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.

Police investigating armed robbery, shots fired incidents

By ARLnow.com
File photo

Arlington County police are investigating a pair of gun-related incidents from Sunday.

First, they responded to a report of shots fired near Glencarlyn Park early Sunday morning. No injuries were reported but evidence of gunfire was found.

From today’s ACPD crime report:

SHOTS FIRED, 2023-12100033, 300 block of S. Harrison Street. At approximately 1:33 a.m. on December 10, police were dispatched to the report of shots heard. Upon arrival, officers recovered evidence confirming several shots had been fired. No victims or property damage were reported. There is no suspect description(s). The investigation is ongoing.

Sunday night, amid heavy rain, a woman who had just parked her car was robbed by an armed suspect in the Douglas Park neighborhood.

More, below, from ACPD.

ROBBERY, 2023-12100220, 4300 block of 16th Street S. At approximately 9:46 p.m. on December 10, police were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined the victim was driving in the area when she observed the suspect vehicle, a black sedan, behind her. The victim then parked and exited her vehicle during which the suspect exited his vehicle, brandished what appeared to be a firearm and demanded the victim’s property. The suspect then fled the area in his vehicle with the victim’s stolen purse and cell phone. A lookout was broadcast and officers canvassed the area for the suspect yielding negative results. The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 6’3”-6’4” wearing a black jacket, gray mask and hat. No injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing.

Police investigating ‘suspicious’ incident at local middle school

By ARLnow.com
Williamsburg Middle School (photo via Google Maps)

A stranger tried to lure a Williamsburg Middle School student into her car during Friday’s dismissal, according to police.

Arlington County police are so far classifying the incident as “suspicious,” stopping short of confirming it as an attempted abduction.

ACPD released the following statement about what happened to ARLnow.

At approximately 3:09 p.m. on December 8, police were dispatched to Williamsburg Middle School, located at 3600 N. Harrison Street, for the late report of an enticement. The preliminary investigation indicates between 4:00 and 4:15 p.m. on December 7, a student was waiting to be picked up outside the school when the female subject approached in a black Subaru and reportedly stated she had been sent by the student’s parents to pick them up. When the student declined, the subject drove away. The subject is described as a white female with shoulder length dirty blonde hair. The incident is being investigated as suspicious circumstances and police would like to identify and speak with the female subject. Anyone with information regarding the incident can contact Arlington County Police Department’s tip line at 703-228-4180 or [email protected].

The middle school, meanwhile, sent the following to families on Friday evening.

Dear Williamsburg Families:

We wanted to alert you of an incident that happened yesterday at dismissal. A student reported that a woman they did not know approached them outside of school at the pickup loop in a vehicle and told them she was sent by their mom to pick them up. Fortunately, the student had just spoken with their mom and said they would not go with her. The incident has been reported to local law enforcement.  Although we have not had incidents like this in the past, it is important for our students and families to exercise caution.

Please remind your students about steps they should take to ensure their safety when they are out in the community:
> Never get in a vehicle or leave the school with an individual you do not know without speaking to a trusted adult first.
> Always report all incidents immediately to an adult (parent, principal, teacher, resource officer) whenever something occurs that makes them feel unsafe.
> Be aware of their surroundings.
> Don’t wear devices that block their hearing or seeing.
> Avoid talking to, engaging with or answering questions to passersby or strangers.
> Always walk or bicycle with at least one buddy in well-lit areas.
> Use a cell phone, if available, to call for help. (If students have cell phones, make sure that emergency numbers are programmed into the    phone so they can be dialed quickly. Also, remind your student that the cell phone should not be used during class time at school.)
> Also remind them that if something occurs, they should report it to a trusted adult as soon as possible.

By working together, we can help to ensure that our students have a safe community in which they can continue to grow and learn. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions.

WMS Administration

NOW: Large response to fatal house fire near Arlington border in McLean

By ARLnow.com
1/8

A large fire department and police response is on scene at a fatal house fire in McLean, near the Arlington border.

The fire was reported around 9:15 a.m. on the 4000 block of Ridgeview Circle, in the Chain Bridge Forest neighborhood just south of the GW Parkway.

First arriving firefighters reported a column of smoke rising in the air and requested a second alarm, which included numerous fire department units from Arlington.

Firefighting operations were still in progress an hour after the initial dispatch, with white smoke rising from the garage, though the bulk of the fire was knocked down within 30 minutes. Much of the interior of the two-story home appears scorched, despite the front of the main roof remaining intact.

An SUV could be seen parked in the driveway of the home. Fairfax County police confirmed just before 10:30 a.m. that a man was found dead in a bedroom and an investigation is now underway.

Morning Poll: Keep inflatable decorations running all day?

By ARLnow.com
Christmas decorations weighed down by snow in North Arlington (staff photo)

Last week ARLnow received an interesting reader email.

The writer’s suggestion: we should beautify Arlington County by encouraging those with inflatable holiday decorations to keep them inflated at all times, rather than leaving them deflated during the day, as is often the case.

The email:

Suggest a public service announcement to make Arlington more beautiful over the holidays.

While many people keep their inflatable holiday decorations full during the day, several do not and for some reason choose only to fill them at night – thus resulting is what looks like piles of colored plastic bags laying on front yards.

Perhaps a positive message like:

“Thank you Arlingtonians for keeping your inflatable yard decorations full during the day, and not just at night – helping to keep Arlington looking good through the holidays”

Thanks

Now, some may see inflatables as a scourge, a tacky way for busy households to decorate for the holidays with minimal effort and storage space required. And others might have concerns about the electricity use of the fan-driven decorations.

But those who appreciate holiday decor in any form may find themselves agreeing with the letter writer.

What do you think?

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Christmas lights in the mist (staff photo)

Palestine Rally in Pentagon City — On Saturday afternoon: “Palestine rally at S. Hayes + Army Navy Drive in Pentagon City. Expect delays.” [Twitter, Twitter, Twitter]

VHC Details New Facility Plan — “Nearly a year after revealing initial plans to establish a behavioral health and rehabilitation facility in Arlington, VHC Health has disclosed more details about the project: It wants to build a 146-bed acute-care hospital to provide psychiatric and addiction treatment. The nonprofit health system submitted a letter of intent Monday to the Virginia Department of Health indicating it will apply for a certificate of public need for the hospital at 601 S. Carlin Springs Road.” [Washington Business Journal]

Memorial Hoops Tourney This Weekend — “The first Braylon Meade Basketball Classic is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 16 at Washington-Liberty High School and will include six boys teams and three games. The tipoff is at 1 p.m. between Osbourn and Woodgrove, followed by a 2:30 p.m. game between Wakefield and South County. The day’s final contest is scheduled for 4 p.m. between host Washington-Liberty and the Edison Eagles.” [Gazette Leader]

AI Grant for Marymount — “Marymount University was one of only 15 universities awarded with the National Institutes of Health’s AIM-AHEAD Program for AI Readiness (PAIR) grant, which will be implemented by Marymount’s Center for Optimal Aging.” [Press Release]

Another Gun Seized at DCA — “An Ashburn man was stopped from bringing a loaded handgun onto his flight Thursday at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, according to the Transportation Security Administration.” [Patch]

Families Lay Wreaths at ANC — From Arlington National Cemetery: “Each year, we set aside a day ahead of Wreaths Across America Day to allow family pass holders to place a wreath at their loved one’s grave. Today, despite the wet weather, thousands of you joined us for this cherished tradition.” [Twitter]

It’s Monday — Rain early, potentially mixed with snow, then mostly cloudy before gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 43. Breezy, with a northwest wind 16 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Tonight it will be clear, with a low around 28. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light west after midnight. [Weather.gov]

UPDATED: Police investigating shooting in Green Valley

By ARLnow.com
1/6

A woman was shot this afternoon in the Green Valley neighborhood.

The shooting happened around 1 p.m., reportedly near the intersection of S. Kemper Road and S. Oxford Street. Photos taken afterward show a crime scene along nearby S. Four Mile Run Drive.

Initial reports suggest that the shots were fired from a silver Honda SUV with Virginia tags and four people inside. The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries, Arlington County police said, and was taken via ambulance to a local hospital.

The U.S. Park Police helicopter assisted with a search for the suspects but so far there’s no word of any arrests.

Update on 12/10/23 — Arlington County police issued the following press release about the shooting.

The Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit is investigating a shooting in the Green Valley neighborhood which occurred on the afternoon of December 9, 2023.

At approximately 1:03 p.m., police were dispatched to the report of a shooting at S. Kemper Road and S. Oxford Street. The preliminary investigation indicates the female victim was a passenger in a vehicle traveling on S. Oxford Street when four suspects approached on foot and discharged firearms, striking the victim and the vehicle. Following the shooting, the driver of the victim vehicle continued to the 4000 block of S. Four Mile Run Drive where officers located them and began rendering aid to the victim. The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

The suspects subsequently fled the area in a silver SUV. The suspects are described as four Black males with skinny builds wearing dark clothing and facial coverings.

This remains an active criminal investigation. Anyone with information or home surveillance that may assist with the investigation is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit 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). For additional community resources and contact information, visit our website.

Flood Watch issued ahead of Sunday deluge

By ARLnow.com
Rain in Ballston (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

It’s going to be a rainy Sunday. A very rainy Sunday.

A Flood Watch for much of the D.C. area was issued Friday night, ahead of the storm. Forecasters say 2-3 inches of rain is expected to fall, potentially causing flooding.

Strong winds are also expected late Sunday.

More from the National Weather Service:

…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE SUNDAY NIGHT…

* WHAT…Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

* WHERE…Portions of DC, including the following , District of Columbia, Maryland, including the following areas, Anne Arundel, Cecil, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast Montgomery, Charles, Northern Baltimore, Northwest Harford, Prince Georges, Southeast Harford and Southern Baltimore, and northern Virginia, including the following areas, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria, Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park, Fairfax, Southern Fauquier and Stafford.

* WHEN…From Sunday afternoon through late Sunday night.

* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Two to three inches of rain are expected Sunday through late Sunday night with the heaviest rains falling during the afternoon and evening. This amount of rain could cause flooding of small streams, creeks and urban areas.
– Please visit www.weather.gov/safety/flood for flood safety and preparedness information

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Dec 8, 2023

By ARLnow.com

Good Friday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Dec 8, 2023.

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

  1. Part of Bluemont Trail closed due to man shooting off flare gun (672738 views)
  2. BREAKING: Suspect killed in house explosion, police believe (57964 views)
  3. Fundraiser for family whose duplex exploded nearly triples initial goal (21969 views)
  4. Study: Virginia has 4th strongest residents in U.S. (11419 views)
  5. Ocean Shack is open for dining (and sports viewing) in the Glebe Road Shopping Center (8662 views)
  6. NEW: Nepalese restaurant in Ballston appears to be replacing the last remaining Booeymonger (6154 views)
  7. A collection of single-family homes in Cherrydale will soon be eligible for Missing Middle redevelopment (5654 views)
  8. Former Arlington prosecutor named Va. Deputy Attorney General (5471 views)
  9. AIM to move headquarters but cannot yet close chapter on financial concerns (4984 views)
  10. Additional apartments, townhomes mulled for Shirlington multifamily building (4921 views)
  11. Columbia Pike staple The Broiler has opened a second location in Maryland (4435 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

Patchy fog is expected from 9am to 11am, giving way to partly sunny skies and a high near 56. In the afternoon, calm winds will shift southward, reaching around 5 mph. Saturday night will see an increased chance of showers after 2am, with a 50% chance of precipitation. Clouds will thicken and the temperature will drop to a low of around 49, while south winds will range between 3 to 8 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

🌅 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. 👋

New to the ARLnow Shop: a gondola-themed ugly holiday sweatshirt

By ARLnow.com
ARLnow’s new gondola-themed ugly holiday sweater (well, sweatshirt)

Be the envy of your company holiday party, Dec. 23 trip to the local bar or Christmas morning with your in-laws.

Today the ARLnow Shop is rolling out the official Gondola Ugly Holiday Sweater (Sweatshirt).

This new design is a true Arlington original, with the Air Force Memorial, Marine Corps War Memorial, Rosslyn skyline and, yes, a pair of gondolas.

Order between now and Monday to ensure delivery by Christmas.

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Apollo

By ARLnow.com
1/2

Are you finally ready to become a cat parent? Meet, Apollo the latest Adoptable Pet of the Week!

This fluffy male kitten is currently in foster through the Animal Welfare League of Arlington.

His friends had this to say:

Apollo is a fluffy white and brown tabby kitten who is good natured and goofy. He is quick to warm to new people and guarantees to bring a smile to your face.

His soft fur, expressive eyes, and motorboat purr make him utterly adorable. Apollo loves to run and play, especially with his foster sister Artemis, chasing toys and exploring every nook and cranny. When they’re not playing, Artemis and Apollo enjoy snuggling up together for a nap.

This roly-poly bundle of joy is so fun to have around, and hopes he can bring that joy to you.

Apollo is a very energetic kitten who loves the companionship of the other cats in his foster home. He would particularly love to go home with his best friend, Artemis.

Is Apollo the kitten for you? Read his entire profile to learn more. Watch his adventures with his foster @whisker.wonderland!

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with 2-3 paragraphs about your pet and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos.

Fields Park to be closed all season after Bluemont home explosion

By ARLnow.com
1/7

Crews are working to clean up a park and a trail following Monday’s house explosion in Bluemont.

Arlington County provided an update about the incident late Thursday afternoon, noting that the exact cause of the explosion — which followed a police standoff with a resident now presumed dead — remains unknown.

The blast destroyed both units of a duplex that’s next to the Bluemont Junction Trail and Field Park, which is often used by youth soccer teams. A fundraiser for the family in the adjoining duplex unit has now raised over $200,000.

The county says it’s working to remove debris from the trail but cautions that it is “a process that will take time” and “continued patience is appreciated.” The cleanup of the park, meanwhile, has prompted its closure for the rest of the winter.

Neighbors of the destroyed house on N. Burlington Street were allowed to return to their homes Wednesday night, according to the county.

More, below, from a press release.

The Arlington County Fire Department, Office of the Fire Marshal has concluded operations on the scene of the recent explosion and fire at 844 N. Burlington St. While operations at the scene have concluded, the investigation into the incident, including the cause of the explosion, is ongoing.

Residents displaced following the home explosion in the 800 block of N. Burlington Street were permitted to return home Wednesday evening.

The Bluemont Junction Trail and the Fields Park cleanup process is underway, led by the Department of Parks and Recreation. Fields Park will remain closed for the duration of the winter season.

Fencing has been installed to secure the site. The Department of Environment Services continues to clear debris, a process that will take time; continued patience is appreciated.

Arlington County staff are in communication with residents and encourage them to continue to reach out for support and resources. If any residents is in need of assistance, including medical, food, housing, or mental health assistance, please contact the Arlington County Department of Human Services at (703) 228-1300 or (703) 228-1398 (TTY).

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