from a TSA press release.
A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) prevented an Alexandria, Va., man from bringing his semi-automatic folding rifle onto his flight on Sunday, Jan. 1. The 9mm rifle was loaded with 20 bullets. There were a total of 56 bullets packed with his gun in three gun magazines.
The weapon was caught as the man entered the security checkpoint. The X-ray unit alerted on the man’s carry-on bag. TSA officials notified the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority police who confiscated the gun and cited the man on a weapons charge. He told officials that he has two very similar looking backpacks–one for the firing range and one for travel–and that he accidentally brought the wrong one with him to the airport.
“This was no way to start the new year,” said John Busch, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “Immediately following a record-setting year for firearms at TSA checkpoints, we have this one. Gun enthusiasts with range bags similar to carry-ons need to be especially mindful. If you own a firearm, it is your responsibility to know where it is, and that it cannot go through an airport security checkpoint. In addition to the citation by airport police, this individual now faces a stiff financial civil penalty–a penalty for carrying a weapon that was recently increased to a maximum of $15,000.”
Firearms are not permitted through a security checkpoint because passengers should not have access to a firearm during a flight. This even applies to travelers with concealed carry permits or are enrolled in the TSA PreCheck® program. Individuals who bring their gun to a security checkpoint face a stiff federal financial civil penalty.
Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms only in checked baggage if they are properly packaged and declared at their airline ticket counter. Firearms must be unloaded, packed in a hard-sided locked case, and packed separately from ammunition. Then the locked case should be taken to the airline check-in counter to be declared. TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website.
Bringing a gun to an airport checkpoint carries a federal civil penalty because TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. Civil penalties for bringing a gun into a checkpoint can stretch into thousands of dollars, depending on mitigating circumstances. This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because even though an individual may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow for a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. Additionally, if a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.
Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality and passengers should do their homework to make sure that they are not violating any local firearm laws. Travelers should also contact their airline as they may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.
Rain, umbrellas and holiday lights in Shirlington (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Local Mass for Late Pope — From the Catholic Diocese of Arlington: “Bishop Burbidge will celebrate a special Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI this Thursday, January 5 at 12:05 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More. May we continue to offer prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul.” [Twitter]
Suspicious Incident in Green Valley — “17th Road S. at S. Edgewood Street. At approximately 2:29 p.m. on January 1, police were dispatched to the report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, it was determined the two juvenile female victims were walking in the area when the unknown male suspect parked his vehicle, rolled down the window and made a statement about them needing a ride home. As the victims continued walking, they observed the suspect exit his vehicle and begin walking in the area.” [ACPD]
Another GW Parkway Crash — “Another rainy day GW Parkway crash, this time in the southbound lanes near Roosevelt Island, per scanner. Report of a vehicle that crashed and is now resting on the jersey wall.” [Twitter, Twitter]
County Newsletter Still Dead — “In the eyes of Arlington County Manager Mark Schwartz, it appears print is dead. And is going to remain so. Despite being pressed to provide more information to county residents through the mail, including resurrection of a six-times-a-year newsletter that has been dormant since 2018, the county manager gave a decidedly noncommital response at a recent public forum.” [Sun Gazette]
It’s Wednesday — Rain in the afternoon and evening. High of 67 and low of 58. Sunrise at 7:28 am and sunset at 5:00 pm. [Weather.gov]
Arlington County police responded to several shots fired calls on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
No one was reported to have been injured in any of the three incidents of gunfire. The first happened in the Arlington View neighborhood, between Columbia Pike and I-395.
From an ACPD crime report:
SHOTS FIRED, 2022-12310180, 1500 block of 11th Street S. At approximately 6:10 p.m. on December 31, police were dispatched to the report of shots fired. Upon arrival, it was determined the victims were inside their residence when they heard what appeared to be shots fired. Responding officers recovered evidence confirming shots had been fired and located property damage to the exterior window and interior wall of the residence and a vehicle parked outside. No injuries were reported. There is no suspect(s) description. The investigation is ongoing.
The next incident happened 24 hours later, on New Year’s Day, in the Long Branch Creek neighborhood just south of I-395.
SHOTS FIRED, 2023-01010187, 1400 block of 28th Street S. At approximately 6:10 p.m. on January 1, police were dispatched to the report of shots heard. During the course of the investigation, responding officers recovered evidence confirming shots had been fired in the area. No injuries or property damage was reported. The investigation is ongoing.
The third happened later that night in the Penrose neighborhood, between Columbia Pike and Route 50.
SHOT FIRED, 2023-01010233, 500 block of S. Veitch Street. At approximately 9:34 p.m. on January 1, police were dispatched to the report of suspicious circumstances. Upon arrival, it was determined the victim had returned home after an extended absence and observed damage to a bedroom. Responding officers recovered evidence confirming a shot had been fired and located property damage to a ceiling within a bedroom. No injuries were reported. There is no suspect description. The investigation is ongoing.
Separately, a juvenile female suspect is alleged to have shot two people in the Crystal City area with a water pellet gun on New Year’s Eve, in yet another drive-by incident.
ASSAULT & BATTERY (Significant), 2022-12310181/12310186, 1200 block of Crystal Drive/3500 block of S. Ball Street. At approximately 6:12 p.m. on December 31, police were dispatched to the report of a suspicious vehicle. The investigation indicates unknown female suspect(s) discharged a water pellet gun from a vehicle, striking at two victims. The victims did not require medical attention. The suspect vehicle is described as a silver or gray sedan.
Preston Caruthers (photo via Shenandoah University)
Long-time local developer, civic leader and philanthropist Preston Caruthers has died.
Caruthers passed away on New Year’s Day at the age of 95.
Dubbed “Mr. Arlington” for “his tireless work to enhance the quality of life of his fellow residents,” Caruthers served in the Navy during World War II and then spent his life building, volunteering and donating.
His “contributions to the Arlington skyline include Dominion Towers, Shawnee and Rosslyn’s Ames Building,” the Falls Church News-Press’ Charlie Clark wrote in a 2015 biographical article. He made significant donations to the Virginia Hospital Center Foundation, Marymount University, Shenandoah University, and the David M. Brown Planetarium, among other institutions.
Caruthers also volunteered and served on numerous boards, including the Arlington School Board, the Virginia State Board of Education and the George Mason University Board of Visitors.
In 2007 Caruthers received the Arlington Community Foundation Spirit of Community Award. Ten years later, he was honored by the Virginia state legislature with the following joint resolution.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 13, 2017
Agreed to by the Senate, January 16, 2017
WHEREAS, Preston C. Caruthers, a patriotic veteran and a successful entrepreneur, has supported and strengthened the Arlington community through his generosity and visionary leadership; and
WHEREAS, a native of Oklahoma, Preston Caruthers learned the value of hard work and responsibility at a young age as a child of the Great Depression, supporting his family through part-time summer jobs and by working on his uncle’s farm; and
WHEREAS, Preston Caruthers attended Will Rogers High School before he joined many of the other young men of his generation in service to the nation during World War II; as a member of the United States Navy, he served in the Pacific theater of the war; and
WHEREAS, after his honorable military service, Preston Caruthers returned to the United States, continued his education at George Washington University, and founded a construction business, which thrived thanks to his charisma, business acumen, and industrious nature; and
WHEREAS, Preston Caruthers’ company completed residential homes and communities, apartments, and commercial parks and office buildings; his proudest accomplishment was the creation of Belmont Bay, a unique waterfront community at the confluence of the Occoquan River and Potomac River; and
WHEREAS, after settling in Arlington, Preston Caruthers became a pillar of the community, holding leadership positions on the boards of the First Bank of Virginia, The Nature Conservancy, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and the Arlington Hospital Foundation and supporting the National Museum of the United States Army, the Virginia Hospital Center Foundation, and Marymount University; and
WHEREAS, Preston Caruthers was deeply committed to lifelong learning and worked to instill that passion in the youth of the community as a member of the Arlington County School Board and through leadership positions at George Mason University, the Virginia State Board of Education, and the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges; and
WHEREAS, in 2007, Preston Caruthers received the Arlington Community Foundation Spirit of Community Award, and he earned the nickname “Mr. Arlington” for his tireless work to enhance the quality of life of his fellow residents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Preston C. Caruthers for his work as a developer, philanthropist, and community advocate; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Preston C. Caruthers for his decades of exceptional service to the residents of Arlington and the Commonwealth.
Caruthers was married to wife Jeanne for 66 years prior to her death in 2015, according to a past Sun Gazette article. They had five children, all raised locally.
Memorial service plans have so far not been announced publicly. Clark tells ARLnow that he’s working on an obituary for Caruthers, to be published later this week.
Update at 12:45 p.m. — Marymount University just released the following statement from President Irma Becerra.
Preston Caruthers was a valued and longtime friend of Marymount University. He was a true counselor and major philanthropic supporter, and we are honored to have a building named in his honor on campus. He greatly valued education in general, and private education and Marymount in particular. In fact, through his efforts Marymount joined the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges, a group supporting scholarships for private institutions in Virginia — and our involvement continues to this day. He will be missed dearly, but we are truly blessed to continue our relationship with the Caruthers family.
Preston and Jeanne Caruthers in an undated photo (courtesy of Marymount University)
Route 1 bridge that is being repaired (photo courtesy VDOT)
Route 1 bridge that is being repaired (photo courtesy VDOT)
Repairs are in progress on the bridge that takes traffic from southbound I-395 to Route 1 in the Crystal City area.
The $4 million Virginia Dept. of Transportation project will “improve safety and extend the overall life of the bridge,” which was originally built in 1976.
More from a VDOT press release:
Repairs are underway on the weight-restricted (20 tons) southbound I-395/Route 1 Exit 8C bridge, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. The project will improve safety and extend the overall life of the bridge, which carries southbound Route 1 over the 395 Express Lanes, the northbound I-395 general purpose lanes and northbound Route 110.
The project includes retrofitting and spot painting structural steel, and replacing the catcher beam system and strip seal at the joint.
During the project, some day and overnight single-lane closures may be scheduled, along with occasional overnight full closures of the bridge with detours.
The bridge, which was originally built in 1976 and rehabilitated in 1999, is about a fifth of a mile long and averages 20,000 vehicles a day.
The $4 million project is financed with federal and state funding and is scheduled for completion in late 2023. […]
Drivers are reminded to use caution when traveling in active work zones. Be alert to new traffic patterns and limit distractions.
The entrance to the bridge has been the scene of numerous crashes caused by drivers trying to exit across multiple lanes at the last second, as documented by public safety watcher Dave Statter.
