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.

DEVELOPING: Propane tanker overturns, blocking southbound I-395

By ARLnow.com
1/5

Update at 3:40 p.m. — Lanes have reopened after the tanker was brought upright and towed away, according to VDOT.

Update at 3 p.m. — The southbound lanes of the highway are expected to remain closed until around 4 p.m., according to VDOT.

Earlier: Three people are being hospitalized and southbound I-395 is blocked after a truck crash.

A propane tanker and another vehicle crashed near Shirlington Circle around 1:15 p.m., leading the tanker to overturn prompting a large emergency and hazmat response. Firefighters are on scene, hosing down the truck to try to prevent a fire.

According to initial reports, three people are being transported to the hospital after the crash and crews are working to vent at least some of the pressure from the damaged tanker to reduce the risk an explosion.

The highway “will remain closed for an undetermined amount of time,” according to the Arlington County Fire Department. Southbound traffic is currently being re-routed into Shirlington.

UPDATE: Heat Advisory issued for Thursday, Excessive Heat Watch for Friday

By ARLnow.com
The sun during a heat advisory (file photo)

(Updated at 2:10 p.m.) Get ready for three days of sweltering weather.

Ahead of high temperatures in the upper 90s — perhaps rising into the triple digits — paired with high humidity, the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Thursday and a watch for Friday.

From NWS:

…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 8 PM EDT THURSDAY…

* WHAT…Heat index values around 105 degrees expected.

* WHERE…The Washington and Baltimore Metropolitan areas, central and northeast Maryland, southern Maryland, and portions of northern Virginia into the Virginia Piedmont.

* WHEN…From 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS…Heat and humidity will increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.

This afternoon, meanwhile, NWS issued an Excessive Heat Watch for Friday.

…EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING…

* WHAT…For the Heat Advisory, heat index values around 105 expected. For the Excessive Heat Watch, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 possible.

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

* WHEN…For the Heat Advisory, from 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday. For the Excessive Heat Watch, from Friday morning through Friday evening.

* IMPACTS…Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.

The weather service issued the following general advice for beating the heat.

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.

On top of the hot and sticky conditions, scattered storms are possible through the end of the week.

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Jul 25, 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 — Jul 25, 2023.

📅 Upcoming events

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

☀️ Wednesday’s forecast

The weather forecast predicts a mostly sunny day with a high temperature of around 90 degrees. A calm wind is expected to turn southward at 5 to 7 mph during the afternoon. Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low of around 75 degrees, accompanied by a south wind blowing at 6 to 9 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“God helps those who help themselves.”
– Benjamin Franklin

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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

ACPD tackling uptick in retail theft in Rosslyn

By ARLnow.com
A police traffic stop in Rosslyn in 2021 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The Arlington County Police Department is tackling an uptick in reports of crime in Rosslyn.

The department said today that it conducted “a high-visibility criminal patrol detail” last Thursday “to address recent reports of retail theft and other quality of life issues in the Rosslyn neighborhood.”

Police are often dispatched to Rosslyn for shoplifting calls, with the Target at 1500 Wilson Blvd a frequent target of thieves.

Last week’s enforcement action netted seven arrests, mostly on theft charges, police said.

More, below, from an ACPD press release.

As part of our key initiative of Crime Prevention and Control, the Arlington County Police Department is committed to ensuring public safety through crime prevention and reduction measures, active patrols and comprehensive follow-up investigations. In support of these efforts, the Department’s Community Action Team conducted a high-visibility criminal patrol detail on July 20, 2023, to address recent reports of retail theft and other quality of life issues in the Rosslyn neighborhood. As a result of the proactive investigative efforts of officers working the detail, seven arrests were made. The Department continues to work collaboratively with the community to identify public safety concerns and deploy police resources to identify and prevent criminal activity.

Summary of Incidents

WANTED SUBJECT, 2023-07200185, 1900 block of N. Moore Street. Police observed a wanted suspect walking in the area and gave him commands to stop. The suspect ran from the scene and following a foot pursuit, was taken into custody. [The suspect], 43, of Washington D.C. was served with the outstanding warrants for Burglary with Intent to Commit Larceny and Grand Larceny.

LARCENY, 2023-07200201, 1500 block of Wilson Boulevard. The suspect entered a business, allegedly concealed merchandise and exited without payment. During a search of the suspect and his property incident to arrest, suspected narcotics were recovered. [The suspect], 28, of No Fixed Address was arrested and charged with Petit Larceny and Possession of a Schedule I/II Controlled Substance.

LARCENY, 2023-07200215, 1500 block of Wilson Boulevard. The suspect entered a business, allegedly concealed merchandise and exited without payment. The suspect was detained and initially provided false identifying information to the officers. [The suspect], 39, of No Fixed Address was charged with Petit Larceny and Identity Theft.

LARCENY, 2023-07200220, 1500 block of Wilson Boulevard. The suspect entered a business, allegedly concealed merchandise and exited without payment. While officers were attempting to take the suspect into custody, he actively resisted arrest. [The suspect], 42, of Fairfax, VA was arrested and charged with Petit Larceny and Obstruction of Justice.

SHOPLIFTING, 2023-07200224, 1500 block of Wilson Boulevard. The suspect entered a business, allegedly concealed merchandise and exited without payment. A lookout was broadcast and the suspect was located and taken into custody near Wilson Boulevard and North Oak Street. [The suspect], 42, of Alexandria, VA was arrested and charged with Petit Larceny and released on a summons.

LARCENY, 2023-07200235, 1500 block of Wilson Boulevard. The suspect entered a business, allegedly concealed merchandise in a bag and exited without payment. The suspect was detained and initially provided false identifying information to the officers. [The suspect], 38, of No Fixed Address was arrested and charged with Petit Larceny and Identity Theft. It was also determined he was wanted out of other local jurisdictions.

NARCOTICS VIOLATION, 2023-07200247, 1700 block of N. Lynn Street. Officers observed the suspect allegedly in possession of a controlled substance in public. The suspect also displayed signs of being under the influence. [The suspect], 26, of No Fixed Address was arrested and charged with Drunk in Public and Possession of Schedule I/II Controlled Substance.

Taller gates coming to Pentagon City, Courthouse stations amid push to stop fare evasion

By ARLnow.com
Faregate modification coming to the Pentagon City and Courthouse stations (courtesy WMATA)

Taller faregates are coming to a pair of Arlington Metro stations to combat fare evasion.

The ongoing fare enforcement effort led Metro to design taller doors for its gates. Those are now being rolled out, with installation at the Fort Totten station expected to be completed overnight tonight, and the Pentagon City up next.

After that, another eight stations are in line to get new faregates by early fall, including the Courthouse station.

Metro officials argue that those committing crimes in the Metro system are often fare evaders, thus cracking down will help keep riders safe.

Faregate evolution (courtesy WMATA)

More, below, from a WMATA press release.

Metro has begun installing new higher, stronger faregates at Fort Totten Station as part of a systemwide rollout. The design improves upon the original prototype door following months of testing and modifications. The new doors are now 55-inches tall, twice as strong, and more resilient.

The installation at Fort Totten is expected to be completed overnight, followed by Pentagon City. The faregate modifications will be installed in phases with plans to retrofit faregates throughout the system over the next year. The first 10 stations are expected to be completed by early fall.

“Over the past several months, our team has been testing different prototypes to get to this final design. We have already seen a reduction in fare evasion and expect the higher gates will be more of a deterrent,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Randy Clarke. “The bottom line is fare evasion is not okay, and we will continue our efforts to ensure everyone is respecting the community’s system and each other.”

The new design includes an L-shape door panel that extends over the faregate to minimize gaps between the openings. The increase in barrier height from the original 28 to 48-inch prototype to 55 inches will also make it more difficult to jump over faregates. The new height is taller than a hockey net or nearly half the height of a standard basketball hoop.

The swing doors are made of a polycarbonate which is 200 times stronger than glass, lighter weight, and more durable. The final design also includes more robust hinges and a more powerful motor to strengthen the door. As stations are retrofitted with the new barriers, Metro is also raising the height of fencing and emergency gates.

Metro will install a single door panel for all regular faregates, and double door panels at the wider gates for accessibility and wheelchairs. Following Fort Totten and Pentagon City, the first phase of new faregates will be installed at Bethesda, Vienna*, Mt Vernon Sq, Addison Rd, Congress Heights, Wheaton, Federal Center SW, and Court House stations. Metro will notify customers prior to work beginning at stations through in-station signage and on Metro’s Faregate Retrofit Project page.

In addition to the faregate modifications, Metro’s stepped-up enforcement efforts have also helped to change behaviors and reduce fare evasion.

Last month, Metro also launched a new income-qualified reduced fare program, Metro Lift, to provide a 50 percent fare discount to customers who qualify for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits in the District, Maryland, and Virginia. To-date, more than 1600 customers have enrolled, taking nearly 17,000 combined trips.

For more information about Metro’s comprehensive efforts to modernize its fare system, visit wmata.com/faremodernization.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch, Flood Watch issued for Arlington and D.C.

By ARLnow.com
Storm clouds over Rosslyn (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated at 12:50 p.m.) Arlington, D.C. and other parts of the region are now under both a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Flood Watch

The D.C. area is on the southern end of the Severe Thunderstorm Watch area, which runs up the East Coast and includes Philadelphia, New York City, and much of Connecticut. That watch is in effect until 8 p.m.

Strong storms packing frequent lightning, damaging hail and wind gusts up to 70 mph are possible, according to the National Weather Service. Storms are expected later this afternoon and into the evening.

Following the storm watch, NWS issued a Flood Watch for the region as well.

…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, Calvert, Cecil, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast Montgomery, Charles, Prince Georges, Southeast Harford and Southern Baltimore. In northern Virginia, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria, Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park 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.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are possible this afternoon into this evening. Where multiple thunderstorms occur, rainfall totals on the order of one to three inches are possible in a short period of time.
– Please visit www.weather.gov/safety/flood for flood safety and preparedness information

More from NWS, via Twitter:

NEW: Another BMW has been carjacked in Arlington

By ARLnow.com
File photo

A string of BMW carjackings in the Crystal City area continued early this morning.

The alleged crime happened around 3 a.m., near the intersection of S. Eads Street and 23rd Street S.

A man was parking his car when four masked suspects armed with guns approached and demanded the keys, police said. The car — a 2014 BMW 320i with Michigan tags — was taken but the victim was not hurt.

Police are looking for both the stolen car and another vehicle used in the crime, according to today’s Arlington County Police Department crime report.

“The victim was parking his vehicle when the suspect vehicle approached, four male suspects exited, brandished firearms and demanded the keys to the victim’s vehicle,” said the crime report. “The suspect vehicle, a dark-colored sedan, then fled the scene followed by the suspects driving the victim’s stolen vehicle.”

“The investigation is ongoing,” the crime report adds.

The getaway — before police were called — was caught on camera by local public safety watcher Dave Statter.

This is at least the seventh BMW carjacking in the Crystal City and Pentagon City area so far this year, after another carjacking this past weekend near the same intersection as this morning’s incident. At least a dozen carjackings total have been reported in Arlington in 2023.

Separately, Arlington police assisted with tracking a vehicle carjacked in Alexandria this morning. According to initial reports, Arlington police helped to track the stolen Lexus, taken near Arlington’s Fairlington neighborhood, as it was driven past Crystal City and into D.C. on I-395 in heavy traffic.

Morning Poll: Missing Middle Twitter war (can you take it anymore?)

By ARLnow.com
A row of townhouses in Portland, Oregon (courtesy of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability)

Arlington didn’t start the ‘Missing Middle’ fire — localities across the country and around the world have been trying to figure out how to deal with rapidly rising housing costs.

While Arlington’s approval of new zoning regulations allowing small-scale multifamily housing in previously single-family-detached only neighborhoods was not the first time a major jurisdiction made such a move, the underlying debate is still raging in certain pockets of cyberspace.

ARLnow’s comment section aside, one place where the fire is still burning is on Twitter. (The social network was recently renamed “X” in a bid to incorporate additional features, arguably making it the National Landing of tech companies.)

On Twitter, a persistent anonymous account named Arlington Transparency has been posting side-by-side images of older homes set to be redeveloped as Missing Middle housing, next to speculation about how much those new units may cost given the price of existing, similar homes in the area.

In each case, the detached home set for demolition is less expensive than a newer townhouse or other multifamily home.

On the other side of the debate are local housing advocates like Jane Green, who point out that, yes, the resulting Missing Middle homes will likely be more expensive than the tear-down that’s being replaced, but they’re much less expensive than the “McMansions” that would otherwise be going up.

Plus, the more affordable homes being replaced would need “significant work” to be viable for buyers seeking to live there.

Unsurprisingly for Twitter, there’s a counter argument to the counter argument: that $900k+ townhouses benefit “elites” and not buyers in need of greater affordability.

Given the arguments above, who’s got the winning team, in your view? (With apologies to those who feel that this debate has been burning since the world’s been turning.)

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Looking north above Glebe Road in Ballston (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Man Accidentally Shoots Self — “4100 block of S. Four Mile Run Drive. At approximately 7:01 a.m. on July 24, police were dispatched to the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, it was determined that an armed security officer was in a backroom preparing for the day when he allegedly accidentally discharged his weapon, striking his hand. He was transported to an area hospital with injuries considered non-life threatening. No other injuries or property damage were reported.” [ACPD]

BurgerFi Coming to Rosslyn — “A franchisee for Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based fast-casual restaurant BurgerFi has inked a deal for a new location in Rosslyn. The hamburger chain, with a half-dozen locations in Greater Washington, has leased a roughly 2,500-square-foot space at 1735 N. Lynn St. formerly occupied by two other retailers, Brown Bag and The Perfect Pita. It’s slated to open in late September or early October.” [Washington Business Journal]

Dweck Ramping of Nat’l Landing Activity — “Dweck Properties Ltd. is gathering steam as a competitor to JBG Smith Properties (NYSE: JBGS) in the redevelopment of National Landing, with plans to consolidate and expand acquisitions and development activity in Northern Virginia. Dweck’s been around for decades, having become a major apartment owner and manager, with nearly half of its roughly 7,000 units now in National Landing.” [Washington Business Journal]

Swanky Rosslyn Condo for Sale — “They don’t call it Waterview for nothing. Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. Board Chairman Ralph Shrader and his wife, Janet, have listed their 29th-floor Rosslyn condo for $6.95 million. The Waterview unit offers 270-degree views of D.C. and Northern Virginia.” [Washington Business Journal]

Heat Wave on the Way — From Ready Arlington: “A #HeatWave is likely to affect the region starting Wednesday (July 26). #BeatTheHeat with the tips below.” [Twitter]

Camp Cancellations Possible — From Arlington’s Dept. of Parks and Recreation: “If you or your child are signed up for summer camp or classes, please keep an eye out for any weather related cancellations due to a heat index of 105 degrees or above. You will be alerted via email and/or phone call/ text the day of your program.” [Twitter]

It’s Tuesday — There is a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm today, with patchy fog before 9am. Expect mostly sunny conditions, with a high near 89°F and light southwest winds in the afternoon. Tuesday night brings a 30% chance of evening showers and thunderstorms, with a low around 67°F and calming east winds. [Weather.gov]

NEW: Man arrested for Crystal City sexual assault

By ARLnow.com
File photo

A suspect is in custody in connection to the sexual assault of a woman in Crystal City’s underground shopping center.

The crime happened shortly before 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Police said the victim “was walking in the Crystal City Shops when the male suspect approached, produced a box cutter, demanded money and stole her cell phone.”

“The suspect then took the victim to a secluded area where he sexually assaulted her and struck her with the box cutter,” Arlington County police said.

Following an investigation, a 23-year-old man was arrested last night, ACPD said.

From a police press release:

The Arlington County Police Department’s Special Victims Unit is announcing charges have been obtained in the investigation into a July 22 sexual assault in Crystal City. Khalil Gray, 23, of No Fixed Address has been arrested and charged with Forcible Sodomy, Abduction with Intent to Defile, Malicious Wounding and Robbery. He’s being held in the Prince George’s Department of Corrections pending extradition to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Following the incident, detectives launched a thorough investigation which included canvassing for information, reviewing crime scene evidence, interviewing witnesses and following up on investigative leads. This information led to identifying Mr. Gray as a possible suspect. With investigative assistance by the Metro Transit Police Department, he was taken into custody in Maryland on the evening of July 23, 2023.

A man of the same name and age was arrested in Alexandria in October, charged with pointing a gun at his landlord. The man was later found not guilty on gun and assault charges, but convicted of violating a protective order and sentenced to one day in jail. It could not immediately be confirmed whether that Khalil Gray is the same one who was arrested for the sexual assault.

Police investigating weekend carjacking in Crystal City

By ARLnow.com
File photo

After a several month break, yet another BMW has been carjacked in the Crystal City area.

The incident was reported at 23rd Street S. and S. Eads Street around 2:30 a.m. Sunday.

“The victim was inside his parked vehicle when the suspect vehicle approached, three suspects exited, brandished firearms and demanded the victim’s vehicle,” Arlington County police said today in a crime report. “The suspect vehicle, a dark-colored sedan, then fled the scene followed by the suspects driving the victim’s stolen vehicle. No injuries were reported.”

The stolen vehicle was described as a white 2017 BMW 420i with Mississippi tags.

This is at least the 11th carjacking in Arlington so far this year and the sixth involving a BMW taken in the Crystal City and Pentagon City area. The last such reported carjacking happened in April.

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