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 car speeding to a call at night (staff photo)
Arlington County police are investigating an armed robbery in the Arlington Ridge neighborhood early Friday morning.
The robbery happened around 1:30 a.m. at the intersection of S. Arlington Ridge Road and 23rd Street S.
The victim told police that he was rear-ended by a black Ford Mustang or Dodge Charger, and then two men dressed in ski masks and all black clothing got out, armed with an AK-47 or similar gun, and robbed him of jewelry.
…the victim was stopped in his vehicle at a traffic light when the suspect vehicle rear ended him. The victim exited his vehicle and approached the suspect vehicle when Suspects One and Two exited their vehicle. Suspect One assaulted the victim causing him to fall to the ground and Suspect Two threatened the victim with a firearm and demanded his belongings. The victim gave the suspects his jewelry before they reentered their vehicle and fled the scene. The victim sustained minor injuries and did not require medical attention.
Officers were unable to locate the suspect vehicle, which was believed to have been driven off in the direction of I-395 and D.C.
Haze above a local shopping center parking lot (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
After a sunny and pleasant late summer weekend, mother nature is dialing up the heat and the air pollution today.
A Code Orange air quality alert is in effect today due to both ground-level ozone and more Canadian wildfire smoke wafting down to the D.C. area. That’s on top of a predicted high temperature of 95.
From the National Weather Service:
Fairfax-Western Loudoun-Eastern Loudoun-Northwest Prince William-
Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park-
Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-
440 PM EDT Sun Aug 20 2023
…AIR QUALITY ALERT IS IN EFFECT FOR MONDAY AUGUST 21 2023…
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has issued a Code ORANGE Air Quality Alert Monday for Northern Virginia.
A Code Orange Air Quality Alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases, and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.
For more information on ground-level ozone and fine particles, visit the Virginia DEQ air quality Website at www.deq.virginia.gov.
Despite the current haze, the air quality level in Arlington is listed as moderate (yellow), according to AirNow, but that is expected to deteriorate to Code Orange later in the day.
Electrical workers in bucket cranes work on power lines in North Arlington on Aug. 9, 2023 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Electrical workers in bucket cranes work on power lines in North Arlington on Aug. 9, 2023 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
After big storms, many of the same questions are asked: namely, why don’t we just bury power lines?
Surely the expense of constantly fixing power lines downed by falling trees, branches and the occasional crash — both in terms of the repairs themselves, lost productivity, etc. — cannot be far off from the cost of just moving them underground?
As our exploration of the topic last week found, however, it’s not quite that simple. It would cost tens of billions of dollars to bury lines across the state, and previous looks at the question specifically in Arlington also concluded that it’s infeasible from both a cost and a permissions perspective — getting everyone to agree to let the power company dig up their yards.
Instead, Dominion and local governments have been conducting more targeted undergroundings, along high-density corridors like Columbia Pike and in places where storm damage is more frequent. That has cut the power restoration time after big storms, a Dominion spokeswoman told us, but outages will remain a fact of life as long as there are storms and trees.
Of course, there are likely those that would argue that with climate change whipping up fiercer storms, burying more lines should be more seriously considered.
The county’s annual summer gathering resumes with outdoor hours from 2-10:30 p.m. and indoor hours from 4-10 p.m. The fair — which features games, rides, food, musical performances and fun for all ages — runs through Sunday, Aug. 20 at Thomas Jefferson Community Center.
Hours for the remaining days of outdoor fair activities are as follows.
During sensory friendly hours, the fair aims to limit loud music and other noises.
Visitors can expect the traditional collection of entertainment and competitions, as well as a variety of food and drink options. Admission is free, according to the fair’s website. Ride tickets can be purchased online or on site, with each ride typically requiring 3-6 tickets.
ARLnow staff photographer Jay Westcott made a return visit to the fair earlier this week and noted a more carefree vibe than recent years.
“Biggest crowd I’ve seen since before the pandemic,” Westcott observed. “People seemed genuinely happy.”
Westcott’s photos, as well as a reader’s contributed photo, are above. A press release about the fair, noting some of the new features, is below.
Celebrating over four decades of tradition, the Arlington County Fair returns this week with entertainment and excitement for all ages. One of the East Coast’s largest free events attracting more than 125,000 visitors annually, the Fair is open from August 16-20 at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center and Park. The five-day extravaganza showcases the vibrant spirit of our community through competitive exhibits, thrilling rides, live music, local vendors, and much more.
The Fair opens with a formal ceremony and ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, August 16 at 5 p.m. at the playground in front of the TJ Community Center. The public is invited as we celebrate unity in diversity and embrace the spirit of inclusivity that “A Fair for All” represents.
Highlights of this year’s Fair include:
The New District Brewing Company’s family-friendly beer garden features beer and wines along with a Root Beer Float Fire Truck that both kids and adults can enjoy.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ ArtMobile exhibit, “Revealing and Obscuring Identity: Portraits from the Permanent Collection.”
A Night Market on Thursday, August 17, from 5:00-10:00 p.m., where local makers will showcase their exquisite creations.
Sensory-friendly hours will provide a calm and welcoming environment on Saturday, August 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. These hours are dedicated to creating a space without lights or sounds, with the addition of Arlington County’s Therapeutic Recreation Office’s sensory tent for additional comfort and calming activities.
The Indoor Vendor Showcase features over 75 local vendors within the Thomas Jefferson Gym.
Punch Bowl Social introduces an indoor pop-up park, while partner Nova Systemic sponsors a hands-on STEM area catering to kids of all ages.
Performances by Drew Blue Shoes and Rocknoceros and other local talent.
Odyssey Events’ Axe Throwing.
eBike rides with BikeArlington.
Pie-eating contest with Livin’ the Pie Life and the Arlington Jaycees
Visiting the Fair
For more details about transportation and parking, hotels, daily schedule of events, and operating hours, or to purchase ride tickets, visit the Fair website.
Background
The Arlington County Fair is a 501c(s) nonprofit volunteer-driven organization that embraces a diverse community by educating, entertaining, and showcasing the best of Arlington. The Fair would not be possible without the support of individual donors, our corporate sponsors, and our close partnership with Arlington County and the Arlington County Department of Recreation.
Are you ready to embark on a real-life Pokémon journey? Look no further, because Squirtle is here to make a splash in your world!
This dynamic female turtle is not only a seasoned explorer but also a master of the aquatic arts. Get ready to dive into a world of fun and excitement with Squirtle by your side!
Squirtle isn’t your ordinary turtle — she’s a living, breathing Pokémon legend! Just like her namesake, Squirtle is a water-type lover who thrives on aquatic adventures. She’s always eager to make a “splash” wherever she goes, and her infectious energy is sure to keep you on your toes.
This adventurous aquatic explorer needs room to roam and plenty of water to paddle through. She’s not just content with a regular aquarium; she craves excitement and activity. Providing her with ample space to explore and play will ensure she lives her best Pokémon trainer life!
If you’re a true Pokémon fan who’s ready to level up your life with a lively companion, Squirtle is the answer to your Poké-dreams. Don’t miss out on the chance to have your very own water-type companion who’s as lively as the currents themselves!
Do you choose Squirtle? Read her entire profile to learn more and stop by the Animal Welfare League during adoption hours to meet her!
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.
Break-in and sexual assault suspect (photos courtesy ACPD, photo composition by ARLnow)
A 34-year-old D.C. man was arrested last month in a high-profile Arlington sexual assault case.
Police say they suspect Geremy Bridgeforth is the man who broke into a woman’s apartment in Virginia Square on April 2 and sexually assaulted her. That attack was followed by a subsequent early-morning apartment break-in on April 12, in Courthouse, in which the victim was touched inappropriately.
Blurry surveillance photos of the suspect were released by police a few days later.
In an update in the case Thursday afternoon, Arlington County police announced additional charges against Bridgeforth, who according to court records was arrested on July 14.
Following a comprehensive criminal investigation, the Arlington County Police Department’s Special Victims Unit is announcing charges have been obtained in the April 2 incident in the Ballston-Virginia Square neighborhood. Geremy Bridgeforth, 34, of Washington D.C. is charged with Burglary with Intent to Commit Murder/Rape/Robbery and Object Sexual Penetration. During the course of the investigation, detectives determined that between April 1 and April 2, the suspect entered additional residences in the 3900 block of Fairfax Drive and stole property. He was charged with Burglary (x2), Credit Card Theft (x2), Credit Card Fraud (x2) and Petit Larceny related to those offenses. Additionally, Mr. Bridgeforth was charged with Burglary with Intent to Commit Murder/Rape/Robbery and Aggravated Sexual Battery in the April 12 incident in the Clarendon-Courthouse neighborhood. He is being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.
Bridgeforth has a number of prior arrests and convictions in Arlington dating between 2015-2021, according to court records, for crimes including fare evasion, trespassing and indecent exposure. Most recently he served a net two months in jail on the 2021 indecent exposure charges, court records suggest.
Multiple residents told ARLnow at the time that the Courthouse break-ins followed the installation of new smart locks, which some claimed would leave apartment doors open even when an app said it was locked.
The weather forecast predicts partly sunny conditions that will eventually turn completely sunny, with temperatures reaching a high of around 84 degrees. The northwest winds are expected to blow at a speed of 7 to 14 mph and might gust up to 21 mph. Friday night will be clear with a low temperature of around 61 degrees, accompanied by northwest winds ranging between 6 to 10 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.” – Edgar Allan Poe
🌅 Tonight’s sunset
Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.
Police car at night (file photo courtesy Kevin Wolf)
A man was stabbed and seriously injured last night in the Shirlington area.
The stabbing happened just after 10:30 p.m. at an apartment complex on the 4400 block of 31st Street S. It led to a suspect search that resulted in the arrest of a 28-year-old Arlington man who knew the victim, according to police.
It’s unclear what prompted the stabbing.
“At approximately 10:40 p.m. on August 16, police were dispatched to the report of a stabbing,” Arlington County police said in a crime report today. “Upon arrival, it was determined the victim was outside of the residential building when the male suspect, who is known to him, approached him and allegedly stabbed him with a knife. A struggle ensued over the knife during which the victim suffered additional injuries.”
“The suspect then left the scene and the victim entered the building where the reporting party called police,” the crime report continues. “Upon police arrival, officers immediately began rendering medical aid to the victim and he was transported to an area hospital with serious but non-life-threatening.”
While police and medics treated the victim, officers also established a perimeter and searched for the suspect, who was still at large and believed to be nearby.
“During the course of the investigation, officers determined the suspect was inside another residential building in the 4400 block of 31st Street S., established a perimeter and took him into custody without incident,” ACPD recounted. “The suspect was transported to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries.”
The suspect, 28, was charged with Aggravated Malicious Wounding and held without bond.
Court records show the suspect was charged last year in Arlington with being a violent felon in possession of a weapon, but charges were later dropped. Soon thereafter he was arrested on a felony marijuana charge and later convicted of an amended misdemeanor charge, which came with a fine but no jail time.
Arlington, VA, is August’s most sought-after city by renters looking for an apartment for rent on RentCafe.com, the same as last month. Apartment listings in the city attracted a significantly higher number of engagements compared to this time last year.
Specifically, traffic on Arlington listing pages more than doubled year-over-year, while renters favorited 72% more apartments and saved 38% more personalized searches. This continued (and growing) interest from apartment seekers in Arlington listings also helped the city keep its top spot for another month.
Arlington was followed on the top of the list by a trio of midwestern cities: Kansas City, Minneapolis and Cincinnati. Neighboring D.C. ranked No. 15, falling two spots.
The popularity comes at a cost, however. One- and two-bedroom rents were up 6% year-over-year as of May, according to a report from another rental website, Zumper, which ranked Arlington County as the 10th priciest rental market in the U.S.
At least some of that rising demand is being met by new development. Large apartment projects are underway or planned in neighborhoods including Pentagon City, Crystal City and Courthouse.
August 2023 rental activity rankings (via RentCafe.com)
First night of the 2023 Arlington County Fair (photo courtesy anonymous)
Tax Delinquency Rate Reaches New Low — “It took some elbow grease to get there, as it always does, but the Arlington County Treasurer’s Office again has achieved another in a long string of record-low tax-delinquency rates. ‘Amazing,’ Treasurer Carla de la Pava said in announcing the annual rate of 0.157 percent during a celebration held Aug. 15.” [Gazette Leader]
Body Found Under Chain Bridge — “An investigation is underway after a man’s body was pulled from the Potomac River by first responders on Wednesday evening. DC Police, alongside DC Fire and EMS, conducted an extensive search of the area underneath the Chain Bridge in Northwest after receiving a report of an individual seen submerged in the water below.” [WUSA 9, Twitter]
Car Chase from D.C. to Arlington — From Dave Statter: “An unusual sight at 3 am. @DCPoliceDept
chasing a car taken in a carjacking into VA. Twice! 2 round trips! This is trip #1 from I-395S to 110N to Memorial Bridge to Ohio Dr to Buckeye Dr.” [Twitter]
Pedestrian Plays I-395 Frogger — From Dave Statter: “I was talking with a reporter about Saturday’s mayhem & the scary things I see on I-395. This is one of them. It happens fairly often. See people on bicycles doing the same thing.” [Twitter]
Regional Housing Costs Still Rising — “Even though the median home-sales price across the nation dropped year-over-year in the second quarter of 2023, a majority of metropolitan areas – including the D.C. region – saw increases. The median home-sales price of $629,000 across the Washington area in the April-May-June period rose 0.4 percent from $626,700 a year before.” [Gazette Leader]
It’s Thursday — There is a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm, with mostly sunny skies and a high of 88. Light winds will become south at 5 to 10 mph in the morning. On Thursday night, a slight chance of precipitation continues until 2am, with partly cloudy skies and a low around 72, accompanied by south winds at 6 to 9 mph. [Weather.gov]
