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.
Arlington brown flip flops from ARLnow’s merch shop
“Gondola Country” shirt from ARLnow’s merch shop
Selections from ARLnow’s new merch shop
Arlingtonians have a new destination for Arlington and ARLnow merch.
Today ARLnow is officially launching our new online store. Whereas we used to only sell items on Amazon — the best-selling Gondola Now shirt for instance — now we have our own storefront for a wider variety of items, designs and colors.
Crash involving overturned vehicle on N. Glebe Road
(Updated at 3:20 p.m.) Both directions of N. Glebe Road were closed near the I-66 ramps north of Washington Blvd, in the Ballston area, due to a crash.
The crash happened around 1 p.m. in the southbound lanes of Glebe and involved a pickup truck and a sedan.
Traffic camera video shows the truck merging into the car’s lane suddenly and without signalling, running into its side and causing it to flip on its roof.
Passersby and other motorists could be seen rushing to help the driver immediately after the crash. She was helped out of the overturned car and loaded into a waiting ambulance.
The pickup driver drove across Glebe to the I-66 ramp after the crash but then stayed on scene.
“Both drivers remained on scene,” Arlington County police spokeswoman Alli Shorb confirmed to ARLnow. “Officers remain on scene investigating the crash and as part of the ongoing investigation, will determine if charges will be sought.”
The northbound and southbound lanes of Glebe have since partially reopened as of 1:50 p.m.
Video of the crash and the emergency response is below.
Arlington County police are looking for a man who exposed himself to at least two women Monday morning.
The first incident happened around 8:30 a.m. on the 3500 block of S. Ball Street, in the Crystal City area near Potomac Yard. The second happened just over an hour later on the 400 block of 12th Street S. in Pentagon City, near the Lenox Club apartments.
“At approximately 8:41 a.m. on August 14, police were dispatched to the report of an exposure,” police said in a crime report. “Upon arrival, it was determined the female victim was walking in the area when the male suspect in a parked vehicle engaged her in conversation. During the conversation, the suspect exposed himself and fled the scene in his vehicle.”
“At approximately 9:52 a.m., police were dispatched to the 400 block of 12th Street S. to another report of an exposure,” the crime report continues. “It was determined the female victim was walking in the area when the suspect, matching the reporting parties description from the incident prior, engaged her in conversation from his parked vehicle and exposed himself.”
The forecast indicates sunny weather with a high of 86°F and northwest winds at around 7 mph. Wednesday night will see partly cloudy skies with temperatures dropping to around 69°F, while the north wind at around 5 mph becomes calm in the evening. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” – Albert Einstein
🌅 Tonight’s sunset
Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.
Elder Julio Basurto speaks during a County Board meeting in 2021 (via Arlington County)
A noted local community activist is facing more charges in connection to a second alleged sexual assault.
Arlington County police say that Julio Basurto would drive up to Clarendon’s nightlife district early in the morning and offer women a ride, then would sexually assault the victim in his car.
He’s facing charges in two incidents — in May of this year, as previously reported, and now in October 2021, as just announced. Police also said today that they’re seeking victims from four other possible incidents ranging from September 2021 to September 2022.
More from ACPD:
The Arlington County Police Department’s Special Victims Unit is announcing additional charges have been obtained stemming from an incident that occurred on October 10, 2021, and are seeking possible additional victims.
At approximately 9:55 a.m. on October 10, 2021, police met with the adult female victim who reported a sexual assault inside an unknown vehicle. The investigation determined that during the early morning hours, the victim exited a nightlife establishment in the 3100 block of Wilson Boulevard when the suspect approached in a black vehicle and the victim entered. The suspect proceeded to sexually assault the victim during the ride before she was able to exit the vehicle. Julio Basurto, 42, of Arlington, VA was subsequently identified as a suspect and in July 2023, he was charged with Abduction with the Intent to Defile, Object Sexual Penetration and Unlawful Filming.
Based on information obtained during the comprehensive criminal investigation, detectives believe there may be additional incidents which occurred during the early morning hours on the following dates and are seeking possible victims:
September 20, 2021
October 3, 2021
October 14, 2021
September 4, 2022
Anyone who may have experienced a similar incident or who has had past inappropriate encounters with this suspect 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 (8477).
A flooded Four Mile Run running high near Dominion Hills (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
(Updated at 2:15 p.m.) For the second day in a row Arlington is under a Flood Watch.
The National Weather Service says that “anomalous moisture coupled with the potential for multiple slow moving thunderstorms will result in the potential for flash flooding.” The storms are expected to arrive later this afternoon, with the Flood Watch set to expire at 8 p.m.
The flood potential follows storms yesterday (Monday) that prompted Tornado, Severe Thunderstorm and Flash Flood warnings all in the span of about 10 minutes. The heavy rain also flooded a busy intersection along Columbia Pike.
Later Tuesday afternoon a Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued as well.
More on today’s Flood Watch, below, from NWS.
Flood Watch
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1229 PM EDT Tue Aug 15 2023
…Flash flooding will be possible this afternoon into the early evening, particularly for areas which were hit on Monday by very heavy rainfall…
…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING…
* WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.
* WHERE…Portions of DC, Maryland and northern Virginia, including the following areas: in DC, District of Columbia. In Maryland, Anne Arundel, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast Montgomery, Northwest Howard, Northwest Montgomery, Prince Georges and Southern Baltimore. In northern Virginia, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria and Fairfax.
* WHEN…Until 8 PM EDT this evening.
* 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.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Given the antecedent conditions in place across portions of the D.C. metro area, additional heavy rainfall today will enhance the threat for further flash flooding issues. Hourly rainfall rates of 1.50 to 2.00 inches are possible in the heaviest downpours. Thunderstorms may be slow to move initially before becoming more progressive later in the afternoon.
– Please visit weather.gov/safety/flood for flood safety and preparedness information
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
A Flood Watch for the potential for flash flooding has been issued for the DC and Baltimore Metros from 2 PM until 8 PM today. Anomalous moisture coupled with the potential for multiple slow moving thunderstorms will result in the potential for flash flooding. pic.twitter.com/i0tUPw9e1m
Most of the I-95 corridor has been upgraded to a Slight Risk for Severe Weather from the Storm Prediction Center for thunderstorms that are expected to move through this afternoon into this evening. Have multiple methods of receiving warnings. Latest: https://t.co/5RyZgpfrqrpic.twitter.com/mGMeTBHFAY
Pentagon Centre, featuring a new Ikea storefront (photo courtesy Ikea)
Ikea “Plan and order point” in Australia (courtesy Ikea)
Ikea “Plan and order point” in Australia (courtesy Ikea)
Ikea “Plan and order point” in Australia (courtesy Ikea)
Ikea “Plan and order point” in Australia (courtesy Ikea)
Ikea “Plan and order point” in Australia (courtesy Ikea)
A new small-format Ikea location is ready to open in Pentagon City.
The Scandinavian furniture and homegoods giant just announced that the storefront at the Pentagon Centre shopping center (1201 S. Hayes Street) will open tomorrow — Wednesday, Aug. 16.
Unlike Ikea’s traditional large-format warehouse stores in College Park and Woodbridge, Plan and Order points only allow customers to order items — like kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture and fixtures — for delivery. There are currently no other Ikea small-format stores open in the D.C. area.
More, below, from an Ikea press release.
IKEA U.S. is excited to announce that on August 16, the IKEA Arlington Plan and order point, located in the Pentagon Centre shopping center, will open to the public. This is the first Plan and order point to open in the DC market, which will provide inspiration and ideas for the home and offer one-on-one consultation services for kitchen design, bedroom and bathroom solutions, small space living solutions and so much more. Metro DC customers can now begin scheduling their in-person appointments through the IKEA Arlington local store page.
“The IKEA Arlington Plan and order point is a new kind of IKEA store for Metro DC residents. Whether planning a big project or simply looking for inspiration, we hope to provide a more convenient way to shop. Our goal is to continually transform to better meet the needs of our customers in Virginia and beyond,” said Javier Quiñones, CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA U.S.
IKEA Arlington will be open for all visitors to browse the showroom to get inspiration Monday-Sunday 11 am – 7 pm. Customers may also book an appointment and sit down with an IKEA expert planner while they design, quote, and order IKEA products. There’s no need to lug furniture home as the IKEA team will conveniently arrange all items to be transported to a customer’s home or to another pick up point. To schedule an appointment at IKEA Arlington to plan a kitchen, wardrobe, or another room of the home (bedroom, living room, etc.) and for IKEA Business planning, visit the IKEA Arlington local store page and use the appointment booking tool.
“The all-new IKEA Arlington Plan and order point will allow customers to meet with professional consultants who can help them optimize their living and working spaces,” said Raquel Ely, Market Manager, IKEA U.S. “With full-service delivery, this is a new, intimate experience that’s uniquely IKEA. It’s where design expertise meets convenience. We are thrilled to be opening the first IKEA Plan & order point in our area, continuing to create customer meeting points that are more accessible and convenient to the many people in the DMV market while offering sustainable and affordable home furnishings solutions.”
IKEA has been on the outskirts of the DC area for more than 35 years with large-format IKEA stores in Woodbridge, VA and College Park, MD. The IKEA Arlington Plan and order point will be located in the Pentagon Centre shopping center at 1201 S. Hayes Street, Pentagon City, Arlington, VA in 5,012 square feet of leased space. It will be easily accessible by Metro via the Yellow or Blue line, Metrobus or car.
There is a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am today, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 88°F, accompanied by a 7 mph west wind. Tonight, the chance of precipitation decreases to 30%, with possible showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, followed by a slight chance of showers until 2am, partly cloudy skies, a low of 67°F, and a 6 mph northwest wind. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
🌅 Tonight’s sunset
Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.
High water in the roadway on Columbia Pike at S. Greenbrier Street
High water in the roadway on Columbia Pike at S. Greenbrier Street
Tornado and Flash Flood Warnings as of 4:20 p.m. on Aug. 14, 2023
(Updated at 5:25 p.m.) A Tornado Warning was issued for part of Arlington and the entire county is under Flash Flood and Severe Thunderstorm warnings.
The warnings were all initially issued between about 4:15-4:25 p.m., with forecasters saying there was imminent danger of a tornado in parts of South Arlington and flash flooding throughout the county.
The Tornado Warning was cancelled shortly after 4:30 p.m., though the other warnings remained in effect and have since been updated with newer information.
As of 4:50 p.m. flooding could be seen occurring on Columbia Pike at S. Greenbrier Street — a frequent problem spot — with high standing water in the roadway and some motorists trying to drive through it while others were seen turning around. As of 5 p.m. much of the water had receded.
More on the flash flooding from the National Weather Service:
The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for… Southeastern Arlington County in northern Virginia… Southeastern Fairfax County in northern Virginia… The City of Alexandria in northern Virginia…
* Until 745 PM EDT.
* At 436 PM EDT, emergency management reported thunderstorms producing heavy rain in in the Springfield area. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is already occurring.
HAZARD…Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding.
SOURCE…Emergency management reported.
IMPACT…Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.
Also from NWS, as of 5 p.m., on the storms:
…THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA… SOUTHERN MONTGOMERY…WEST CENTRAL PRINCE GEORGES…ARLINGTON…AND EAST CENTRAL FAIRFAX COUNTIES AND THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA WILL EXPIRE AT 500 PM EDT…
The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area. Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. However gusty winds and heavy rain are still possible with this thunderstorm. To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service Sterling Virginia.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Washington DC, Arlington VA and Alexandria VA until 5:00 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/TGaRBOkVZy
Arlington County police used a Taser to subdue a man over the weekend after an officer was allegedly punched along Columbia Pike.
The fracas happened around 10 p.m. Friday near the intersection of the Pike and S. Walter Reed Drive. The incident that drew the police response was initially reported to be a stabbing but later turned out to just be a dispute.
ASSAULT ON POLICE, 2023-08110270, 2800 block of Columbia Pike. At approximately 10:04 p.m. on August 11, police were dispatched to the report of a possible stabbing. The arriving officer located three male subjects matching the descriptions provided by the reporting party and gave them commands to stop in order to conduct their investigation. Subject One was detained without incident. Subject Two assaulted the officer by punching him and was taken into custody with the assistance of an additional arriving officer. Subject Three refused to comply with the officer’s commands and, following the deployment of a Taser by the officer, was detained. Subject Three was evaluated on scene by medics and, following the investigation, was released on scene. The investigation determined a dispute had taken place but no stabbing had occurred. Subject One… 23, of Arlington, Va. was arrested and charged with Public Intoxication. Subject Two… 27, of Arlington, Va. was arrested and charged with Assault on Police and Public Intoxication.
Also this weekend, police responded to a pair of armed robberies — one Friday night in Pentagon City, the other early Saturday morning in the Long Branch Creek neighborhood.
From ACPD:
ROBBERY, 2023-08110255, 1300 block of S. Joyce Street. At approximately 8:46 p.m. on August 11, police were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined the male and female victims arranged to meet Suspect One, who is known to them, at this location. When the male victim and Suspect One made contact, Suspect Two exited the vehicle, brandished a firearm and struck the male victim with it before stealing the victims’ bags containing clothing, electronics and personal belongings. Suspect One then brandished a firearm and took the female victim’s purse from her possession. Both suspects then fled the scene in their vehicle with the victim’s stolen property. Officers canvassed the area for the suspects yielding negative results. Warrants were obtained for Robbery (x2) and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. The investigation is ongoing.
ROBBERY, 2023-08120066, 1700 block of 26th Street S. At approximately 6:31 a.m. on August 12, police were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined the suspect was inside of a parked vehicle with the three male suspects when one suspect threatened the victim with a firearm and demanded his belongings. The suspects stole electronics, jewelry and a wallet containing credit cards, personal identification cards and an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene in the vehicle. The victim then requested assistance from the reporting party who called police. No injuries were reported. Officers canvassed the area for the suspect yielding negative results.
Storm clouds, as seen from Rosslyn (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
A Flood Watch has been issued for Arlington, as heavy rain and strong storms are possible starting late this afternoon.
The Flood Watch will take effect at 5 p.m. and run through early Tuesday morning. An “anomalous” amount of moisture in the atmosphere may lead to deluges that could cause flooding, forecasters say.
Meanwhile, severe storms and even an isolated tornado are possible tonight in Arlington and the D.C. area., the National Weather Service says.
More on the Flood Watch, below, from NWS.
155 PM EDT Mon Aug 14 2023
…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE TONIGHT…
* WHAT…Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.
* WHERE…Portions of DC, Maryland and northern Virginia, including the following areas: in DC, District of Columbia. In Maryland, Anne Arundel, Cecil, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast Montgomery, Northern Baltimore, Northwest Harford, Northwest Howard, Northwest Montgomery, Prince Georges, Southeast Harford and Southern Baltimore. In northern Virginia, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria, Eastern Loudoun and Fairfax.
* WHEN…From 5 PM EDT this afternoon through late tonight.
* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Anomalous moisture will overspread the region ahead of a cold front that will pass through tonight. Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are possible this evening into the overnight. Rain rates over two inches per hour are possible. Urban areas and flood prone roadways will be of a particular concern.
– Please visit weather.gov/safety/flood for flood safety and preparedness information
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
A Flood Watch for the potential for flash flooding has been issued for the DC and Baltimore Metros into northeast Maryland from 5 PM this evening until 2 AM Tuesday. Anomalous moisture will result in the potential for rain rates over 2" per hour. Latest: https://t.co/5RyZgpfrqrpic.twitter.com/Xvn0eUpci9
Hot and humid air paired with an approaching warm front will result in thunderstorms later today. Some storms may become severe, with damaging winds, large hail, and an isolated tornado all possible threats. #DCwx#MDwx#VAwx#WVwxpic.twitter.com/tknwhJUh7o
