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.

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Oct 31, 2023

By ARLnow.com

Good Tuesday 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 — Oct 31, 2023.

📅 Upcoming events

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

☀️ Wednesday’s forecast

Expect mostly sunny skies and a high near 50 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 16 to 18 mph, gusting up to 29 mph. For Wednesday night, the sky will be clear with a low temperature around 33 degrees, and a northwest wind at 7 to 11 mph, gusting to 18 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”
– Henry David Thoreau

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Meatloaf

By ARLnow.com
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Are you searching for a big furry loaf of love? Then meet Meatloaf, the newest Adoptable Pet of the Week!

This handsome guy is currently in foster with the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. He gets along great with other dogs and cats.

His friends had this to say about him:

Meatloaf is the most handsome 2 year old big loaf of love!

When he is not sleeping on a comfy couch or refreshing cool floor, near his favorite human, he would love a family that can take him on long sniffy walks in the park, play with new friends (human and dogs) and show off his catch skills!

While he is still young, he is very smart and continually working hard on commands, thankfully he is food motivated and eager to please.

Meatloaf doesn’t let his size stop him from his dream of being a big baby in your lap! Who wouldn’t want an 80 pound weighted blanket for the coming fall/winter days!

Meatloaf is house and crate trained! Want to read more about Meatloaf? Check out his entire profile to learn more.

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.

Arlington man charged after alleged gunfire following delivery dispute

By ARLnow.com
Police cars (file photo)

The reported gunfire that sent an elementary school into lockdown last week stemmed from a resident’s dispute with a delivery driver.

That’s according to Arlington County police, which provided an update to the Friday afternoon incident yesterday evening.

The suspect in the case was identified as a 19-year-old Arlington man.

While multiple people reported hearing several gunshots, according to scanner traffic, police say no damage was found and no one was hurt.

More, below, from an ACPD press release.

The Arlington County Police Department is announcing the arrest of a suspect following a shots fired incident in the Fairlington neighborhood on the afternoon of October 27, 2023. Ahaan Kale, 19, of Arlington, VA is charged with Attempted Malicious Wounding and Reckless Handling of a Firearm. He is being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.

At approximately 12:20 p.m., police were dispatched to the 3500 block of S. Stafford Street for the report of shots fired. Responding officers established a perimeter and canvassed the area for the suspect. He was taken into custody when the vehicle he fled in returned to the scene.

The preliminary investigation indicates the male victim was delivering food when he encountered the suspect outside the residential building and a verbal dispute ensued. The victim then completed his delivery and, as he was driving away, the suspect ran towards his vehicle, brandished what the victim believed to be a firearm and discharged several rounds. No injuries or property damage were reported.

This incident remains an active criminal 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 provided anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS.

Arlington authorities warn of ‘currently circulating’ phone scam

By ARLnow.com
An iPhone (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

It’s an older phone scam, but it’s still active and is currently targeting Arlington residents.

The police department and the Sheriff’s Office are “warning the community about a common and reoccurring nationwide telephone scam currently circulating in Arlington.”

The jury duty scam tries to convince the person answering the call that they’re in trouble with the law.

“Several community members have reported receiving voicemail messages from an individual claiming to be a Lieutenant with the Sheriff’s Office wanting to discuss an urgent legal matter,” ACPD said Tuesday morning.

More from a press release:

In these types of scams, callers will pose as local law enforcement and contact victims accusing them of failing to appear for jury duty and stating a warrant for their arrest will be issued unless a fine is paid. Payment is often requested in the form of gift cards and the scammer will ask the victim to provide the gift card numbers over the phone.

As a reminder, the Arlington County Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office will never call to solicit funds or collect fines over the phone. Additionally, juror summonses are sent through the mail and communication through other mediums should be considered suspicious.

Be aware that scammers may spoof, a process of deliberately falsifying the information transmitted to your caller ID display, phone numbers of law enforcement or government agencies in an effort to disguise their identity and appear legitimate. If you receive a call of this nature, immediately hang up with the caller and verify the claim by calling the law enforcement agency directly. Never use a phone number provided to you from the caller to verify their credibility. To verify information regarding law enforcement in Arlington County, contact the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222.

For additional financial crimes information, visit our website. If you were the target or victim of a scam in Arlington County, please file an online police report.

Morning Poll: How are you celebrating Halloween tonight?

By ARLnow.com
Halloween decorations on N. Jackson Street in 2021 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

We last asked you in 2013 what your plans were for Halloween evening. A decade later, let’s ask it again!

While the little kids prepare for a bounty of candy, what does the rest of Arlington have planned? Last time we asked, “nothing” was the most popular answer — but this year’s poll is a bit different.

Check all that apply below.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
A stream near Ballston (staff photo)

Reminder: Trick-or-Treating Tonight — “The annual, costumed candy-gathering spree traditionally takes place on Halloween — Tuesday, Oct. 31 — and starts shortly before sunset. That’s typically around 6 p.m., though some youngsters and parents head out earlier than that. The door knocking usually ends by 8 p.m., though some stragglers may remain out later.” [ARLnow]

Road Safety Urged — “With Halloween and the end of daylight saving time this week, it’s especially important to be aware of high-risk behaviors – Arlington’s Vision Zero traffic safety team notes that alcohol, speeding, and not wearing a seatbelt are the most common factors contributing to high-injury crashes.” [Arlington County]

VHC Among Top Va. Hospitals — “The Virginia hospitals named to the list, along with their score, location and network, are… 5. Virginia Hospital Center, (79.92%) Arlington, Virginia.” [Patch]

One Win Away from Glory — “It’s simple. If the Washington-Liberty Generals win their final regular-season game Nov. 3 as favored to do so, the high-school football team will be Liberty District champions.  What is not as certain is if W-L (8-1) will be the outright league winner or share the title with the Herndon Hornets.” [Gazette Leader]

Arlington’s Electric Railways – A 1922 ad from the Washington-Virginia Railway Company highlights Arlington’s shift from rural to a key D.C. suburb. The electric railways connected D.C. sights and jobs, sparking Arlington’s growth. As cars gained traction, these rails faded but shaped today’s Arlington. [Ghosts of DC]

It’s Tuesday — Expect partly sunny skies and a high around 53 degrees, accompanied by a north wind of 3-8 mph. As night falls, partly cloudy conditions will prevail, with temperatures dropping to around 37 degrees. [Weather.gov]

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Oct 30, 2023

By ARLnow.com

Good Monday 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 — Oct 30, 2023.

📅 Upcoming events

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

🌤️ Tuesday’s forecast

Expect partly sunny skies with a high temperature near 53 degrees and a north wind between 3 and 8 mph. As for Tuesday night, the weather will be partly cloudy, with a low around 37 degrees. The wind will be light and variable, becoming northwest at 5 to 8 mph in the evening. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
– Wayne Gretzky

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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

Violent collision on Custis Trail sends two to hospital

By ARLnow.com
Moments before a collision between a cyclist and a person on a scooter or skateboard on the Custis Trail (via Dave Statter/Twitter)

Medics treated two people after a violent collision on a local trail Friday evening.

The crash on the Custis Trail, at the intersection of eastbound Langston Blvd and Ft. Myer Drive in Rosslyn, was caught on camera.

In the video, posted by local public safety watcher Dave Statter, a cyclist can be seen crossing Ft. Myer Drive at the intersection. The cyclist then collides with a person on a motorized scooter or skateboard who turned in front of them.

Both people remained nearly motionless on the ground as a pair of cyclists pulled up and started providing aid. Firefighters can then be seen arriving on scene, ahead of the arrival of two ambulances.

The incident happened around 5:15 p.m. Friday, according to scanner traffic. The extent of the injuries are unclear and an Arlington County police spokeswoman had no further information about the incident.

NOW: Old Dominion Drive blocked by crash

By ARLnow.com
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Part of Old Dominion Drive is blocked in both directions in the Rock Spring neighborhood due to a crash.

The crash was first reported around 3 p.m. It happened near the intersection with N. Dickerson Street, west of Williamsburg Blvd and east of the Fairfax County border.

Two vehicles — reportedly a Jeep and a BMW — suffered heavy front-end damage. A third vehicle, a Tesla, was also reported to have been involved in the crash but did not appear to have significant damage.

No serious injuries have been reported. It is unclear how long it will take for the road to reopen.

The crash happened about a block away from the 2022 crash that killed a Washington-Liberty High School student.

Weekend crime: A carjacking, a malicious wounding and an assault on police

By ARLnow.com
Police car speeding to a call at night (staff photo)

While many enjoyed pre-Halloween revelry this weekend, Arlington County police were kept busy with a variety of mayhem.

Several of the notable incidents happened early Saturday morning.

Just before 1 a.m., officers responded to a carjacking in Crystal City, in which a man is alleged to have forcibly stolen a car and a phone from a woman he knows.

From today’s APCD crime report:

CARJACKING, 2023-10280018, 23rd Street S. at S. Eads Street. At approximately 12:48 a.m. on October 28, police were dispatched to the report of a dispute. Upon arrival, it was determined the female victim and male suspect, who are known to each other, were inside the victim’s vehicle when they became involved in a verbal dispute, during which the suspect stole the victim’s phone. The suspect then threatened the victim and demanded the keys to her vehicle. The suspect took possession of the keys and the victim exited the vehicle. The suspect subsequently fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle. No injuries were reported. Warrants for the suspect were obtained for Carjacking and Petit Larceny.

This is at least the 17th reported carjacking in Arlington so far this year, three more than the 2022 total of 14.

About an hour later, police responded to a bar in Clarendon for a 24-year-old D.C. woman who allegedly assaulted a bouncer.

After the bouncer declined to prosecute, the still-agitated suspect is alleged to have spit on a female officer. She was then arrested on the charge of Assault on Police.

ASSAULT ON POLICE, 2023-10280034, 3100 block of Wilson Boulevard. At approximately 1:43 a.m. on October 28, police were dispatched to the report of disorderly conduct. Upon arrival, it was determined the female suspect was acting disorderly inside an establishment and asked to leave by security personnel. The suspect refused and allegedly assaulted the security personnel. A deputy working the Nightlife detail intervened and the suspect remained combative. Responding officers detained the suspect during which, she kicked one of them. The victim did not wish to prosecute for the assault and officers banned the suspect from the property. The suspect then reapproached an officer and spat on her. [The suspect], 24, of Washington, DC, was arrested and charged with Assault on Police.

About an hour after that, a hit-and-run dispatch led to the discovery of a man suffering a serious laceration and a car chase of the suspect in both crimes.

The suspect, a 24-year-old Arlington man, was finally taken into custody in the Columbia Forest neighborhood and now faces a slew of charges.

MALICIOUS WOUNDING, 2023-10280046, 600 block of S. Carlin Springs Road. At approximately 2:52 a.m. on October 28, police were dispatched to the report of a hit and run which was later determined to have occurred in Fairfax County, VA. Upon arrival, it was determined the reporting party, who is the owner of the vehicle struck in the hit and run, followed the suspect vehicle into Arlington and observed the male suspect stop in the 600 block of S. Carlin Springs Road and remove an individual from the vehicle before fleeing the area. Responding officers located the individual, an adult male, suffering from a laceration and immediately rendered aid before being transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. A lookout for the suspect vehicle was broadcast and an officer observed the vehicle traveling in the wrong direction and initiated a traffic stop. The suspect disregarded the officer’s emergency equipment and fled the area. Following a vehicle pursuit, the suspect vehicle came to a stop in the 5100 block of 10th Place S., during which the suspect exited and fled the scene on foot. Following a foot pursuit, the suspect was taken into custody without incident and determined to allegedly be under the influence. The preliminary investigation indicates the victim and the known suspect were in a residence in the 1000 block of S. Frederick Street when they became involved in a verbal dispute that escalated to a physical altercation during which the victim suffered the injury. [The suspect], 24, of Arlington, Va. was arrested and charged with Malicious Wounding, Eluding, Driving Under the Influence, Obstruction of Justice and Driving Under the Influence on a Suspended License. He was held without bond.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Fall colors at Arlington National Cemetery (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

Church Redevelopment Opponents Organize — “Plans to fast-track demolition of Clarendon Presbyterian Church and replace it with affordable housing could run into headwinds, if neighbors who want the century-old-in-2024 church building retained can convince the county government’s historic-preservation body to get involved.” [Gazette Leader]

Slow Speed Jeep Flip — From Dave Statter: “#CaughtOnCam: A very low-speed rollover this morning on Wilson Boulevard at N. Lexington Street. Neighbors & other drivers jumped in to get the two people out before @ArlingtonVaFD arrived. No serious injuries reported.” [Twitter]

APS Employee Health Plan Update — “Teachers, staff and younger retirees are getting their paperwork in to make the switch from Kaiser Permanente to CareFirst. ‘We are roughly at about 50 percent’ of the school system’s personnel currently enrolled in health care who have signed up for new coverage, Superintendent Francisco Durán told School Board members.” [Gazette Leader]

Big Win for W-L Football — “W-L Generals go to 8-1 with a big W over Langley! @WLFootball… Thanks @Scott7news for being there!” [Twitter]

Big Loss for Yorktown — “A 35-33 road loss to the Marshall Statesmen in Oct. 27 football action eliminated the Yorktown Patriots from any chance of winning a Liberty District title this fall and put its region-playoff hopes in jeopardy, as well.” [Gazette Leader]

Amazon Urged to Revise Phase 2 — “Assuming it advances and isn’t sold off to become a new arena for the Washington Wizards and Capitals, HQ2’s second phase must be condensed, blending the best of the original proposal with the reality that even if the second headquarters does eventually reach 25,000 employees, Amazon won’t need anywhere close to the density Arlington County approved for the site in April 2022.” [Washington Business Journal]

Restaurant Week Record — “A record 61 dining establishments participated in the fifth annual Arlington Restaurant Week, held Oct. 16-23 and sponsored by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.” [Gazette Leader]

Local Among MCM Weekend Winners — “The winner of the marathon was Julius Kogo, a 38-year-old from Kenya who finished in 2:25:56. The first woman to complete the race was Bonnie Keating, 38, of San Diego, in 2:50:49. Calum Neff, a 39-year-old from Fulshear, Tex., won the 50k in a course record 2:55:56, while Arlington’s Anna Staats, 24, was the top female finisher in 3:35:57.” [Washington Post, WTOP, NBC 4, Twitter]

It’s Monday — Scattered showers are expected mainly after 2 pm, with increasing clouds and a high near 77. A south wind of 5 to 15 mph will shift to the northwest in the afternoon, with possible gusts up to 23 mph. For Monday night, there will be mostly cloudy skies as temperatures drop to around 43. Rain is likely after 2 am. The northwest wind will blow at 10 to 13 mph, with gusts up to 22 mph. [Weather.gov]

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