News

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.

News

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.

Sponsored

Listing of the Day: 2607 Washington Blvd

By ARLnow.com

Address: 2607 Washington Blvd
Neighborhood: Lyon Park
Type: 3 BR, 2 (+1 half) BA single-family detached – 1920 sq. ft.
Listed: $1,274,900

Noteworthy: Beautifully updated brick colonial in the heart of Arlington!

This charming 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home perfectly blends classic character with thoughtful modern updates. The handsome brick exterior and flagstone retaining wall create exceptional curb appeal, enhanced by professional landscaping and private off-street parking for three cars. Inside, wood floors flow throughout both levels, complemented by fresh modern paint and abundant natural light.

The renovated kitchen showcases granite countertops, painted paneled cabinetry with brushed nickel hardware, a marble tile backsplash, pendant lighting, spacious pantry, and stainless steel appliances including a Bosch dishwasher, LG refrigerator, and five-burner gas stove. The adjoining family room features a cozy wood-burning fireplace with brick hearth and wood mantel, plus a sliding glass door leading to a large deck overlooking a fully fenced backyard with lush landscaping and a storage shed.

Upstairs, the expansive primary suite offers a deep walk-in closet, additional custom-organized closet, and a luxurious private bath with double sinks, granite counters, new lighting, and upgraded hardware. Two additional bedrooms with ceiling fans share an updated hall bath featuring a granite vanity, ceramic tile floor, and tub with tile surround.

Additional highlights include a newer Carrier gas furnace, State water heater, LG front-load washer and dryer, central vacuum system, and double-pane windows. Ideally located just blocks to Clarendon Metro and minutes to downtown D.C., the Pentagon, National Landing, and local parks and trails—this home delivers a rare combination of comfort, convenience, and timeless charm.

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Listed by:
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[email protected]
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Weather

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:

News

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.

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