Map showing approximate location of sexual battery incident on trail (via Google Maps)

Arlington County police are looking for a man who sexually abused a boy on a local trail.

The incident happened around 9 a.m. Sunday morning, on a trail near the intersection of Route 50 and Carlin Springs Road. That’s near Kenmore Middle School, Bluemont Park and the W&OD Trail.

“At approximately 9:09 a.m. on July 30, police were dispatched to the report of an assault just occurred,” Arlington County police said today in a crime report. “Upon arrival, it was determined the juvenile victim was walking on the trail when he was approached by the unknown male suspect. The suspect engaged the victim in conversation before touching him inappropriately and fleeing the scene on foot.”

“Officers canvassed the area for the suspect yielding negative results. No injuries were reported,” the crime report continues. “The suspect is described as a heavy-set Hispanic male in his 40’s with gray hair, approximately 5’7” wearing a red shirt and dark sweat pants. The investigation is ongoing.”

Map via Google Maps


Fire response to sewage plant on S. Eads Street

(Updated at 2:20 p.m.) Firefighters are on scene of a fire investigation at Arlington County’s Water Pollution Control Plant.

Initial reports suggest that smoke is coming from a portion of the sewage plant along the 3200 block of S. Eads Street, near Crystal City. The fire department is trying to determine the source of the smoke.

Police have been dispatched to the scene to shut down a portion of S. Eads Street.

During the investigation, a firefighter on scene suffered a medical emergency and is expected to be transported to the hospital via ambulance, according to scanner traffic.

As of 2:15 p.m., the fire department was starting to scale the operation back. The fire was reported to be the result of solid waste that caught fire within one of the plant’s systems.


Jail entrance at the Arlington County Detention Facility (file photo)

Prosecutors secured felony convictions earlier this month against two men in separate sexual battery cases.

In one case, a man was convicted of secually abusing “a mentally incapacitated or physically helpless individual” in a public park in Arlington in July 2020.

In the other case, a man was found guilty of sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl in her Arlington home in November 2019.

More on the convictions, below, via a press release from the Arlington and Falls Church Commonwealth’s Attorney Office.

On July 13, 2023, an Arlington County jury found Matthew Coble guilty of Aggravated Sexual Battery of a mentally incapacitated or physically helpless individual. The evidence presented at trial proved that Mr. Coble sexually abused the victim at a public park in Arlington County on July 24, 2020. The jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 29, 2023. The statutory range of punishment in Virginia for Aggravated Sexual Battery is a period of incarceration between one and twenty years and a fine of up to $100,000.

On July 25, 2023, an Arlington County jury found Dylan Veitch guilty of Aggravated Sexual Battery of a minor under the age of 13 years old. The evidence presented at trial proved that Mr. Veitch sexually abused the twelve-year-old victim at her home in Arlington County in November of 2019. The jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 29, 2023. Following the guilty verdict, a motion by the Commonwealth to revoke Mr. Veitch’s bond was granted by The Honorable Daniel S. Fiore, II. The statutory range of punishment in Virginia for Aggravated Sexual Battery is a period of incarceration between one and twenty years and a fine of up to $100,000.

Both cases were prosecuted by Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Nassir Aboreden. The Commonwealth’s Attorney Office would like to thank all members of the participating juries for their thoughtful consideration of the facts, evidence, and the law in each of these cases. The verdicts in each case provide the victims with a level of closure. Our thoughts are with the victims as they embark on their healing journey.


(Updated at 4:05 p.m.) The herculean effort to clean up from Saturday’s storms and restore power to tens of thousands is continuing Monday morning.

The GW Parkway remains closed to most traffic between Spout Run Parkway and the Beltway — and is expected to remain closed until later this week, as crews work to clear a large number of downed trees and branches.

The southbound lanes of Spout Run Parkway, where at least one car was damaged by a fallen tree Saturday, also remain closed.

From a press release issued Monday afternoon:

The George Washington Memorial Parkway is currently experiencing closures due to the aftermath of Saturday’s storm. Crews are diligently working to clear fallen trees from the roadway, and these closures are expected to last for the next few days.

To enhance and expedite the restoration process, George Washington Memorial Parkway has deployed a total of five crews, including its own team, assistance from the National Capital Parks-East (NACE), and three additional emergency contracting crews.

The North Parkway, from Spout Run Parkway to I-495, remains closed, except for the northbound lanes from Route 123 to I-495. Additionally, the southbound lanes of the Spout Run Parkway are also closed.

These closures are necessary to ensure the removal of hazardous trees, including those that have fallen across the roadway and broken limbs that pose a risk to travel lanes. The recovery work is estimated to be completed within three to four days.

Round-the-clock power restoration work whittled down the peak of more than 34,000 without electricity in Arlington — half that of the 2012 derecho — to 3,154 as of 11:15 a.m. Monday, according to Dominion’s website.

The remaining small outages are scattered throughout the county, though most are concentrated in north-central Arlington — between Route 50 and Langston Blvd — including the Orange Line corridor, which was particularly hard hit.

Throughout Northern Virginia, 4,732 Dominion customers remained in the dark this morning, according to the power company. Crews have been working long shifts and overnight to restore power, with much of that effort happening in Arlington.

As of 4 p.m., the outages were down to 2,029 in Arlington and 2,338 throughout Northern Virginia.

More storm stories are emerging as the cleanup continues.

In Courthouse, a heavy metal table was blown off a condo patio during the storm’s intense winds and is now stuck high in a tree, above a sidewalk.

“The tree is right across the street from the entrance of the Palatine apartment building,” a tipster told ARLnow on Sunday. By Monday morning, however, the table had been removed by a tree maintenance crew, the tipster said.

Trees came down throughout Arlington, taking down utility lines, blocking roads, and in at least eight known cases falling onto houses. One unlucky family was on their way to Walt Disney World in Orlando when a huge tree smashed into their stately brick house near Lacey Woods Park, we’re told.

For those on the go, it’s not just drivers who have to deal with fallen trees and other debris. A trail cleanup is planned for 5:30 p.m. today on the Mount Vernon Trail near Rosslyn, which “got hit particularly hard,” according to a social media post.

Additionally, numerous trees are reported to be down on the Custis Trail and at least one park is closed due to storm damage.

“Rocky Run Park is closed for maintenance due to damages caused by the July 29 storms,” said Arlington’s Dept. of Parks and Recreation. “Please do not go onto the park grounds.”

Arlington National Cemetery, meanwhile, is also closed today except for funerals amid widespread tree damage at the nation’s most hallowed ground.

More storm damage photos from social media, below.


The cleanup from Saturday’s severe storms is continuing into Sunday.

As of 9 a.m., Dominion is reporting 20,394 customers still without power in Arlington. That’s down from more than 34,000 immediately after the storm. Arlington makes up about two thirds of the 31,603 outages Dominion is reporting across Northern Virginia.

Dominion says it has 170 bucket trucks deployed and is working “as safely and quickly as possible to restore service.” Due to the large volume of trees and utility lines down across the region — particularly in Arlington — Dominion has not yet been able to provide estimates for when power will be restored.

Along with power outages, readers have reported Xfinity TV and internet service outages in parts of the county. The trees that brought down power lines also brought down cable lines in many locations.

The GW Parkway remains closed in both directions between the Beltway and Spout Run in Arlington due to a large number of downed trees.

From parkway spokesman Mark Maloy:

Due to the storm that moved through the northern Virginia area on Saturday afternoon, numerous trees fell across the travel lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Currently, the northern section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway (from Spout Run Parkway to the Capital Beltway) is closed as tree crews work to remove trees from the roadway.  This closure will remain in place on Sunday until an assessment has been completed and all hazardous trees removed.  There are numerous other trees downed in areas of the George Washington Memorial Parkway and the Clara Barton Parkway and the National Park Service is continuing to assess the damage and clear trees. We encourage drivers to use caution in the area and if they encounter any downed trees on the George Washington Memorial Parkway to call US Park Police at 202-610-7500.

Among the more dramatic storm impacts was a large window that blew out of an apartment building in Clarendon amid the damaging wind gusts.

Witnesses tell ARLnow that the window came from the top of The Reserve at Clarendon building along Washington Blvd, between N. Highland and N. Garfield street.

“Windows missing from 11th floor unit at the Reserve, window frames and glass all over Washington Blvd, dented and damaged parked car [with] window frame next to it,” a reader tells ARLnow. “[The damaged] car was parked outside of Clarendon 1021, a block away. Cracked windows in the building where the Clarendon Orange Theory is (across the street from Reserve). Crazy!”

Police closed streets around the building due to the falling glass, though the roads have since reopened.

“At 7:05 p.m., police were dispatched to the 3000 block of Washington Boulevard for the report of two windowpanes that had fallen,” Arlington County police spokeswoman Ashley Savage confirmed to ARLnow. “No injuries were reported and the roads closed in the area have reopened.”

Videos posted online, below, show the intensity of the wind from Saturday’s storms.

Update at 11:20 a.m. on 7/31/23 — The number of outages in Arlington is down to 3,154. The GW Parkway remains closed.

Update at 3:45 p.m. — Outages are now down to 14,313. Arlington County, meanwhile, is warning people to stay out of Gulf Branch downstream from Military Road due to sewage in the water from a pump failure.

Update at 1:25 p.m. — The number of outages in Arlington has ticked down to 17,811, according to Dominion. The power company is hoping to have power restored to “most customers” later tonight.

Arlington County says the curbside collection of storm debris may take “weeks.”

Map via Google Maps


Update at 11:20 a.m. on 7/31/23 — The number of outages in Arlington is down to 3,154. The GW Parkway remains closed.

Update at 9 a.m. on 7/30/23 — More than 20,000 Dominion customers are still without power as of Sunday morning.

(Updated at 8:30 p.m.) Tens of thousands are without power in Arlington after severe storms ripped through the county Saturday evening.

As of 6 p.m. Dominion was reporting 34,068 customers without power in Arlington alone and more than 83,000 across Northern Virginia. The outages were still above 28,000 as of 8 p.m., suggesting many may remain in the dark overnight.

The peak outage figure from today’s storm is about half that of the 2012 derecho.

The storm damage is widespread and includes numerous trees and power lines down across the county. Significant damage was reported along the Orange Line corridor — Virginia Square, Clarendon to Courthouse, and Rosslyn — including fencing blown over, street lights topped, trees and branches down, and construction debris scattered.

The intersection of Washington Blvd and N. Highland Street in Clarendon was being completely blocked as of 8 p.m. due to window panes that blew out of a building during the storm. A photo sent to ARLnow showed a shattered window pane that fell onto a parked car.

Numerous roads were blocked or impeded after the storm, including some major routes like I-66 and the GW Parkway.

“Numerous trees and large branches blew down blocking eastbound [I-66]” near Rosslyn, according to the National Weather Service; the lanes reportedly reopened around 6:30 p.m. U.S. Park Police is also reporting the GW Parkway blocked near Spout Run due to trees down. Heavy traffic is still reported on both routes as of 6:45 p.m.

Both directions of Spout Run are blocked due to trees down, including one said to be down on a vehicle near Lorcom Lane, per scanner traffic.

ART buses were delayed due to the storm damaged, according to Arlington Transit.

Trees are down on at least eight houses, including one on the unit block of S. Fillmore Street, where people were reported to be trapped. They have since been reported to be out and safe. Other trees were reported down on houses on the 900 block of N. Cleveland Street, the 5200 block of 11th Road N. and the 3000 block of 17th Road S., as well as in yards, on fences, and across neighborhood streets.

A number of structure fires were also reported, mostly due to downed wires or lightning strikes.

Just after the storm passed a house was on fire in the Barcroft neighborhood, near the intersection of S. Pershing Drive and 2nd Street S. Another residential structure fire was reported on the 4900 block of 7th Road S.  As of 6:10 p.m., Arlington County firefighters were responding to a report of a tree down on a house and power lines sparking on top of the roof, on the 2900 block of 22nd Street N. in Maywood.

Additionally, the fire department responded to several calls of smoke inside of homes and other buildings, as well as calls for stuck elevators as a result of power outages.

Arlington fire department resources are maxed out, according to scanner traffic. Authorities are asking residents not to call 911 except in the event of an emergency due to the high volume of calls.

Among the other reports of storm damage in Arlington:

  • 23rd Street S. and S. Hayes Street: 23rd Street S. blocked by downed trees and utility lines
  • N. Illinois Street and Washington Blvd: Numerous trees down, including one that fell into a house
  • 19th Street N. and N. Nelson Street: Trees down blocking street
  • N. Kirkwood Road south of Langston Blvd: Trees down blocking street
  • 19th Street N. and N. Nelson Street: Trees down
  • S. Woodrow Street and 2nd Street S.: Trees and wires down
  • Rosslyn (various locations): Fences blown down and construction debris scattered
  • Wilson Blvd and N. Lexington Street: Tree and utility lines down
  • N. Lexington Street and 8th Road N.: Utility lines down
  • N. Garfield Street and Clarendon Blvd: Utilities line down blocking road
  • Gulf Branch Nature Center: People are unable to leave the parking lot due to a downed tree and lines
  • N. Pershing Drive and N. Fillmore Street — Road blocked by downed tree
  • N. Jackson Street and N. Pershing Drive — Trees down, blocking road
  • Washington Blvd and 13th Street N. — Construction fencing down in front of apartment building under construction in Clarendon
  • WB Route 50 at N. Courthouse Road — Tree down, partially across road
  • 10th Street N. and Route 50 — Traffic lights are “backwards, causing a major issue,” per scanner
  • WB Route 50 at N. Edison Street — Tree down, blocking two lanes
  • 2500 block of N. Upland Street — Tree down onto car, blocking road
  • Key Blvd and N. Herndon Street — Trees down, blocking road
  • S. Wakefield Street near Barcroft Elementary — Tree down onto wires
  • 1700 block of S. Garfield Street — Tree down blocking road
  • 100 block of N. Oakland Street — Tree down across road
  • 10th Street N. between Wilson Blvd and Washington Blvd — Police are blocking intersections due to power outage and debris
  • 2nd Street N. and N. Highland Street — Tree down blocking roadway
  • N. Kenilworth Street and 19th Street N. — Trees down blocking road
  • Arlington Ridge Road near 23rd Street S. — Trees down, road blocked

“There’s stuff down everywhere,” said ARLnow staff photographer Jay Westcott, after photographing damage across the county. “It’s almost like the derecho in 2012.”

Westcott said he saw many drivers “Wild West-ing it” through darkened traffic signals, rather than treating the intersections as a four-way stop.

The line of storms that crossed Arlington packed damaging wind gusts. A 58 mph gust was recorded at Hoffman-Boston Elementary, while a 60 mph gust was recorded at National Airport. Across the Potomac, a 84 mph gust was reported at George Washington University’s Mount Vernon Campus, according to the National Weather Service.

Some views of the storm and the damage across Arlington via social media:

(more…)


Storms approaching at 4:30 p.m.

(Update at 4:40 p.m.) All of Arlington is now under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.

More such warnings are likely as a line of strong storms approach from the west. Forecasters say the storms are packing very high winds, likely to cause damage and power outages.

More from the National Weather Service:

BULLETIN – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
409 PM EDT Sat Jul 29 2023

The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning…

* Until 430 PM EDT.

* At 409 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Herndon, moving east at 30 mph.

HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE…Radar indicated.

IMPACT…Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall. This could injure those outdoors, as well as damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible. Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.

* Locations impacted include… Arlington, Bethesda, Reston, South Riding, Herndon, Vienna, Falls Church, Broadlands, Lowes Island, Brambleton, Pimmit Hills, Mclean, American Legion Bridge, Dulles International Airport, Potomac, Ashburn, Oakton, Sterling, Chantilly and Tysons Corner.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

Earlier: Arlington County is again under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch.

The National Weather Service issued the watch for Arlington, D.C. and surrounding areas. It’s in effect Saturday afternoon through 9 p.m.

Hail, damaging wind gusts and frequent lightning are all possible, while “an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out,” according to NWS.

The watch follows a series of storms Friday evening, though none caused significant damage in Arlington.


File photo

(Updated at 4 p.m.) A 37-year-old Arlington man is facing nearly 20 charges related to a series of side view mirror thefts from vehicles.

The thefts started in April and continued into May and June. In total, according to Arlington County police, more than 100 vehicles had mirrors stolen or damaged in the crime spree.

Many modern side view mirrors house sensors and other electronics that could be worth more than a thousand dollars, making them attractive to thieves.

Police say the suspect was arrested Wednesday after evidence led detectives to him during the investigation. Police say additional charges are possible, on top of the current 19 theft and destruction of property charges.

More from an ACPD press release:

The Arlington County Police Department’s Property Crimes – Auto Unit is announcing the arrest of the suspect in a series of thefts of vehicle parts. Luis Manuel Tavares Sanchez, 37, of Arlington, VA is charged with nine counts of Petit Larceny and ten counts of Destruction of Property, two of which are felony charges. He is being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.

In late April 2023, police began investigating a series of thefts in which the suspect would steal and/or damage the glass from sideview mirrors of parked vehicles in various neighborhoods throughout Arlington County. In total, police received 61 reports documenting 104 vehicles with stolen or damaged mirrors. During the course of the investigation, detectives reviewed evidence, spoke to witnesses and followed up on investigative leads which led to the identification of the suspect. He was taken into custody on the afternoon of July 26, 2023. The investigation into the series is ongoing and additional charges may be sought at a later time.

The same suspect was arrested in October and charged with damaging more than 90 cars with a BB gun, an ACPD spokeswoman confirmed to ARLnow. He had been released on a jail diversion program and was due in court on this coming Wednesday, Aug. 2 to update his progress.


Get ready to guard your heart! The newest Adoptable Pet of the Week is Panda, an adorable puppy up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington.

This pup is currently in foster and this is what his foster parents had to say:

Meet Panda the puppy who will steal your heart with his big, brown eyes and sweet personality!

Shy at first, once Panda warms up to you, his true happy, go-lucky nature blooms. Unlike other pups his age, Panda is also very chill and enjoys quality calm time with his humans or a yummy chewy treat.

Panda’s Yays: Food, treats, playing with dog friends, and chin scratches while staring into your eyes lovingly.

Panda’s Nays: New places and new people (but only at first!). He says he’s still just a baby and learning about the world.

Panda’s Fun Facts: He already walks very well on leash, isn’t scared or phased by loud noises. He loves other dogs.

Don’t miss out on this sweet, soulful companion dog that wants everyone to love him as much as he loves them!

Read Panda’s entire profile to learn more. To set up a virtual meet and greet, email [email protected].

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.


VDOT has started planned rehabilitation work on a bridge over I-66.

The state transportation department says the 21st Street N. bridge, built in 1980, is “deteriorating” and needs concrete repairs and other TLC. The bridge is located near the Mom’s Organic Market along Langston Blvd; it connects drivers going between Courthouse, the North Highlands neighborhood, and Rosslyn.

The $4.1 million project will prompt some temporary lane closures on I-66 during construction, as well as temporary closures of a sidewalk along the bridge.

More, below, from a VDOT press release.

Work is underway to rehabilitate the 21st Street North bridge over I-66 to improve driver, bicyclist and pedestrian safety and extend the overall life of the bridge, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. The bridge, located between the Spout Run Parkway (Exit 72) and eastbound I-66 Route 29 Rosslyn/Key Bridge (Exit 73) interchanges, was built in 1980.

The project includes:

  • Resurfacing the concrete bridge deck
  • Closing deck joints
  • Repairing concrete piers and abutments
  • Replacing bearings
  • The width of the existing lanes and sidewalks on the bridge will remain the same.

During construction:

  • Daytime lane closures may be scheduled along I-66 and 21st Street North
  • Overnight lane closures may be scheduled on I-66
  • When one sidewalk along the bridge is closed, pedestrians will be detoured to the sidewalk on the opposite side
  • The Custis Trail under the bridge will remain open to bicyclists and pedestrians
  • Parking will not be allowed on the bridge or approaches

Starting in mid-2024, 21st Street North will be temporarily reduced to one lane on the bridge and open to northbound traffic only. Further information will be provided closer to the start of the partial bridge closure, which will be in place for several months while work occurs on the bridge deck.

The $4.1 million 21st Street North over I-66 Bridge Rehabilitation Project is financed with federal and state funding, including State of Good Repair funds used for bridges. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2024.

Drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians are reminded to use caution when traveling in active work zones. Be alert to new traffic patterns and limit distractions.


Address: 6134 36th Street N.
Neighborhood: Minor Hill
Type: 5 BR, 4 (+1 half) BA single-family detached — 5,494 sq. ft.
Listed: $2,045,000

Noteworthy: Floor to ceiling windows; main level office/bedroom; walk-out basement

This 5,400+ sq. ft. 5 Br/4.5 Ba and 2-car garage quality-built craftsman stands apart from the rest! On a quiet North Arlington cul-de-sac, set back on a gorgeous flat front yard with mature landscaping, walk up just two steps to your idyllic front porch, spanning the entire front of the home.

Open kitchen with eat-in area features high-end white cabinetry, granite counters, stainless appliances, large pantry and recently refreshed island with ample seating. Family room is awash in light, with built-ins and gas fireplace with stone surround. Main level also offers a spacious office (or 6th bedroom) with French doors plus built-ins, a powder room and handy mudroom off the garage.

Upstairs, you’ll find 2 primary suites and 2 generous-sized bedrooms with a Jack & Jill bathroom featuring double vanity. Main primary suite offers an oasis of tranquility with gas fireplace plus private screened-in balcony for morning coffee and relaxation. En-suite has double vanity, loads of storage, spa shower and freestanding soaking tub. Walk-in closet is expansive. Second primary suite also offers a walk-in closet and private bath. Upstairs laundry for convenience.

The walk-out lower level is bright and open, with a vast rec. room and work-out area. A 5th bedroom with en-suite bathroom is ideal for an au-pair or guests. An unexpected bonus is the climatized wine cellar with space for seating! Plenty of storage in three separate areas of the lower level.

Blocks to popular Williamsburg Shopping Center shops and CVS. One mile to Discovery ES/Williamsburg MS/Yorktown HS. Walk to Minor Hill Park.

Take a virtual tour of 6134 36th Street N.!

Listed by:
Liz Lord
[email protected]
(571) 331-9213


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