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.
Give a warm welcome to Cannoli, a rescue from Fort Worth who now calls Crystal City home, and our Arlington Pet of the Week!
This sweet boy from Texas loves everyone and his owner had the following to say about him.
Cannoli is new to the Arlington area this year. He comes to us as a rescue from Fort Worth, Texas, and has been enjoying making Crystal City his home.
He shows his ability to be a good boy by happily chewing his many bones, snuggling up for naps, and learning lots of tricks. Sit, shake, shake with the other paw, down, roll over, stay, and come are already in his repertoire!
On the other hand, his “gremlin behavior” comes through in howling at fluffy neighbors, digging at carpet, and teasing his dog park pals so they’ll chase him.
Whether it’s a Good Day or Gremlin Day, Cannoli loves everyone and enjoys his newfound popularity!
Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos — they don’t fit in our photo gallery!
Arlington County police are investigating gunfire in the Green Valley neighborhood this morning.
Initial reports suggest that someone in a gray vehicle fired several gunshots near the intersection of S. Kenmore Street and 23rd Street S. before fleeing the scene.
So far, there are no reports of anyone being struck by the gunfire, though police found at least one shell casing.
Officers remain on scene investigating.
POLICE ACTIVITY: ACPD responded to S. Kenmore Street at 23rd Street for the report of shots heard and recovered evidence confirming shots had been fired. No injuries reported. Expect continued police activity in the area. pic.twitter.com/CB8JUwXauA
Covid cases in Arlington as of 8/15/22 (via Virginia Dept. of Health)
The rate of reported Covid cases continues to slowly fall in Arlington, while the number of monkeypox cases slowly rises.
The local seven-day moving average of new Covid cases is now 83 cases per day, down nearly 60% since Memorial Day, according to the latest Virginia Dept. of Health data. Separate data from the CDC suggests that hospitalizations have risen over the past week, from 6.6 per 100,000 residents per week to 8.4.
The county, meanwhile, saw about one new monkeypox case per day over the past week. All seven new cases since last Monday — Arlington has reported a total of 39 cases since the start of the monkeypox outbreak — are among male patients, according to VDH data.
Arlington’s health department says its monkeypox vaccination effort is continuing, with nearly 700 vaccine doses administered as of this past Thursday.
The Arlington County Public Health Division (ACPHD) continues to respond to the ongoing spread of the monkeypox virus and is working with community partners to ensure those who have been exposed or are at highest risk of exposure to monkeypox receive a vaccination.
ACPHD continues to provide monkeypox vaccine to close contacts of known cases and those at increased risk of exposure to reduce their chances of developing monkeypox. ACPHD has been offering the vaccine since late June and is currently operating clinics by appointment only six days a week. As of Aug. 11, 2022, ACPHD has administered 699 total doses of monkeypox vaccine.
Vaccine appointment invitations are being extended to those who have completed the Monkeypox Vaccine Interest Survey (open to all Virginia residents) AND meet the eligibility criteria. As new vaccine shipments arrive, ACPHD will issue new appointment invitations. The eligibility criteria may change as the outbreak evolves and based on vaccine supply.
Vaccine supply remains limited nationwide. ACPHD has been working with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), which authorizes the priority groups for the monkeypox vaccine and allocates vaccine doses to local health districts.
On the Covid front, Arlington County is ending its local emergency declaration today, as planned. The nearly two-and-a-half year-long state of emergency gave county leaders greater powers to respond to the pandemic.
The Local Emergency for Arlington County, originally declared in response to the public health threat posed by the Coronavirus (COVID-19), ends on Aug. 15, 2022.
The declaration, which went into effect on March 13, 2020, was established to assist in the response and recovery efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It allowed the County to shift to virtual operations, including online permitting, appointments, remote inspections, County Board and Commission meetings, as well as public comment.
“The declaration has been an important tool offering the flexibility needed to better serve our residents, businesses, and visitors,” said County Manager Mark Schwartz. “The added authorities under an emergency, such as the ability to alter procurement, hiring and zoning rules has served us well. However, as we have learned to cope with a pandemic that will be with us for many months to come the need for these emergency authorities has dwindled.”
Many of the new tools, strategies, and approaches borne out of the pandemic will continue as the County moves beyond the local emergency declaration
Virginia Hospital Center entrance (file photo by Jay Westcott)
(Updated at 10:15 a.m.) A man who worked at a local hospital has been charged with sexual battery.
Hektor Alvarez, 21, is accused of fondling a male patient’s genitals on two separate occasions at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. He was arrested last week “after a month long investigation,” according to Fairfax County police.
Alvarez, who was working as a caretaker for a healthcare contractor at the time of the alleged incidents, most recently worked in Arlington.
“Through the investigation, detectives learned Alvarez is currently employed as a medical technician at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington County,” FCPD said in a press release last week. “At this time, no incidents have been reported at this location.”
Fairfax County authorities are asking anyone with additional information about Alvarez to contact them.
A PR rep for Virginia Hospital Center tells ARLnow that Alvarez “is not a current employee” of the hospital.
The full press release is below.
A 21-year-old man has been arrested and charged with aggravated sexual battery while working as a hospital caretaker. On July 7, the victim reported to a hospital technician that his previous caretaker had sexually assaulted him in April. His caretaker fondled the victim’s genitalia on two separate occasions. The victim, who requires 24/7 care due to his condition, was receiving long-term care at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital at 3600 Joseph Siewick Drive in Fairfax.
Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau were notified on July 8 and responded to assume the investigation. Detectives identified the hospital caretaker as Hektor Fernando Alvarez of Falls Church. Alvarez was employed by Metropolitan Healthcare Services (MHS), a company contracted by Inova to provide sitter services for patients. He is no longer employed by MHS. After a month long investigation by detectives, Alvarez was arrested on August 9 for aggravated sexual battery with a victim through mental incapacity or helplessness. He was held on no bond but later released on a secured bond.
Through the investigation, detectives learned Alvarez is currently employed as a medical technician at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington County. At this time, no incidents have been reported at this location. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case or believe Hektor Fernando Alvarez had inappropriate contact to please call our Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 3. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web – Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App and follow the steps to “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards of $100 to $1,000 dollars. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.
Victim specialists from our Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure that the victim is receiving appropriate resources and assistance.
Raindrops on a red leaf in Ballston (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Police Looking for Missing Man — “The Arlington County Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance locating a missing Arlington man. [The man], 28, last had contact with his family on July 30, 2022. [He] is described as a Black male, 5’6″ tall, 135 pounds with black hair. He was last seen in the 1400 block of 28th Street S. and believed to have left the area in a 2016 silver Toyota bearing VA license plate UZS-6307, heading towards West Virginia.” [ACPD]
Beyer in Taiwan — Following the high-profile visit to Taiwan by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, local Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) is among a Congressional delegation visiting the island today. [Twitter]
Home Inventory Levels Rise — “Forty consecutive months of year-over-year declines in the number of homes listed for sale across the Washington region came to a screeching end in July, when inventory spiked 15.6 percent compared to a year before. While the inventory of condominiums available for prospective purchasers was down, the number of single-family homes and townhomes was up about a third from July 2021.” [Sun Gazette]
Fox 5 Broadcasts from Crystal City — “Jennifer Fioretti with Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation talks about the beautiful parks during our FOX 5 Zip Trip to National Landing!” [YouTube, Fox 5]
Cathedral Music Director Retiring — “As director of music for the Cathedral of St. Thomas More and the diocese, [Rick] Gibala, 75, has been responsible for music at thousands of Masses — from weddings and funerals to ordinations and other special liturgies… After 32 years in the diocese, Gibala will retire Aug. 23; his contributions will be honored Aug. 14 at a farewell Mass and reception.” [Arlington Catholic Herald]
Arlington’s ‘On Fire’ Startups — Several Arlington companies are among the 2022 honorees of the Inno on Fire Awards, including: Federated Wireless, MarginEdge, Momentus, RealAtom, Shift5, and Wagestream. [Washington Business Journal]
Another Local Cartoonist Highlighted — “Arlington photographer/cartoonist Jake McGuire is giving away free, signed reprints from his new book ‘Cartoons Too Funny For The New Yorker’ at a table by the Starbucks at the Virginia Square Metro station on Sunday mornings from 8 to 9 a.m. during August. This cartoon selected as the first of his signed giveaway reprints has an Irish theme, so McGuire is calling on all his fellow Irish in the area to stop by and get a copy.” [Sun Gazette]
It’s Monday — Possible light rain in the morning and afternoon, otherwise cloudy. High of 73 and low of 65. Sunrise at 6:24 am and sunset at 8:05 pm. [Weather.gov]
Ireland’s Four Courts on fire and an injured person being helped after a vehicle crashed into the pub (photo courtesy Craig Smith)
Immediate aftermath of the crash at Ireland’s Four Courts, before the fire spread (photo via Alan Henney)
Ireland’s Four Courts on fire and an injured person being helped after a vehicle crashed into the pub (photo courtesy Craig Smith)
Ireland’s Four Courts on fire and an injured person being helped after a vehicle crashed into the pub (photo courtesy Craig Smith)
Fire engulfs Ireland’s Four Courts after crash (photo courtesy Craig Smith)
Damage inside Ireland’s Four Courts from crash and fire (photo courtesy Dave Cahill)
Damage inside Ireland’s Four Courts from crash and fire (photo courtesy Dave Cahill)
Damage inside Ireland’s Four Courts from crash and fire (photo courtesy Dave Cahill)
Damage inside Ireland’s Four Courts from crash and fire (photo courtesy Dave Cahill)
The car that crashed into Ireland’s Four Courts is taken away on a flatbed tow truck (photo courtesy Dave Cahill)
The four people reported to be seriously injured when a car plowed into Ireland’s Four Courts last night may not have survived but for the quick actions of fellow pub-goers and first responders.
That’s according to Dave Cahill, long-time manager of the Courthouse fixture, which remains closed after last night’s crash and fire.
At last check, the four critically injured people were still hospitalized, but the hope is all four will pull through, we’re told. Cahill tells ARLnow that all three Four Courts employees who were injured and brought to the hospital have since been released.
The crash happened around 6:45 p.m. Friday, as people were gathered near the front of the pub for a local company’s happy hour event.
A gray Toyota Camry — ARLnow has heard from multiple sources that it was being operated as a rideshare vehicle — reportedly came speeding up N. Courthouse Road and drove through the “T” intersection, slamming directly into the pub. It was nearly 20 feet inside the business, Cahill said, and started to catch fire almost immediately.
Quick-thinking customers sprang into action, coming from the back of the restaurant to the smoldering wreckage to help severely injured customers, the driver, and at least one passenger of the car, who was also hurt. Photos taken as fire started to engulf the car and the pub show several people carrying one man — who can be seen in a photo taken seconds earlier slumped over in front of the car — to safety outside.
Police and firefighters arrived on scene as employees and customers were still trying to flee the pub. Photos and a TikTok video show police officers running into Four Courts as smoke billowed out. In frantic police radio transmissions, first arriving officers requested “a lot of ambulances” and reported “a lot of people” still inside the restaurant as fire spread.
“It’s an image I’ll never forget,” said Cahill.
Without customers risking their own safety to save the injured, and without the lightning-fast response of police and medics — ACPD headquarters is a couple of blocks from Four Courts and a fire station is a short distance down Wilson Blvd — “it could have been a lot worse,” he said.
Also helping: the pub was significantly less crowded than usual for a Friday, a server told NBC 4.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was hurt,” said Cahill. Asked about when the pub might reopen, Cahill said “we’re not thinking about it right now.”
Building inspectors determined that Four Courts is structurally sound but not fit for occupancy due to the extensive damage. Photos of the interior from this morning, shared with ARLnow, show a vast swath of charred flooring, fixtures and ceiling near the front of the pub.
The car, meanwhile, was removed from inside and hauled away on a flatbed tow truck early this morning. Video shows heavy front-end damage from the collision.
Cahill said management will start to assess repairs and future plans next week, but noted that the kitchen and the newer rear of the pub is largely intact. The current hope is that insurance will help to pay employees and keep them on staff.
A GoFundMe page, which Cahill says was set up by a regular customer, will also help. As of publication it has raised more than $7,500 of a $50,000 goal.
A total of 14 people were injured, including eight who were brought to local hospitals, police and fire officials said last night. There’s still no word on what led to the crash.
Update at 4 p.m. — The Arlington County police and fire departments just issued the following joint statement. Two of the victims remain in critical condition, the statement says, while the other two seriously injured people have been stabilized.
Ireland’s Four Courts on fire and an injured person being helped after a vehicle reportedly crashed into it (photo courtesy Craig Smith)
Ireland’s Four Courts on fire and an injured person being helped after a vehicle reportedly crashed into it (photo courtesy Craig Smith)
Ireland’s Four Courts on fire after a vehicle reportedly crashed into it (photo courtesy Craig Smith)
Ireland’s Four Courts on fire after a vehicle reportedly crashed into it (photo courtesy Sean Quinn/Twitter)
Aftermath of car crashing into Ireland’s Four Courts (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Aftermath of car crashing into Ireland’s Four Courts (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Aftermath of car crashing into Ireland’s Four Courts (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Aftermath of car crashing into Ireland’s Four Courts (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Aftermath of car crashing into Ireland’s Four Courts (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Crash involving ACFD vehicle at Route 50 and Fillmore Street (photo courtesy Michael L.)
The car that crashed into Ireland’s Four Courts is taken away on a flatbed tow truck (photo courtesy Dave Cahill)
(Updated at 7:55 a.m.) Ireland’s Four Courts in Courthouse caught fire after a car barreled into it at the height of dinnertime Friday.
The fire is now out after a two-alarm fire department response. Photos from the scene show the longtime local bar charred, with a car fully inside the restaurant after the crash. An earlier photo shows flames shooting out of the front of the pub while police run towards the scene and an injured person is hoisted by several people on the sidewalk.
Police say four people were taken to hospitals with serious, potentially life-threatening injuries. Four additional people were hospitalized with less serious injuries, while six were treated on scene, according to Arlington County police.
The driver of the car and at least one restaurant employee are said to be among the injured.
Dave Cahill, Four Courts’ general manager, told ARLnow in a brief phone call that at least one employee was hospitalized for smoke inhalation, but none were among the seriously injured. All four of the seriously injured people are believed to be customers who were inside the bar at a happy hour for a local company, Cahill said.
The crash happened when a car “came down N. Courthouse Road and went into the building going very quick,” Cahill said. He said it went about 20 feet into the building before coming to rest and catching fire. Initial reports suggest multiple people were inside the car at the time of the crash.
Courthouse Road ends at a “T” intersection with Wilson Blvd, with Four Courts directly in front of the turning traffic. It is unclear why the driver did not stop or turn. The car appeared to be going well above the speed limit, witnesses said.
Police radio traffic from immediately after the crash paints a chaotic scene, with officers requesting “a lot of ambulances” and reporting to dispatch that “a lot of people” were trapped in the burning restaurant. A video posted to TikTok shows people evacuating as the flames quickly grow in intensity and first responders arrive.
A large emergency response remains on scene and roads in the area are expected to stay closed for an extended period of time.
“Please keep the all the injured in your thoughts and prayers,” Ireland’s Four Courts said on social media shortly before 8 p.m. “Thanks to @ArlingtonVaPD and @ArlingtonVaFD for their quick response. We are devastated.”
“Praying for the health of the injured in this horrible incident,” said County Board member Takis Karantonis.
Cahill called the damage to the front of the restaurant “very significant” but told ARLnow that he believes the newer rear portion of the restaurant and its kitchen were spared fire damage. Police said around 9:30 p.m. that the building was determined by engineers to be structurally sound but unable to be reinhabited, for now.
The smashed car was removed from the now-boarded-up pub and taken away on a flatbed tow truck early Saturday morning.
During the response to the crash and fire, an Arlington County Fire Department battalion chief’s vehicle was itself involved in a significant crash on Route 50 at the intersection with Fillmore Street. Several vehicles were reported to have been involved.
No additional information was immediately available about that crash.
Update at 1:35 p.m. — The quick actions of Four Courts customers and first responders likely saved multiple lives, according to new ARLnow reporting.
Sunset cycle on the Mt. Vernon Trail (Flickr pool photo by Emma K. Alexandra)
After a steamy stretch, Mother Nature is rewarding us with a pair of new-perfect days.
We hope you are able to get out there and enjoy the weather tonight and tomorrow. In the meantime, if you’re looking for something to read, the past week’s most-read ARLnow articles are below.
Have a great weekend, Arlington! We’ll see you back here on Monday, but in the meantime feel free to discuss any topic of local interest in the comment section.
Kimchi’s favorite things are: eating hay, snacking on treats like strawberries, sweet peppers, and carrots; snuggling in his cozy castle, and exploring his humans’ house.
Kimchi’s special talent is letting his humans know when he’s ready for a treat.
Kimchi’s perfect day would be hanging in a cozy, safe spot and having all the treats his little heart desires.
If Kimchi was an ice cream flavor, he would be: cookies and cream — not a showboat, but an enduring classic for a reason!
Important facts about Kimchi: Kimchi is a smaller piggie — not too much larger than a stick of butter! With his black and white coloring, makes him reminiscent of a newbie panda bear cub.
Is Kimchi the partner you’ve been looking for? Read his complete profile to learn more and how to arrange a virtual meet and greet.
Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos — they don’t fit in our photo galleries!
According to Homesnap, there are currently 599 homes for sale. The median list price is $715,000 and the median sales price is $730,000. In the last 4 weeks there have been 235 sales and 186 new listings.
Here’s a look at some of the open houses taking place in Arlington this weekend:
1221 N. Quinn Street #13*
1 BR/1 BA Condo Noteworthy: Featuring an open floorplan with modern cabinets, granite countertops, in-unit washer and dryer Listed: $350,000 Open: Sunday from 1-4 p.m. (Alex Ordonez – NXT Shell, LLC.)
5063 27th Street N.
5 BR/4.5 BA Single-family home Noteworthy: Wine refrigerator, remote gate, renovated front porch Listed: $1,849,888 Open: Saturday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (George Mrad – KW Metro Center)
2016 N. Greenbrier Street
4 BR/4.5 BA Single-family home Noteworthy: Wrap-around deck, fenced backyard, oversized windows Listed: $1,225,000 Open: Saturday, 1-3 p.m. (David Lloyd – Weichert Realtors)
2811 21st Road S.
3 BR/2 BA Single-family home Noteworthy: Hardwood floors, private driveway, finished lower level Listed: $849,000 Open: Saturday, 1-3 p.m. (Angelia Kinston – KW United)
623 N. Piedmont Street
2 BR/3.5 BA Townhouse Noteworthy: Three levels, one car garage, wood burning fireplace Listed: $679,900 Open: Sunday, 1-3 p.m. (Shawn Battle – Century 21 Redwood Realty)
A Spirit Halloween store opened in Bailey’s Crossroads last week, the first of the seasonal chain’s stores to open within a relatively short drive of Arlington.
With it feeling a bit more like early fall outside, with most of you likely suffering summer fatigue after the recent heat wave, and with pumpkin spice season kicking off next week at Dunkin’ and elsewhere, we thought it might be a good time to list some of the Halloween stores near Arlington.
There may be others we’re missing here — if so, please list them in the comments.
Currently open
Spirit Halloween(5800 Crossroads Center Way, Bailey’s Crossroads)
The shelves might not yet be fully stocked, but it’s already Halloween in the former A.C. Moore space next to Old Navy.
Party City(5522 Leesburg Pike, Bailey’s Crossroads) Unlike the somewhat disconcerting temporary Spirit Halloween locations inhabiting the dessicated husks of dead stores — which, come to think of it, seems on-brand — Party City is open year-round, hawking various party supplies, before stocking up for Halloween.
Opening soon (as of Aug. 12)
Spirit Halloween(3536 S. Jefferson Street, Bailey’s Crossroads) Are you sensing a theme here? Bailey’s Crossroads seems to be the hub of big-box Halloween retail for Northern Virginia’s inner suburbs. This location is a short walk away from the aforementioned Party City and a mile away from the currently-open Spirit Halloween. Speaking of short walks, the store is a brisk 10 minute walk from Arlington’s Wakefield High School. For what it’s worth.
Spirit Halloween(7950 Tysons Corner Center, Tysons) For those in the far northern reaches of Arlington and those taking Metro, this is your Spirit Halloween store of choice. Now, if you’re wondering why we’re filling the text here with random factoids, it’s because we realized too late that no one tried to call Spirit Halloween HQ (in beautiful-ish Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey) and ask when the actual opening date of these two locations will be. But don’t worry, we saved the best random factoid for last. The former Lord & Taylor store that this Spirit Halloween location is temporarily occupying is… wait for it… haunted. Specifically, paranormal activity was reported around the ladies restroom over the years, our sister site FFXnow reported. Plus, after Lord & Taylor closed in 2020, the vast retail space served as a mass vaccination site. Now if that isn’t a recipe for a successful and legitimately creepy Halloween store, who knows what is.
