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.
Internet connections are down across all Arlington Public Schools.
Both the internet and email systems are experiencing an extended outage, APS announced Monday afternoon. The outage is not expected to be resolved before the end of the school day, APS said.
APS spokesman Frank Bellavia told ARLnow that the school system’s internet vendor is experiencing problems, and they believe that “some cables were cut somewhere.” He added that there’s no timetable for the problem to be fixed.
Anyone who needs to reach school staff is being to encouraged to call rather than email.
We are currently experiencing a system-wide internet and email outage. Our internet provider has identified the problem but does not believe that it will be restored before the end of the day. If you need to reach school-based staff, please call the school directly.
— Arlington Public Schools (@APSVirginia) May 7, 2018
Two people are wanted by Arlington County Police after a fracas at a Clarendon restaurant early Sunday morning.
Police say the incident started after 2 a.m. when a customer “became irate over the quality of service provided by the business,” then went behind a service counter and struck an employee in the head. A second suspect struck an employee who came to the aid of the first, according to police.
Officers on the Clarendon bar detail responded on foot to the scene after observing “a large crowd and loud noise inside a business.”
The police department generally does not release the name of the business in which a crime takes place, and a police spokeswoman would only describe the business as a restaurant located on the 3100 block of Clarendon Blvd. Restaurants on that block include Mister Days, Bronx Pizza, Bar Bao and Pamplona.
More from an ACPD crime report:
ASSAULT & BATTERY (Significant), 2018-05060044, 3100 block of Clarendon Boulevard. At approximately 2:21 a.m. on May 6, officers assigned to the Clarendon Detail observed a large crowd and loud noise inside a business. Upon investigation, it was determined that a customer became irate over the quality of service provided by the business and went behind the service counter. After being escorted back to the customer area, the suspect returned to the area behind the counter and struck one employee in the head. Additional employees came to the aid of the victim, resulting in a physical altercation and a second suspect then struck an aiding employee in the neck. Warrants for Assault and Battery and Disorderly Conduct were issued for the two suspects.
Water Disinfectant Switch — With the annual pipe spring cleaning complete, the Washington Aqueduct will be switching back to chloramine as its water disinfectant after today. [ARLnow]
Car-B-Que on the Pike — A car caught fire on Columbia Pike between S. Oakland and Quincy streets Friday night. The road was closed while firefighters extinguished the blaze. [Twitter, Twitter]
Auction Item Prompts Mini Controversy — Ethical concerns were raised over the weekend by an item donated by State Sen. Barbara Favola (D) to an auction at the annual Fairfax Democrats dinner. The winning bidder was promised an official introduction on the state Senate floor. Favola responded by saying she was “horrified” and that she “never approved this auction item.” [Twitter, Twitter, Blue Virginia]
Choun Profiled By VOA — Democratic Arlington County Board candidate Chanda Choun had his campaign highlighted by the Voice of America. [Voice Of America]
Nearby: Wonder Woman and J-D Highway — Two items of note in Alexandria: first, Wonder Woman 2 is set to film some scenes at the Landmark Mall. Also, Alexandria is replacing signs marking Jefferson Davis Highway (Route 1) with its new name in the city: Richmond Highway. [Washington Business Journal, WTOP]
Arlington Fire Chief James Bonzano is retiring in a few months, ARLnow.com has confirmed.
The county will formally announce Bonzano’s retirement this afternoon. A job posting, seeking his replacement, was recently published on the county careers website.
Bonzano will have served as chief for about three years when he retires, capping a 34-year career with the Arlington County Fire Department that included service as EMS branch director at the Pentagon following the Sept. 11 terror attacks. He was appointed acting chief following Chief James Schwartz’s ascension to deputy county manager in 2015 and was subsequently named the permanent fire chief in 2016.
In a statement, County Manager Mark Schwartz lauded Bonzano’s commitment to the Arlington community.
“Jimmy has dedicated his career and his life to Arlington County and the people who live and work here, and I thank him for all he has done in his more than three decades of service,” said Schwartz. “His commitment to strong and progressive leadership has ensured the safety of our community.”
Bonzano, who was born in Arlington, said that “it has been my privilege to serve the community I love for 34 years.”
“The time has come to slow down and spend time with my family,” he said in a statement. “I am honored to have led the dedicated men and women of the Arlington County Fire Department, and I am proud of what we have achieved together.”
“I offer my sincere thanks to Mark Schwartz, the executive leadership team, the men and women of the fire department, and the citizens of Arlington County for providing me the opportunity to be their Fire Chief,” he continued. “It has been a remarkable experience I will always cherish.”
The fire department has been facing staffing challenges amid retirements, though the new county budget seeks to address that via increases in first responder pay. A new recruit class of 28 firefighter/EMTs, just sworn in last week, will also help “make the department’s staffing numbers whole.”
An exact retirement date has not been confirmed, but a fire department spokesman said that Bonzano will retire at the end of the summer.
The county is currently in the process of looking for a new chief. The full text of the job posting for the position is below, after the jump.
L.A. Bar and Grill Reopening — After closing for renovations (and because it was late in renewing its state alcohol license) Columbia Pike watering hole L.A. Bar and Grill is planning to reopen this weekend, just in time for Cinco de Mayo. [Facebook, Facebook]
The D.C. Case for the Rosslyn Gondola — “The Gondola will provide anyone within the Metro catchment area a faster trip to Georgetown. With the Gondola, the total travel time to Georgetown drops to less than 30 minutes for a much larger part of the region, including areas of the District with the greatest need for employment opportunities, giving them a faster way to connect with jobs in Georgetown.” [D.C. Policy Center]
Petition Against iPads in Middle School Cafeterias — An online petition, signed by nearly 100 people, seeks to have Arlington Public Schools strengthen its rules regarding iPad use in middle schools. Specifically, the signers want iPads to be used in classrooms and not during lunchtime or recess. Such a policy, the petition creators wrote, would “ensure that APS electronic resources enhance, and do not detract from, the learning process of middle school students.” [Change.org]
More ART Arrival Info Issues — Onceagain, Arlington Transit is having problems with its real-time bus arrival system. Officials told ARLnow.com that a technical issue with the contractor that provides the system was to blame. [Twitter]
Native Plant Sale This Weekend — The Long Branch Nature Center will host a sale of “plants that are accustomed to local climate and wildlife” on Saturday afternoon. [Arlington County]
Scott McGeary Lauded — “Decades ago, Scott McGeary’s parents would take him to occasional celebratory dinners at the Key Bridge Marriott, where they would enjoy both the food and the vistas of the nation’s capital… On May 2, McGeary was again at the hotel, this time in the 14th-floor ballroom as he was inducted into the Arlington Business Hall of Fame.” [InsideNova]
Four Mile Run Dye Testing — Arlington County is conducting dye testing along S. Four Mile Run Drive today. Traces of green and red dye may be seen in Four Mile Run as a result. [Twitter]
Virginia Square condo fire (photo courtesy Todd B.)
Virginia Square condo fire (photo courtesy Elise B.)
Virginia Square condo fire (photo courtesy Todd B.)
One person was sent to the hospital after a fire in a Virginia Square condominium Friday morning.
The fire was reported around 6:30 a.m. at the high-rise Hawthorn condo building, which is located at 820 N. Pollard Street, across Wilson Blvd from Gold’s Gym.
The fire was contained by a sprinkler system, allowing firefighters to quickly extinguish the flames. Large ladder trucks were used to help with the firefighting effort.
One condo resident was taken to a hospital emergency room for observation, according to the Arlington County Fire Department. The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the blaze.
The eastbound lanes of Wilson Blvd are closed approaching central Rosslyn due to a tractor trailer accident this morning.
Earlier this morning a large truck drove onto the sidewalk in front of the Commonwealth Tower office building at 1300 Wilson Blvd. Photos show the truck in the process of being removed by heavy duty towing crews.
No injuries were reported, though authorities warned of “significant traffic delays” during the morning rush hour due to the closure. Most of the delays, according to a traffic map, are on Clarendon Blvd and side streets west of the crash scene, at the intersection of Wilson Blvd and Ft. Myer Drive.
The circumstances that led to the truck driving onto the sidewalk are unclear.
Earlier this morning units responded along with @ArlingtonVaPD for a tractor trailer accident near Ft. Myer Dr and Wilson Blvd. No injuries reported. Road closures are in place. Expect significant traffic delays in the Rosslyn area. pic.twitter.com/qev3mHZYuQ
— Arlington Fire & EMS (@ArlingtonVaFD) May 4, 2018
TRAFFIC ALERT⚠️ EB Wilson Boulevard is shut down at Fort Myer Drive due to an accident. Expect delays and seek alternate routes this morning.
Map of police-involved shooting location (via Google Maps)
Police involved shooting scene (image capture via NBC 4)
Jessica Lary (photo courtesy ACPD)
Police involved shooting scene (image capture via NBC 4)
Police involved shooting scene (image capture via NBC 4)
Update at 2:05 p.m. — The police department just issued a press release about the shooting.
At approximately 8:11 p.m. on May 3, 2018, Arlington County Police officers conducting surveillance in the area of 12th Street S. and S. Edgewood Street attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by a male driver and a female passenger with outstanding warrants for probation violation. When officers approached the vehicle on foot, the male suspect ignored their verbal commands and struck police vehicles in an attempt to flee the scene. At that time, shots were fired by two officers, injuring the male driver.
Following the shooting, the suspects fled the scene by vehicle. While fleeing, the suspect vehicle struck and damaged a parked vehicle in the 2800 block of 12th Street S. Arriving officers established a perimeter and located the unoccupied suspect vehicle in the area of 13th Street S. at S. Irving Street. During a canvas, officers located the male suspect hiding underneath a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers performed life saving measures before Arlington County Fire Department medics arrived on scene and transported the male suspect to Inova Fairfax Hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. Steven Best, 51, of No Fixed Address was arrested and charged with three counts of Attempted Malicious Wounding of Law Enforcement Officer.
Officers observed the female suspect hiding behind a bush in the 3200 block of 13th Street S. Officers provided lawful commands to the suspect and when she refused to comply, a K9 was deployed. The female suspect was then taken into police custody. She was transported to Virginia Hospital Center with minor injuries. Jessica Lary, 40, of Annandale, VA was held in the Arlington County Detention Facility on no bond for the outstanding warrants.
Three Arlington County Police officers were transported to Virginia Hospital Center for evaluation.
This is an ongoing and active investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective J. Trainer of the Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit at 703-228-4185 or [email protected]. Information may also be provided anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
Earlier: Arlington County Police are on scene of an officer-involved shooting a block from Columbia Pike.
The shooting was first reported around 8:30 p.m.
Police say the incident started at the intersection of 11th Street S. and S. Edgewood Street, near the Rite Aid pharmacy, when officers tried to pull over a vehicle with a man and a wanted female suspect inside.
The suspect vehicle did not stop and subsequently struck a police car, said ACPD spokeswoman Ashley Savage. That is when the shooting happened.
“During the incident officers discharged weapons,” Savage said.
The man was shot and transported to the hospital in critical condition, according to Savage, while the female suspect was apprehended and also taken to a local hospital for an as-yet undisclosed “minor” injury.
Initial scanner reports suggest that at least one person had been shot multiple times in the stomach, while another person suffered a dog bite. Medics were initially dispatched to the intersection of 13th and S. Irving street.
At least two police officers were also taken to a local hospital for evaluation, though their injuries were not reported to be serious.
Television news footage showed a white cargo van, identified as a the suspect vehicle, being towed from the scene.
Savage described the current scene as an “active and fluid investigation” and said that investigators will be in the area “for a significant period of time.” Edgewood Street near the Rite Aid is currently closed.
It is unclear at this point how many shots were fired, where exactly the shots were fired nor what the female suspect was wanted for.
POLICE ACTIVITY: ACPD is investigating an officer-involved shooting at 11th Street S. at S. Edgewood Street. Two suspects have been transported to area hospitals. There are no outstanding suspects. ACPD remains on scene investigating.
A man threatened employees in a Pentagon City store on Wednesday before taking off with cash.
Police were called to the store in the 1500 block of S. Fern Street just before 8:30 p.m. for a report of a disorderly person inside. Upon arriving, they learned that the suspect became angry after a verbal dispute, then threatened employees with a bottle and demanded money.
The suspect reportedly stole cash from the register and other items before taking off. Police were unable to find him.
More from this week’s Arlington County Police Department crime report:
ROBBERY, 2018-05010255, 1500 block of S. Fern Street. At approximately 8:23 p.m. on May 1, police were dispatched to the report of a disorderly subject inside a business. Upon arrival, it was determined that following a verbal dispute, the suspect became irate, threatened the employees with a bottle and demanded money. The suspect then went behind the counter and stole cash from the cash register and other items of value. The suspect fled prior to police arrival. A lookout was broadcast and arriving officers canvased the area with negative results. The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 25 years old, approximately 5’4″ and 145 lbs, with a thin build and short black dread locks, wearing a black, red and white baseball hat, a white hooded sweatshirt with dark writing on it, and acid washed light blue jeans.
More highlights from this week’s crime report, including some that we’ve already reported, after the jump.
Region Sets Heat Record — The National Weather Service reports that Arlington and surrounding areas set a heat record yesterday. The temperature at Reagan National Airport reached 91 degrees, which tops the previous record of 89, set in 1930. [Twitter]
Co-Working Space Opening Soon — TechSpace, a new co-working space, will hold a grand opening event and happy hour in Ballston on May 15. The 20,000 square foot office will open in the Two Liberty Center building (4075 Wilson Blvd) across the street from the under-construction Ballston Quarter Mall. [PR Newswire]
Playground Design Meeting — County staff will present the two concepts for the new playground at Rosslyn Highlands Park and take feedback from the public at a meeting tonight. It takes place in the library at Key Elementary School at 7 p.m. [Arlington County]
Theodore Roosevelt Island Survey — The National Park Service is seeking feedback via a survey for improvements to Theodore Roosevelt Island, including possible bridge and comfort station upgrades and the addition of a boat dock. Today is the last day to submit comments. [National Park Service]
Reduced Parking in Fairlington — As the Fairlington Park Project enters its final stages, 19 parking spaces will be occupied for construction equipment staging. Visitors should plan ahead for the parking challenges.
New Marymount President — Dr. Irma Becerra has been chosen as the new Marymount University president and will take over the position on July 1. She comes to the school from St. Thomas University. [Marymount University, InsideNova]
Arlington County is searching for families willing to foster or adopt children, and anyone interested in learning about taking in a child can attend an information session tomorrow.
Foster care is a temporary arrangement for children who cannot live in their homes because of neglect, abuse or serious family trouble. These children might stay with a foster family for just a few days, or for years. Adults who are approved to foster can explore the possibility of adopting children as well.
Although the county needs families to accept all types of foster children, it has a particular need for people who will care for those of Hispanic, African American and other cultural backgrounds. There’s also high demand for families to take in teenagers, children with special needs and siblings.
Foster parents must be over 21, be employed either inside or outside the home and live in a house or apartment in or near Arlington County.
Adults interested in becoming a foster parent — or even just learning about what it entails — can attend an information session tomorrow (Thursday) night from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Contact Erica Serrano for information about the session location, at [email protected] or 703-228-1559.
Arlington County is searching for families willing to foster or adopt children, and anyone interested in learning about taking in a child can attend an information session tomorrow.