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.

NOW: Manhunt for escaped D.C. murder suspect underway just across from Arlington

By ARLnow.com
Arlington County police car (staff photo)

A manhunt is underway in D.C. for an escaped murder suspect, and Arlington police are on alert should he try to cross into the county.

D.C. and federal officers are currently searching the Georgetown area, following the 30-year-old suspect’s escape from GW Hospital this afternoon. Police have also been searching the Foggy Bottom area.

Both areas are just across from Arlington, via the Roosevelt Bridge and Key Bridge respectively.

As of 5:30 p.m. traffic on the Key Bridge was partially blocked by the police activity associated with the manhunt. The U.S. Park Police helicopter is also circling overhead.

Shortly after the escape, Arlington County police broadcast a “be on the lookout” notice for the suspect. While officers remain on alert, a police spokeswoman tells ARLnow that they do not have reason to believe the suspect is currently in Arlington.

“The Arlington County Police Department is aware of the wanted escapee out of Washington D.C.,” said ACPD’s Ashley Savage. “At this time, we do not have credible information that the suspect is currently located in Arlington County. If a member of the public observes the individual, they should call 9-1-1.”

Listing of the Day: 5112 9th Street N.

By ARLnow.com
1/6

Address: 5112 9th Street N
Neighborhood: Mulhall
Type: 5 BR, 5 BA single-family detached — 3,557 sq. ft.
Listed: $1,999,000

Noteworthy: Brand new home that checks all the boxes and has a large, fenced backyard!

Welcome to your new home by Classic Cottages! This beautifully designed residence offers an unparalleled living experience with a 13 minute walk to Ballston Quarter.

The gourmet kitchen is a chef’s dream, equipped with JennAir stainless steel appliances, sleek quartz countertops, ample storage space, and a center island that serves as a focal point for culinary creations. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this kitchen provides everything you need to whip up delicious meals.

Upstairs, you’ll find the luxurious primary suite, offering a private retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The primary bedroom boasts generous proportions, large windows, and two walk-in closets, providing both comfort and convenience. The primary bathroom is a spa-like oasis, featuring a soaking tub, a walk-in shower, and elegant fixtures that exude sophistication. Two additional well-appointed bedrooms can be found on this level, each with its own unique charm and plenty of natural light. These rooms are versatile and can be used as guest rooms or a home office.

The lower level of the home offers additional living space, including a spacious recreation room with wet bar, bonus room and guest room. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to personalize the space to suit your lifestyle.

Outside, the property features a beautifully landscaped yard, providing a serene environment for outdoor activities and gatherings. The deck is perfect for barbecues and al fresco dining. 5112 9th Street N benefits from its prime location in Arlington.

Listed by:
Michelle Lynch — Urban Living Real Estate, LLC
[email protected]
(571) 366-3324

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Sunset outside Alice West Fleet Elementary School (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Synthetic Field Replacement Plan — “Arlington School Board members later this month are expected to ratify final procedural steps that will permit replacement of artificial turf at the Washington-Liberty High School football stadium and at a field at Williamsburg Middle School. School Board approval is required to allow easements so the county government’s Department of Parks and Recreation can oversee the work.” [Gazette Leader]

NHL Rookies in Arlington — “The whole day was special for Bedard, who took part along with 33 other players in the NHLPA Rookie Showcase at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. The players autographed memorabilia, took part in photo and video shoots on and off the ice for EA Sports, and posed for their first official Upper Deck trading cards.” [NHL,]

September Is Preparedness Month — “September marks National Preparedness Month, an annual opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. The Ready Campaign’s 2023 National Preparedness Month theme is Take Control in 1, 2, 3. The campaign focuses on preparing older adults for disasters, specifically those from communities disproportionally impacted by emergencies.” [Arlington County]

New Economic Development Official — “Arlington Economic Development has named Katharine (Kate) Ange as the new Deputy Director for the department, effective September 5… Kate brings a wealth of leadership and business development experience to AED.” [Arlington Economic Development]

Local Dems Support Starbucks Union — “Thanks to @AdeleMcClure_ and @Matt4Arlington and @swbaker12 for coming to a Sip-in at Arlington Courthouse to support @SBWorkersUnited.” [Twitter]

More Bad Driving on I-395 — From Dave Statter: “@CursedMerc witnessed this Friday afternoon at I-395S Exit 8C (to Crystal City) & wondered if we could share the brilliance of this driver with others. Of course we can. We can also dedicate a song to this driver if anyone has suggestions.” [Twitter]

Yorktown Improves to 2-0 — “In a similar manner to their opening-game victory, the Yorktown Patriots repeated some of those performances Aug. 31 in week-two action to improve to 2-0 with a non-district home win in high-school football action. In a 37-7 win over Jackson-Reed from D.C., the Patriots rushed for 274 yards.” [Gazette Leader]

W-L Tallies Another Win — “For the second straight contest, Washington-Liberty scored early and often behind a strong passing attack to defeat the Annandale Atoms, 49-20, in high-school football action. Washington-Liberty quarterback Jon Bhojwani was 21 of 27 passing for 325 yards and four touchdowns with no interception.” [Gazette Leader]

Carjacking Arrest in F.C. — “On August 28, 2023 in a parking garage in the 500 block of S. Washington Street, an adult was exiting their vehicle and confronted by a suspect. The suspect was holding a backpack while clutching a crowbar and told the victim that he wanted his vehicle. The victim pushed the subject away and the suspect fled the parking garage… The suspect was located in the Arlington County Adult Detention Center waiting to be transported to Fairfax County Adult Detention Center on unrelated charges.” [City of Falls Church]

It’s Wednesday — A sunny and hot day, with temperatures near 100°F. Tonight, expect partly cloudy skies with lows around 75°F. [Weather.gov]

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Sep 5, 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 — Sep 5, 2023.

📅 Upcoming events

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

☀️ Wednesday’s forecast

The weather forecast expects a sunny and hot day with a high temperature near 100 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind at about 6 mph. As for Wednesday night, it will be partly cloudy with a low temperature around 75 degrees. The southeast wind at 5 mph will become light and variable as the night progresses. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
– Mahatma Gandhi

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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

NEW: Woman cited after car towed with kids inside

By ARLnow.com
1/8

A Maryland woman was cited by police after her car was towed, unknowingly with two young children inside.

Arlington County police were called shortly after 11 a.m. today (Tuesday) by a distraught woman reporting that her car was stolen from outside the Macy’s in Pentagon City. A one-year-old and a three-year-old were inside the vehicle, the woman reported.

“At approximately 11:10 a.m. on September 5, police were dispatched to the 1100 block of S. Hayes Street for the report of a stolen vehicle with two children inside,” police spokeswoman Ashley Savage tells ARLnow. “While officers were responding to the call, it was determined the vehicle had been reported as towed for being parked in a no parking zone.”

The car had been towed by Advanced Towing and was back at their lot in Ballston, a dispatcher told officers, who then responded to the lot.

“The preliminary investigation indicates the tow operator was unaware the children were inside and upon notification, pulled over to check on them,” Savage said. “Responding officers then made contact with the children and determined they were in good health.”

The 26-year-old driver of the car that was towed “was charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and released on a summons,” Savage added. “The investigation into the incident is ongoing.”

ARLnow was on scene as the woman arrived in a police cruiser and was reunited with the children within the tow lot.

An Advanced Towing spokeswoman confirmed to ARLnow that the vehicle was towed while the engine was still running, so the air conditioning was still on in the car as temperatures reached into the 90s. Her towing fee was waived, the spokeswoman said.

John O’Neill, owner of the towing company, told ARLnow that the driver looked into the car but did not see the children. They were in their car seats in the backseat of the Hyundai crossover-style vehicle, ARLnow observed through the tow company’s fence, after a police officer had opened a rear door.

“I looked at the driver’s pictures before towing you cannot see those kids in the car at all,” O’Neill said. He claimed the vehicle was left unattended for 16 minutes in a tow-away zone outside the Pentagon City mall.

“We see this all the time,” O’Neill said. “She didn’t want to be inconvenienced to take the kids out to go into the mall and left them unattended in the fire lane.”

The normal procedure when a driver sees children in an unattended vehicle, he said, is to “call the police and we wait.”

Advanced has been the target of much ire — from members of the public and public officials alike — over its prolific trespass towing, which many claim is done in a reckless or “predatory” manner.

In 2021, a lawsuit by Virginia’s then-Attorney General resulted in a fine levied by an Arlington judge — though the suit was largely unsuccessful and O’Neill claimed vindication. Last month, Arlington County began enforcing zoning rules related to Advanced’s tow lot, following a campaign by a local Twitter user.

In 2020, O’Neill was injured by an Uber driver who struck him while trying to drive off the lot without paying. The driver later pleaded guilty to reckless driving.

Stick shift foils attempted carjacking in Ballston

By ARLnow.com
Police car at night (file photo courtesy Kevin Wolf)

A carjacking attempt in the Ballston area Monday morning was foiled by the vehicle’s stick shift, police say.

The incident happened around 5:45 a.m. on Labor Day at the Harris Teeter parking lot on the 600 block of N. Glebe Road.

Three men carjacked a victim who was driving a Kia Soul, but did not get far as they apparently did not know how to operate the vehicle’s manual transmission, according to police and scanner traffic.

The Fairfax County police helicopter was called in to help search for the suspects but they were not found and remain at large.

More, below, from today’s Arlington County police crime report.

ATTEMPTED CARJACKING, 2023-09040047, 600 block of N. Glebe Road. At approximately 5:44 a.m. on September 4, police were dispatched to the report of a stolen vehicle. Upon arrival, it was determined the victim was exiting his parked vehicle when he was approached by three male suspects. The suspects instructed the victim to place his car keys on the hood of his car. The victim complied and walked away from the vehicle. The suspects fled the scene on foot after allegedly determining the vehicle was a manual transmission. Officers canvassed the area for the suspects yielding negative results. The suspects are described as white or Hispanic males, approximately 18-26 years old, wearing all black clothing. The investigation is ongoing.

Earlier Monday morning, police responded to an alleged incident involving an intoxicated suspect threatening a victim with a machete near Courthouse and Rocky Run Park.

From ACPD:

ATTEMPTED MALICIOUS WOUNDING, 2023-09040035, 2300 block of 11th Street N. At approximately 3:16 a.m. on September 4, police responded to the report of a possible mental health call for service. The preliminary investigation determined the male victim was outside a residential building when he observed the male suspect walk by holding a machete. A short time later, the suspect returned and initiated a conversation with the victim, during which he allegedly brandished the machete. The victim ran and the suspect chased after him while making threatening statements. The victim was able to get to a safe location and no injuries were reported. Responding officers located the suspect in the area with the machete and took him into custody without incident. [The suspect], 33, of Arlington, Va. was arrested and charged with Attempted Malicious Wounding, Brandishing and Public Intoxication. He was held without bond.

Also in today’s crime report, police said the gunfire near the Ballston Metro station over the weekend stemmed from a dispute between two people.

SHOT FIRED, 2023-09010239, N. Stuart Street at Fairfax Drive. At approximately 8:21 p.m. on September 1, police were dispatched to the report of a possible assault with a weapon. Upon arrival, it was determined the male victim and suspect became involved in a verbal dispute during which the suspect brandished and discharged a firearm. No injuries or property damage were reported.

NEW: Ireland’s Four Courts is planning to reopen this week

By ARLnow.com
1/9

Just over a year after a car plowed into Ireland’s Four Courts, seriously injuring several people and sparking a devastating fire, the pub is set to reopen.

Four Courts is planning to reopen to the public this coming Thursday, managing partner Dave Cahill tells ARLnow. Some private reopening events are likely to take place between now and then, in part to make sure staff get up to speed.

Photos posted by Four Courts to its Instagram account over the past week or so show construction wrapping up, with a new bar, a new mural, and a new library room stocked with books.

The crash that closed the beloved Courthouse watering hole, located at 2051 Wilson Blvd, happened on Aug. 12, 2022.

The driver of the rideshare vehicle that slammed into the building and caught fire was not charged. Police say he suffered a medical emergency prior to the crash.

In all, 14 people were injured, including eight who were taken to local hospitals. All three pub-goers who suffered serious, potentially life-threatening injuries were released from the hospital by the next month.

A number of first responders who responded to the chaotic scene were recently recognized for their heroism.

Morning Poll: September heatwave — welcome or woeful?

By ARLnow.com
Haze and heat over the National Mall, seen from the Netherlands Carillon (file photo by Jay Westcott)

Today marks the halfway point of a five-day September heat wave.

A high temperature of 98 is forecast today, with “feels like” temperatures reaching into the 100s. Relief is expected Friday, as high temperatures dip into the upper 80s.

A Heat Advisory is in effect starting at noon today. From the National Weather Service:

730 AM EDT Tue Sep 5 2023

…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING…

* WHAT…Heat index values of 100 to 105 expected.

* WHERE…Portions of northern and central Maryland, The District of Columbia, and northern Virginia.

* WHEN…From noon today to 8 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS…Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

Usually, one might expect the start of meteorological fall to be more temperate, amid pools closing, white pants getting packed away and and pumpkin spice lattes being served with increasing frequency. Not this year.

What do you think of the late bout of hot weather?

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Looking out at the Washington-Liberty High School track (staff photo)

Potomac on Drought Watch — “The Potomac River, which supplies 78 percent of the drinking water for the more than 5.1 million people who live and work in the Washington area, is running low enough that officials are watching for drought… Officials are producing reports on weather, water demand and the river’s flow twice per day — and, if needed, can release water from upstream reservoirs.” [Washington Post]

Residents Try to Stop Six-Plex — “A group of Arlington neighbors is trying to stop a local developer from building two 6-plex residential buildings in a wooded area of their Alcova Heights neighborhood. The residents contend the developer’s two expanded housing permit applications for the 6-plex buildings do not comply with the county’s minimum lot width requirements of 60 feet and are not based on current lot lines and measurements. Among the neighbors’ concerns is the significant loss of mature tree canopy.” [Patch]

County Seeking Stories — “The Arlington government is expanding its ‘racial-history timeline’ and is seeking local residents to share their stories about life in the county from 1976-90. ‘Your stories about your experience living in Arlington County during this time period will provide others with a first-hand account,’ county officials said.” [Gazette Leader]

Aurora Hills House Fire — From the Arlington County Fire Department: “Units are on the scene of a structure fire in the 2600 BLK of S Joyce St. Crews arrived to find a 2 story single family home with smoke conditions present.” [Twitter]

N. Arlington Business Break-ins –” 2500 block of N. Harrison Street… At approximately 5:07 a.m. on August 31, police were dispatched to the late report of a breaking and entering. Upon arrival, it was determined at approximately 1:45 a.m., the unknown male suspect forced entry into the business by shattering a glass door and stole an empty cash registers before fleeing the scene. A short time later, it was reported an unknown suspect forced entry into another business in the 5600 block of Langston Boulevard during the early morning hours and stole electronics.” [ACPD]

Arlington Unemployment Ticks Down — “Arlington’s already healthy jobs picture improved from June to July and continued to stand in the No. 2 position across the commonwealth. With 162,103 county residents counted in the civilian workforce and 3,186 looking for work, Arlington’s jobless rate in July was 1.9 percent, according to figures reported Aug. 30 by the Virginia Employment Commission. That’s down from 2.1 percent in June and a decline from 2.2 percent a year before.” [Gazette Leader]

Penrose Square Parking Problems — A new video shows a pair of cars blocking the crosswalk near the Starbucks at the corner of S. Adams Street and Columbia Pike. It’s the latest show of vehicular issues at Penrose Square. [Twitter]

Post Praise for Pupatella — “Virginia is home to one of the top Neapolitan pizzerias in the United States, according to a ranking by The Washington Post. Pupatella, on Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, was ranked as one of the best for Neapolitan-style pizza. Founded in 2007 as a food cart, Pupatella now has eight locations in Virginia and D.C. and four other locations in the D.C. area scheduled to open soon.” [Patch]

It’s Tuesday — Sunny and hot today, with a high temperature of 97°F and a north wind at about 8 mph. Tonight, expect mostly clear skies and a low temperature of approximately 74°F. [Weather.gov]

Investigation underway after long fall from under-construction building

By ARLnow.com
1/2

(Updated at 10 a.m.) A person has life-threatening injuries after a long fall in the Ballston area.

The incident happened around 7 a.m. at the intersection of Fairfax Drive and N. Quincy Street. Police initially responded there for a trespasser climbing a rope at the construction site.

While on scene, an officer told dispatchers that the person appeared to be stuck part-way up the under-construction building and, a short time later, that they fell about eight stories to the ground below.

Firefighters rushed to the scene to treat the gravely injured person, who was at least initially reported to be a man between the ages of 30-50. Detectives were also dispatched to investigate.

The intersection was closed by police for about 2.5 hours before reopening around 9:30 a.m.

NOW: Police investigating shots fired near Ballston Metro station

By ARLnow.com
File photo

Someone fired gunshots across from the Ballston Metro station tonight (Friday).

Police were dispatched to the scene at Fairfax Drive and N. Stuart Street around 8:20 p.m. for a report of a shooting. They arrived and reportedly found shell casings on the street in front of the Subway restaurant but no one injured.

A lookout was broadcast for a possible suspect who fled into the Metro station, but police could not find him.

 

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