News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
An Arlington Public Schools bus (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Flyover Planned This Morning — “The Naval Air Force Atlantic will conduct a military aircraft flyover in the NCR over the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at approximately 11:10 AM.”

BB Gun Confiscated at W-L — “1300 block of N. Stafford Street. At approximately 10:26 a.m. on September 5, police were dispatched to Washington-Liberty High School to the report of found property.  Upon arrival, it was determined school administration located a BB gun in a student’s possession on school property. Responding officers took custody of the BB gun and petitions for the juvenile were sought for Possession of a Weapon on School Property.” [Arlington County]

Columnist on Jail Death — “Much remains unknown about Woldegeorges. Her relatives have not yet spoken publicly about her, and her cause of death has not yet been announced. But even without a clear picture of her life, this much is known: She shouldn’t have died in jail. Woldegeorges’s death shows what happens when places choose to criminalize homelessness and mental illness rather than invest in ways to assist people who are experiencing a crisis.” [Washington Post]

Wrong-Way Driver on I-395 — From Dave Statter: ” Where’s a cop when you need one? Tonight, just after 9 pm, a @VSPPIO
trooper was right there for one driver’s U-turn & wrong way jaunt on I-395N near the Pentagon.” [Twitter]

General Assembly Passes Budget — “The Virginia General Assembly passed a budget compromise Wednesday that both Republican and Democratic lawmakers praised — though Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) got only a few of the recurring tax cuts he had been seeking.” [Washington Post, Virginia Mercury]

Temp Records at DCA and IAD — From the National Weather Service: “Just after 5PM the temperature at IAD reached 100F! First time ever in the month of September it has reached triple digits at Dulles Airport (records since 1960)!” [Twitter]

Storm Threat Today — From the Washington Weather Geeks: “Hot weather continues tomorrow but shower and storm chances return. Some could be strong to severe and we have been placed under a 2 out of 5 risk for severe storms. The main threat is damaging winds but large hail and some flooding cannot be ruled out.” [Twitter]

It’s Thursday — There is a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm, with otherwise mostly sunny conditions and a high of 96°F. Light south wind will increase to 5-10 mph in the morning. Thursday night, a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, turning mostly cloudy, with a low of 71°F. [Weather.gov]

NOW: Manhunt for escaped D.C. murder suspect underway just across from Arlington

By ARLnow.com
Arlington County police car (staff photo)

A manhunt is underway in D.C. for an escaped murder suspect, and Arlington police are on alert should he try to cross into the county.

D.C. and federal officers are currently searching the Georgetown area, following the 30-year-old suspect’s escape from GW Hospital this afternoon. Police have also been searching the Foggy Bottom area.

Both areas are just across from Arlington, via the Roosevelt Bridge and Key Bridge respectively.

As of 5:30 p.m. traffic on the Key Bridge was partially blocked by the police activity associated with the manhunt. The U.S. Park Police helicopter is also circling overhead.

Shortly after the escape, Arlington County police broadcast a “be on the lookout” notice for the suspect. While officers remain on alert, a police spokeswoman tells ARLnow that they do not have reason to believe the suspect is currently in Arlington.

“The Arlington County Police Department is aware of the wanted escapee out of Washington D.C.,” said ACPD’s Ashley Savage. “At this time, we do not have credible information that the suspect is currently located in Arlington County. If a member of the public observes the individual, they should call 9-1-1.”

Candidates for state Senate, Arlington County Board square off on social issues, transparency

By Jo DeVoe
1/3

After a summer lull, politicking in Arlington is back in full swing.

For candidates, the first big stop on the campaign trail was an in-person and virtual forum hosted by the Arlington County Civic Federation, or CivFed, last night (Tuesday).

Democrat and Republican candidates for the state legislature outlined their top social and economic goals, while the four Arlington County Board candidates, meanwhile, were quizzed on more local topics, including government transparency — a key issue for CivFed that roiled the organization earlier this year.

State senate challengers emerge

Two Republicans are challenging Arlington’s two long-time incumbent Democrat state senators: Sophia Moshasha, vying for the 39th District seat against Adam Ebbin, and David Henshaw, going up against Barbara Favola for the 40th District seat.

Last night, the four candidates staked out their party-line positions on center-stage social issues, including abortion, gun violence, public education and crime.

Favola and Ebbin say they are both focused on codifying abortion rights and banning “assault-style” weapons.

Ebbin said his other top priorities “are a state government that fights for Virginians and an economy that works for Virginia, but we need to keep improving our K-12 public education system.”

Both incumbents pointed to their years of experience legislating under Republican and Democrat governors as reasons voters should re-elect them.

“I have always been very pragmatic,” Favola said. “I think I’m one of the more successful lawmakers in terms of gaining bipartisan support for my bills, and actually having my bill signed.”

Both Republicans styled themselves as “political outsiders.” Echoing similar language from GOP Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin during his race and tenure, the candidates called on the state to safeguard the rights of parents to “have a say” in their child’s education. They both also called for increased funding for law enforcement to address crime.

“I am concerned — and a little bit upset — with the direction that our country and our state are going, particularly with regard to education, the high cost of living and crime,” Henshaw said. “Arlington deserves a choice in the election coming up.”

Criticizing Favola’s support of abortion rights, Henshaw said he supports a 15-week abortion ban, with exceptions for the health of the mother as well as rape and incest, as well as lower state taxes.

Moshasha, meanwhile, has made technology and science a marquee issue. Going up against Ebbin, who chairs two senate committees focused on technology, she says she will push for more STEM programs at all educational levels and more policies to attract emerging industries to Virginia.

“I am not a career politician. I focus on the things that we need to move our economy and our community forward,” she said. “I think it’s time to get a fresh voice, a fresh perspective and an innovative mindset with the energy that will get things done on behalf of the greater community.”

Arlington County Board candidates on transparency

The County Board forum began with topics such as police staffing and the office vacancy rate, but heated up during a later question about transparency.

(more…)

Jazz festival and 9/11 Memorial 5K to cause street closures on Saturday

By James Jarvis
1/2

Several roads in Pentagon City and Rosslyn will be temporarily closed this Saturday for the Arlington 9/11 Memorial 5K and 2023 Rosslyn Jazz Fest.

While jazz enthusiasts sway to soulful tunes, just a few miles away, emergency responders will be lacing up their running shoes for the Arlington Police, Fire, Sheriff, & ECC 9/11 Memorial 5K race in Pentagon City.

From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., two roads will be closed for the music festival:

  • Langston Blvd, eastbound from Fort Myer Drive to N. Moore Street
  • Fort Myer Drive access road, from 19th Street N. to N. Moore Street

The festival will take place from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and feature several jazz acts, including Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, Pedrito Martinez Group, Oh He Dead and DuPont Brass, as well as food trucks and games.

Road closures around the Pentagon City and Crystal City will begin at 5 p.m. to prepare for the Arlington 9/11 Memorial 5K, which has raised money for 9/11-related charities since its inception in 2002.

The race, which kicks off at 6 p.m. and ends at 7:30 p.m., will start and end at the DoubleTree Hotel in Pentagon City. All road closures in the area will be lifted by 8:30 p.m.

Street closure maps for the 2023 Rosslyn Jazz Fest and Arlington 9/11 Memorial 5K (via ACPD)

More on road closures about the 5K from a police press release:

The Arlington County Police Department will close the following roadways around the Pentagon and in Crystal City to accommodate the event:

From approximately 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

  • Army Navy Drive, from S. Eads Street to 12th Street S.

From approximately 5:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

  • S. Eads Street, from Army Navy Drive to 12th Street S.
  • S. Fern Street, from Army Navy Drive to 12th Street S.
  • S. Hayes Street, from Army Navy Drive to 12th Street S.
  • Army Navy Drive, from S. Joyce Street to S. Eads Street
  • S. Joyce Street, from Army Navy Drive to Columbia Pike
  • Columbia Pike, from S. Oak Street to Washington Boulevard
  • S. Washington Boulevard, from Arlington Boulevard to Columbia Pike
  • S. Washington Boulevard, from SB George Washington Parkway
  • Route 110 S., from I-66 and Wilson Boulevard to Army Navy Drive
  • Marshall Drive, from Iwo Jima Access Road to Route 110 S.
  • Southgate Road, from S. Nash Street to Columbia Pike
  • The ramp to Army Navy Drive from NB I-395 Exit 8A, Arlington Ridge Road, and N. Washington Boulevard
  • The ramp from NB I-395 Exit 8C to Pentagon City / Crystal City

ACPD said motorists should expect traffic and “extended travel times” in the surrounding areas. The department advises seeking “alternative routes to reduce road congestion,” including taking Metro.

The Rosslyn Metro Station is located within walking distance of the jazz festival while both the Pentagon City and Crystal City Metro stations are in walking distance of the race. Paid parking is available at the Pentagon City Mall garage.

Police say additional street parking near both events will be restricted and motorists should be on the lookout for temporary “No Parking” signs.

Air & Space Forces Association moving to Pentagon City for more modern digs

By Jo DeVoe
1/3

The Air & Space Forces Association will be moving out an office building north of Rosslyn to something closer to the Pentagon.

The association, which supports members the Air and Space Forces, was looking for a more modern space for its national headquarters after spending about 40 years in an office building from the 1980s. It sold its digs on Langston Blvd earlier this year before agreeing to move into the Westpost development, formerly Pentagon Row, in Pentagon City.

Federal Realty Investment Trust, which owns Westpost, announced the deal yesterday (Tuesday). The association, also known as the AFA, will be taking over some 31,000 square feet of space previously occupied by thermal imaging camera company FLIR Systems in 2024.

“The Air & Space Forces Association is excited to relocate our headquarters closer to our Pentagon customers and to continue our strong partnership with stakeholders in the Arlington County area,” said now-retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Bruce A. Wright, the association’s president and CEO. “We look forward to creating a more modern and flexible facility that will enhance AFA’s operational capability and open new doors to growth in the future.”

This summer, the Washington Business Journal reported that the AFA sold the building on June 1 for $16.25 million — after buying the land on which the office building stands in 1982 for just under $1 million.

It noted that Arlington County’s online property database said, and still says, the sale price was $19.1 million. At the time of the sale, the building was 79% leased and had 10 tenants outside the AFA.

The property was sold to an affiliate of Arlington-based Taicoon Property Partners, a recently-formed “privately owned investor and developer.”

Posts on LinkedIn by those involved in the transaction foreshadowed forthcoming development plans for the site.

In its announcement, Federal Realty Investment Trust said the AFA’s new offices are a “convenient” distance from the Pentagon and Reagan National Airport, as well as the Virginia Railway Express station and Metro. It noted, as many such press releases do, that Amazon’s second headquarters complex is nearby.

“We are delighted to welcome the Air & Space Forces Association to Westpost at National Landing,” FRIT Senior Vice President Deirdre Johnson said in a statement.

“Westpost continues to evolve alongside Amazon’s HQ2 as an exciting office destination for Arlington County, and the greater Washington, D.C.-metro region,” Johnson continued. “We are eager to see the Association thrive in its new location and utilize the highly amenitized environment of retail, restaurants and services that Westpost has to offer.”

Per a leasing map, Westpost now has just five ground-floor retail spaces available.

Photos (2-3) via Google Maps

Arlington has spent $150,000 on fencing at local parks to help quiet the pickleball pop

By Matt Blitz
Pickleball at the Walter Reed Community Center (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Arlington County has spent more than $150,000 on acoustic fencing to help manage the noise coming from pickleball courts.

In recent weeks and months, acoustic fencing has gone up around multi-use courts at five different parks around the county. That includes Glebe Road Park, Marcey Road Park, Hayes Park, Virginia Highlands Park, and Walter Reed Community Center, which were installed just last week — and two years ahead of schedule.

Fort Scott Park will also have fences installed “in the coming weeks,” Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) spokesperson Jerusalem Solomon told ARLnow via email.

Solomon noted that Glebe Road Park’s fencing went up in mid-April, and “neighbors and players have shared that it has been working well to dampen noise from pickleball play.”

In all, $153,913.25 has been spent on the fencing so far. The Walter Reed Community Center installation alone cost $41,235.70, Solomon said.

“In determining a way to balance the demand for pickleball while also being sensitive to the surrounding community, the County decided to make this investment as a way to help alleviate some of the impacts that noise from pickleball play has on neighbors,” Solomon wrote. “This is why fencing that faces homes that are less than 300 feet away were prioritized in the planning for installation.”

Along with putting up fencing, DPR crews are also restriping tennis courts for pickleball at four of those parks — Fort Scott Park, Marcey Road Park, Hayes Park and Virginia Highlands Park — in accordance with the Arlington Outdoor Courts Assessment Project. That study determined those parks were the best places to re-strip tennis courts for pickleball. It was a recommendation that was first made back in April.

At least one civic association disagreed with how the process played out, though. Earlier this summer, the Donaldson Run Civic Association sent a letter to DPR arguing that there wasn’t “any real opportunity for input from our neighborhood” before restriping courts at Marcey Road Park.

This came on the heels of the Old Glebe Civic Association also suggesting some sort of legal action against the county for much the same reason. Additionally, a group of neighbors near Walter Reed Community Center contemplated a lawsuit because of the plan to bring more courts to the facility.

Arlington’s pickleball problem has received recent national attention, from a New York Times story to a discussion on NPR’s nationally syndicated show 1A to fodder for jokes on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. However, it appears some of the emotions have since cooled.

Old Glebe Civic Association president Howard Solodky told ARLnow in an email that the recently installed fencing and the closing of a few courts have helped quiet the noise.

“The combination of closure of the standalone pickleball court that was closest to the homes on N. Tazewell, the placement of sound insulating material around two sides of the tennis/pickleball courts and reduced hours at Glebe Park has proven satisfactory to the affected homeowners, while not perfect,” Solodky wrote.

At Marcey Road Park, fencing has also recently gone up. Donaldson Run Civic Association president Bill Richardson told ARLnow that while it’s too early to tell how much impact the fencing will have on mitigating the noise, he does appreciate the county considering their concerns. He hopes the thousands of dollars the county has spent on acoustic fencing is worth it.

“There is a debate about whether [the fencing] is or isn’t effective. The county says they have studies that have shown that acoustic fencing is effective,” Richardson said. “I don’t know who’s right on that, but that’s one of the things that we will be watching.”

Some neighbors fought a duplex, and won, as county approves more Missing Middle homes

By Jo DeVoe
1313 N. Harrison Street (via Google Maps)

Last month, some neighbors told a developer they would “oppose any attempt to obtain permits” for a duplex in the Tara-Leeway Heights neighborhood, and the developer backed down.

McLean-based BeaconCrest Homes bought a single-family home at 1313 N. Harrison Street, an area residents have dubbed “Larchmont.” When it announced to neighbors its plans to build a duplex, a skirmish over the lot’s future — based on a provision in a deed from 1938 — ensued.

The tiff began in early August and ended with BeaconCrest agreeing to build a single-family home almost two weeks ago, according to correspondence between residents and the developer. The letters were published in an email newsletter authored by former Arlington County Board candidate Natalie Roy, tracking Missing Middle or “Expanded Housing Options” developments.

Two months ago, Arlington County began accepting applications for plans to build 2-6 unit homes where previously only single-family homes were allowed. Staff have approved five projects and 18 are under review, while the Larchmont neighbors fought BeaconCrest and some Alcova Heights residents are asking the county to reject some zoning changes associated with two EHO proposals.

On July 31, BeaconCrest bought 1313 N. Harrison Street for $950,000, according to Arlington County property records. In a letter dated Aug. 3, the developer told neighbors its plans despite an 85-year-old deed attached to the home saying “not more than one house shall be constructed upon the lot.”

Based on its analysis, the developer said it doubted this would be enforceable. Touting their previous experience going up against developers, neighbors disagreed, saying the law and Arlington County zoning code are on their side.

“As you may be aware, the Larchmont neighborhood has a history of successfully halting developers’ attempts to ignore similar existing deeds and covenants… e.g., 1320 Greenbrier and 1500 Harrison, among others,” the letter said.

They pointed to a provision in the county zoning code saying the more restrictive agreement, whether county code or existing agreements, controls what happens on a property.

How Arlington County zoning code handles conflicting provisions (via Arlington County)

Neighbors also accused the project of compounding unsafe traffic conditions on N. Harrison Street. They say drivers will slalom around parked vehicles on the narrow road to get between Washington and Langston Blvd.

“Your proposed development will only exacerbate this, endangering residents, including the many children who live on the block,” they said. “Adding multi-unit housing, which requires mandated space for on-street parking, will result in further traffic and safety issues.”

Street parking has been discontinued on some parts of N. Harrison Street for safety reasons, the letter says, noting other residents have asked the county for more parking restrictions to mitigate these traffic issues.

In her “EHO Watch” newsletter, Roy, who launched her campaign earlier this year opposing Missing Middle, called this a “win.”

“The takeaway from this win is that neighborhood covenants — where they exist and are germane — can be effective in promoting Arlington County’s stated Comprehensive Goals of having a diversity of densities while preserving existing neighborhoods,” she wrote.

“The other key point is it takes considerable volunteer time, energy, and organizing prowess by neighbors, to not only be vigilant but to act fast,” she continued.

Missing Middle advocates, including the leaders of pro-housing group YIMBYs of Northern Virginia, are celebrating their own wins, however. Jane Green recently lauded newly approved plans to turn a dilapidated carriage house within walking distance of the Ballston Metro station into a 6-plex.

An old real estate listing for the property she found had touted that the new owner could build a 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom custom-built home and convert the existing carriage house into a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom accessory dwelling unit.

https://twitter.com/janefgreen/status/1696328288841441741

(more…)

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Sunset outside Alice West Fleet Elementary School (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Synthetic Field Replacement Plan — “Arlington School Board members later this month are expected to ratify final procedural steps that will permit replacement of artificial turf at the Washington-Liberty High School football stadium and at a field at Williamsburg Middle School. School Board approval is required to allow easements so the county government’s Department of Parks and Recreation can oversee the work.” [Gazette Leader]

NHL Rookies in Arlington — “The whole day was special for Bedard, who took part along with 33 other players in the NHLPA Rookie Showcase at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. The players autographed memorabilia, took part in photo and video shoots on and off the ice for EA Sports, and posed for their first official Upper Deck trading cards.” [NHL,]

September Is Preparedness Month — “September marks National Preparedness Month, an annual opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. The Ready Campaign’s 2023 National Preparedness Month theme is Take Control in 1, 2, 3. The campaign focuses on preparing older adults for disasters, specifically those from communities disproportionally impacted by emergencies.” [Arlington County]

New Economic Development Official — “Arlington Economic Development has named Katharine (Kate) Ange as the new Deputy Director for the department, effective September 5… Kate brings a wealth of leadership and business development experience to AED.” [Arlington Economic Development]

Local Dems Support Starbucks Union — “Thanks to @AdeleMcClure_ and @Matt4Arlington and @swbaker12 for coming to a Sip-in at Arlington Courthouse to support @SBWorkersUnited.” [Twitter]

More Bad Driving on I-395 — From Dave Statter: “@CursedMerc witnessed this Friday afternoon at I-395S Exit 8C (to Crystal City) & wondered if we could share the brilliance of this driver with others. Of course we can. We can also dedicate a song to this driver if anyone has suggestions.” [Twitter]

Yorktown Improves to 2-0 — “In a similar manner to their opening-game victory, the Yorktown Patriots repeated some of those performances Aug. 31 in week-two action to improve to 2-0 with a non-district home win in high-school football action. In a 37-7 win over Jackson-Reed from D.C., the Patriots rushed for 274 yards.” [Gazette Leader]

W-L Tallies Another Win — “For the second straight contest, Washington-Liberty scored early and often behind a strong passing attack to defeat the Annandale Atoms, 49-20, in high-school football action. Washington-Liberty quarterback Jon Bhojwani was 21 of 27 passing for 325 yards and four touchdowns with no interception.” [Gazette Leader]

Carjacking Arrest in F.C. — “On August 28, 2023 in a parking garage in the 500 block of S. Washington Street, an adult was exiting their vehicle and confronted by a suspect. The suspect was holding a backpack while clutching a crowbar and told the victim that he wanted his vehicle. The victim pushed the subject away and the suspect fled the parking garage… The suspect was located in the Arlington County Adult Detention Center waiting to be transported to Fairfax County Adult Detention Center on unrelated charges.” [City of Falls Church]

It’s Wednesday — A sunny and hot day, with temperatures near 100°F. Tonight, expect partly cloudy skies with lows around 75°F. [Weather.gov]

NEW: Woman cited after car towed with kids inside

By ARLnow.com
1/8

A Maryland woman was cited by police after her car was towed, unknowingly with two young children inside.

Arlington County police were called shortly after 11 a.m. today (Tuesday) by a distraught woman reporting that her car was stolen from outside the Macy’s in Pentagon City. A one-year-old and a three-year-old were inside the vehicle, the woman reported.

“At approximately 11:10 a.m. on September 5, police were dispatched to the 1100 block of S. Hayes Street for the report of a stolen vehicle with two children inside,” police spokeswoman Ashley Savage tells ARLnow. “While officers were responding to the call, it was determined the vehicle had been reported as towed for being parked in a no parking zone.”

The car had been towed by Advanced Towing and was back at their lot in Ballston, a dispatcher told officers, who then responded to the lot.

“The preliminary investigation indicates the tow operator was unaware the children were inside and upon notification, pulled over to check on them,” Savage said. “Responding officers then made contact with the children and determined they were in good health.”

The 26-year-old driver of the car that was towed “was charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and released on a summons,” Savage added. “The investigation into the incident is ongoing.”

ARLnow was on scene as the woman arrived in a police cruiser and was reunited with the children within the tow lot.

An Advanced Towing spokeswoman confirmed to ARLnow that the vehicle was towed while the engine was still running, so the air conditioning was still on in the car as temperatures reached into the 90s. Her towing fee was waived, the spokeswoman said.

John O’Neill, owner of the towing company, told ARLnow that the driver looked into the car but did not see the children. They were in their car seats in the backseat of the Hyundai crossover-style vehicle, ARLnow observed through the tow company’s fence, after a police officer had opened a rear door.

“I looked at the driver’s pictures before towing you cannot see those kids in the car at all,” O’Neill said. He claimed the vehicle was left unattended for 16 minutes in a tow-away zone outside the Pentagon City mall.

“We see this all the time,” O’Neill said. “She didn’t want to be inconvenienced to take the kids out to go into the mall and left them unattended in the fire lane.”

The normal procedure when a driver sees children in an unattended vehicle, he said, is to “call the police and we wait.”

Advanced has been the target of much ire — from members of the public and public officials alike — over its prolific trespass towing, which many claim is done in a reckless or “predatory” manner.

In 2021, a lawsuit by Virginia’s then-Attorney General resulted in a fine levied by an Arlington judge — though the suit was largely unsuccessful and O’Neill claimed vindication. Last month, Arlington County began enforcing zoning rules related to Advanced’s tow lot, following a campaign by a local Twitter user.

In 2020, O’Neill was injured by an Uber driver who struck him while trying to drive off the lot without paying. The driver later pleaded guilty to reckless driving.

Stick shift foils attempted carjacking in Ballston

By ARLnow.com
Police car at night (file photo courtesy Kevin Wolf)

A carjacking attempt in the Ballston area Monday morning was foiled by the vehicle’s stick shift, police say.

The incident happened around 5:45 a.m. on Labor Day at the Harris Teeter parking lot on the 600 block of N. Glebe Road.

Three men carjacked a victim who was driving a Kia Soul, but did not get far as they apparently did not know how to operate the vehicle’s manual transmission, according to police and scanner traffic.

The Fairfax County police helicopter was called in to help search for the suspects but they were not found and remain at large.

More, below, from today’s Arlington County police crime report.

ATTEMPTED CARJACKING, 2023-09040047, 600 block of N. Glebe Road. At approximately 5:44 a.m. on September 4, police were dispatched to the report of a stolen vehicle. Upon arrival, it was determined the victim was exiting his parked vehicle when he was approached by three male suspects. The suspects instructed the victim to place his car keys on the hood of his car. The victim complied and walked away from the vehicle. The suspects fled the scene on foot after allegedly determining the vehicle was a manual transmission. Officers canvassed the area for the suspects yielding negative results. The suspects are described as white or Hispanic males, approximately 18-26 years old, wearing all black clothing. The investigation is ongoing.

Earlier Monday morning, police responded to an alleged incident involving an intoxicated suspect threatening a victim with a machete near Courthouse and Rocky Run Park.

From ACPD:

ATTEMPTED MALICIOUS WOUNDING, 2023-09040035, 2300 block of 11th Street N. At approximately 3:16 a.m. on September 4, police responded to the report of a possible mental health call for service. The preliminary investigation determined the male victim was outside a residential building when he observed the male suspect walk by holding a machete. A short time later, the suspect returned and initiated a conversation with the victim, during which he allegedly brandished the machete. The victim ran and the suspect chased after him while making threatening statements. The victim was able to get to a safe location and no injuries were reported. Responding officers located the suspect in the area with the machete and took him into custody without incident. [The suspect], 33, of Arlington, Va. was arrested and charged with Attempted Malicious Wounding, Brandishing and Public Intoxication. He was held without bond.

Also in today’s crime report, police said the gunfire near the Ballston Metro station over the weekend stemmed from a dispute between two people.

SHOT FIRED, 2023-09010239, N. Stuart Street at Fairfax Drive. At approximately 8:21 p.m. on September 1, police were dispatched to the report of a possible assault with a weapon. Upon arrival, it was determined the male victim and suspect became involved in a verbal dispute during which the suspect brandished and discharged a firearm. No injuries or property damage were reported.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Looking out at the Washington-Liberty High School track (staff photo)

Potomac on Drought Watch — “The Potomac River, which supplies 78 percent of the drinking water for the more than 5.1 million people who live and work in the Washington area, is running low enough that officials are watching for drought… Officials are producing reports on weather, water demand and the river’s flow twice per day — and, if needed, can release water from upstream reservoirs.” [Washington Post]

Residents Try to Stop Six-Plex — “A group of Arlington neighbors is trying to stop a local developer from building two 6-plex residential buildings in a wooded area of their Alcova Heights neighborhood. The residents contend the developer’s two expanded housing permit applications for the 6-plex buildings do not comply with the county’s minimum lot width requirements of 60 feet and are not based on current lot lines and measurements. Among the neighbors’ concerns is the significant loss of mature tree canopy.” [Patch]

County Seeking Stories — “The Arlington government is expanding its ‘racial-history timeline’ and is seeking local residents to share their stories about life in the county from 1976-90. ‘Your stories about your experience living in Arlington County during this time period will provide others with a first-hand account,’ county officials said.” [Gazette Leader]

Aurora Hills House Fire — From the Arlington County Fire Department: “Units are on the scene of a structure fire in the 2600 BLK of S Joyce St. Crews arrived to find a 2 story single family home with smoke conditions present.” [Twitter]

N. Arlington Business Break-ins –” 2500 block of N. Harrison Street… At approximately 5:07 a.m. on August 31, police were dispatched to the late report of a breaking and entering. Upon arrival, it was determined at approximately 1:45 a.m., the unknown male suspect forced entry into the business by shattering a glass door and stole an empty cash registers before fleeing the scene. A short time later, it was reported an unknown suspect forced entry into another business in the 5600 block of Langston Boulevard during the early morning hours and stole electronics.” [ACPD]

Arlington Unemployment Ticks Down — “Arlington’s already healthy jobs picture improved from June to July and continued to stand in the No. 2 position across the commonwealth. With 162,103 county residents counted in the civilian workforce and 3,186 looking for work, Arlington’s jobless rate in July was 1.9 percent, according to figures reported Aug. 30 by the Virginia Employment Commission. That’s down from 2.1 percent in June and a decline from 2.2 percent a year before.” [Gazette Leader]

Penrose Square Parking Problems — A new video shows a pair of cars blocking the crosswalk near the Starbucks at the corner of S. Adams Street and Columbia Pike. It’s the latest show of vehicular issues at Penrose Square. [Twitter]

Post Praise for Pupatella — “Virginia is home to one of the top Neapolitan pizzerias in the United States, according to a ranking by The Washington Post. Pupatella, on Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, was ranked as one of the best for Neapolitan-style pizza. Founded in 2007 as a food cart, Pupatella now has eight locations in Virginia and D.C. and four other locations in the D.C. area scheduled to open soon.” [Patch]

It’s Tuesday — Sunny and hot today, with a high temperature of 97°F and a north wind at about 8 mph. Tonight, expect mostly clear skies and a low temperature of approximately 74°F. [Weather.gov]

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