Update at 2 p.m. — All lanes of Columbia Pike have reopened.
Earlier: Police and firefighters are on scene of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on Columbia Pike.
The crash happened just before 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of the Pike and Four Mile Run Drive. The pedestrian was rushed to a local trauma center with critical injuries, said Arlington County Fire Department spokesman Capt. Ben O’Bryant.
All westbound lanes of the Pike are closed in the area while police investigate the incident.
The striking vehicle and its driver remained on scene after the crash. Police could be seen using spray paint to mark the place where the SUV stopped, after striking the pedestrian.
Witnesses told ARLnow the pedestrian was struck from behind and the driver didn’t appear to slow down before the crash. They were not sure whether the traffic signal at the intersection was green at the time.
“I didn’t see her [the driver] decelerate until after the impact,” one witness said. “I couldn’t believe it. The right front of the tire was basically on [the pedestrian].”
Police said the victim is in surgery at a local hospital.
Police were dispatched to the scene at 9:27 A.M. The department’s Critical Accident Team is on scene investigating.
18. Parisa Dehghani-Tafti hugs a supporter at her victory party in Courthouse
Parisa Dehghani-Tafti with supporters at her victory party in Courthouse
Dehghani-Tafti thanking her campaign manager
Dehghani-Tafti with former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe
Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, left, is challenging Commonwealth’s Attorney Theo Stamos
Polling place sign outside Madison Community Center
State Sen. Barbara Favola (left) is being challenged by candidate Nicole Merlene (right)
Del. Alfonso Lopez and JD Spain
Voting at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Cherrydale on June 11, 2019
(Updated at 10:25 p.m.) The top prosecutor in Arlington and Falls Church has lost her bid for re-election.
In the most closely watched local race in today’s Democratic primary, incumbent Commonwealth’s Attorney Theo Stamos has been defeated by challenger Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, who ran a campaign centered on criminal justice reform. Tafti has 52% of the vote compared to 48% for Stamos, with all 59 precincts in Arlington and Falls Church reporting, though the results are unofficial until certified.
The total unofficial margin of victory was 1,128 votes.
“I knew it could happen!” one supporter shouted at Tafti’s victory party at Fire Works Pizza in Courthouse as the final votes were tallied.
“Change can come here to Arlington,” said a campaign volunteer, Arlington resident Symone Walker, who said she’s mailed postcards and held meet and greets for Tafti because of her belief the challenger could reform the county’s justice system.
Tafti herself was breathless and wide-eyed as she passed through the group and gave hugs to her supporters. When Stamos called to concede around 8:15 p.m., Tafti thanked her and offered to meet with the incumbent later this week.
In a speech a few minutes before 9 p.m., Tafti thanked a crowd of her supporters, saying “it would have been easy for you to be silent.”
“I feel humbled and grateful and excited but with no illusions about the work ahead,” she told ARLnow afterward.
1/x I am humbled and honored at the trust the voters of Arlington and the City of Falls Church have placed in our campaign. This election wasn’t about me but about the community’s recognition that criminal justice reform is one of the civil rights issues of our time.
— Parisa Dehghani-Tafti (@parisa4justice) June 12, 2019
3/3 Arlington and Falls Church stand ready to show the Commonwealth and the country what it means to put justice back in the criminal justice system.
— Parisa Dehghani-Tafti (@parisa4justice) June 12, 2019
“I always thought she could win and should win, but it’s never an easy battle against an incumbent,” said state Sen. Adam Ebbin, who supported Tafti’s campaign and stood next to her as she addressed the crowd.
Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe cheered during the event, later telling ARLnow that he supported Tafti’s campaign because he was “looking for new leadership” after Stamos opposed his legislation to restore voting rights to felons in 2017.
(Updated at 1:30 p.m.) One person has died after a fire in Ashton Heights, near Ballston, Tuesday morning.
First responders were dispatched to a garden-style apartment on the 3800 block of 5th Street N at 7:44 a.m. today where they found an unconscious man in the living room, the Arlington County Fire Department said in a statement at 1:30 p.m. today.
“There was no fire evident when firefighters arrived, but the reporting party told firefighters it smelled like something was burning in the building,” said the department. “Firefighters on the back of the building identified the source of the smell as a first-floor apartment. They forced entry and found a small fire on the stove at the rear of the apartment that was quickly extinguished.”
The department said firefighters located the apartment’s smoke detector — but the early warning device lacked a battery.
By the time they found the man, the apartment had filled with smoke, department spokesman Capt. Ben O’Bryant told ARLnow at 11:15 a.m.
The man was rushed to a local hospital as medics performed CPR, according to O’Bryant. He was later pronounced dead.
Authorities are not yet releasing the man’s name, as they work to notify next of kin. He was only identified as an adult male.
As is standard for a fatal fire, the fire marshal’s office and Arlington County Police are jointly investigating the cause of the fire and the man’s death.
See the full department press release below:
At 7:44 a.m. on Tue., June 11, firefighters from the Arlington County Fire Department and Ft. Myer Fire Department, and officers from the Arlington County Police Department, were dispatched for a possible structure fire at a two-story apartment building in the 3800 block of Fifth Street North.
There was no fire evident when firefighters arrived, but the reporting party told firefighters it smelled like something was burning in the building. Firefighters on the back of the building identified the source of the smell as a first-floor apartment. They forced entry and found a small fire on the stove at the rear of the apartment that was quickly extinguished.
Upon searching the residence, firefighters located an unconscious adult male in the living room. The occupant was immediately removed from the apartment and resuscitative efforts initiated by Fire/EMS personnel. Responders continued to treat the patient en route to the hospital where the patient was later pronounced deceased.
The fire was contained to the room of origin and did not affect any other residences in the building. There was a smoke detector installed in the apartment, but it did not contain a battery.
Investigators from ACFD Fire Prevention Office and ACPD responded and are working collaboratively to investigate the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The cause of death will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. No further information is available at this time.
Utility poles, power lines and trees down on N. Glebe Road
10. Utility poles, power lines and trees down on N. Glebe Road after storm on May 23, 2019
Utility poles, power lines and trees down on N. Glebe Road
Dominion power outage map at 4:05 p.m.
Utility poles, power lines and trees down on N. Glebe Road
Utility poles, power lines and trees down on N. Glebe Road
A line of storms approaching Arlington
A large, old walnut tree down in Bluemont Park (courtesy photo)
Tree down on N. George Mason Drive near Park Drive
Tree down on N. George Mason Drive near Park Drive
Dominion power outage map detail
Police directing traffic near Ballston
Traffic map showing heavy traffic in Ballston
Base of a tree toppled by Thursday’s storms near Ballston
Update at 8:40 p.m. — Closures along Lee Highway and N. Glebe Road, among others, are expected to remain in place into the morning rush hour, according to Arlington Alert.
INCIDENT: Weather Related Closures LOCATION: County-Wide IMPACT: Closures expected into the morning commute: Lee HW btwn John Marshall Dr & Nottingham, N Barton btwn 10th & 12th St N, 11th St N btwn Cleveland & 2300 blk, N Glebe Rd btwn 50 & Henderson pic.twitter.com/66GpWKVIub
Update at 7 p.m. — Lee Highway is blocked at N. Nottingham Street, just west of the District Taco, due to a downed tree, according to scanner traffic. Reported power outages are down to about 28,500 in Arlington.
Update at 6 p.m. — Power outages in Arlington have reached a new peak of 35,719 customers, per Dominion’s website. Firefighters, meanwhile, are continue to respond to numerous reports of trees and wires down on houses — and across sidewalks and roadways — as well as a number of vehicle crashes. A tree is reported down on a car at the intersection of N. Kennebec Street and 11th Road N. in the Westover neighborhood, according to the National Weather Service.
Additional photos from the road closure on Glebe Road. The roadway is expected to remain closed for 8-12 hours. Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/qZ9Ezj7WH8
Update at 5:20 p.m. — Dark traffic signals is causing gridlock on local roads. A Google traffic map shows significant delays, particularly around the Ballston area. Arlington Public Schools and Arlington Transit buses are reported to be delayed due to heavy traffic.
Video recently posted of the storm arriving in Ballston shows a transformer explosion.
Police, @ArlingtonVaFD, @ReadyArlington, Sheriff's Office and @ArlingtonDES are all working tirelessly to prioritize calls for service related to today's significant storms and address immediate threats to public safety. Remember: only call 9-1-1 in an emergency. https://t.co/Ib6EXWW1ou
Update at 4:55 p.m. — Dominion has posted the following message on its website about the storm recovery.
Dominion Energy’s northern region has been impacted by severe thunderstorms, which included 70 mph wind gusts and lightning. These locations are the most impacted:
Alexandria
Fairfax
Woodbridge
Springfield
Leesburg
Fredericksburg
Customers have reported several spans of wire, trees and tree limbs down on the ground and over roadways.
We are still getting impacted by this line of storms. Our crews are working as quickly and as safely as possible to restore power. As soon as we are able to do a thorough assessment of the damages, we will be able to establish an estimated time of restoration.
Please stay back from all downed wires or damaged equipment, and call us immediately to report these damages at 1-866-DOM-HELP or 1-866-366-4357. You may also report power outages online by clicking here. If using a generator, please follow your manufacturer’s guidelines to operate it safely.
We appreciate your patience.
Dominion Energy
Update at 4:50 p.m — Due to the extensive storm damage, some parts of Arlington are not expected to have their power restored for hours. Dominion’s map shows the estimated restoration time for some large outages as 5-10 p.m., while others do not have an estimated time of restoration. N. Glebe Road is expected to remain closed south of Ballston, near 4th Street N., for about 12 hours per an Arlington Alert.
Volunteer firefighters have started responding to some calls to help work down the fire department’s backlog, per scanner traffic. Among the calls handled by ACFD are numerous stuck elevators, caused by power outages; several people were just freed from a stuck elevator at Don Tito’s in Clarendon, per scanner traffic.
We’re are currently experiencing extremely high call volume due to the storm. If you are stuck in an elevator, we’re sorry for the inconvenience, but we will be there as soon as possible to get you out. https://t.co/VPpwFRKmVt
Update at 4:35 p.m. — Dominion is now reporting just under 35,000 customers without power in Arlington. Among the neighborhoods without power is a large portion of residential north Arlington; several neighborhoods along Columbia Pike; most of Clarendon, Virginia Square and Ballston; Shirlington and Fairlington; and Aurora Highlands and Arlington Ridge.
Updated at 4:20 p.m. — Photos from the scene show extensive storm damage to trees and power lines on N. Glebe Road south of Ballston. Police have requested additional units to the area for crowd control. Arlington’s 911 call center is “slammed” with calls and police have a 20-call backlog, per scanner traffic.
Update at 2 p.m. — Police have released additional details about the stabbing and the suspect. Per a press release:
The Arlington County Police Department has arrested and charged a suspect following a malicious wounding investigation at Gateway Park. Wondwossen Kassu, 40, of No Fixed Address was charged with three counts of Malicious Wounding and three counts of Unlawful Wounding in the Commission of a Felony. He is being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.
At approximately 9:27 p.m. on May 21, police responded to the report of multiple stabbings in Gateway Park located at 1300 Lee Highway. Upon arrival, officers located the suspect and took him into custody without incident. During the course of the investigation, officers located three male victims suffering from lacerations. The victims were transported to area hospitals and all are reported in stable condition.
Based on the preliminary investigation, it appears two of the victims were sitting at a table inside Gateway Park when the suspect approached them and initiated a conversation before producing a knife and stabbing the victims. The third victim was walking in the area when he came upon the initial assault. The suspect then turned his attention towards the third victim and stabbed him as well. Two victims were able to leave the scene to seek assistance. They were located by responding officers in the 1900 block of Fort Myer Drive and the 1800 block of N. Nash Street.
This remains an active criminal investigation. Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact Detective S. King of the Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit at 703-228-4243 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 investigating a reported stabbing spree in Rosslyn.
Initial reports suggest three people were stabbed in or near Rosslyn’s Gateway Park. Two people were seriously injured but expected to survive, while the other victim suffered minor injuries.
A police presence has been reported at Gateway Park, the Continental lounge, and Turnberry Tower. One of the victims ran to the bar and another to the condo building after being stabbed, leaving a trail of blood along the sidewalk, we’re told.
Eastbound Lee Highway and at least one lane of both N. Lynn Street and N. Nash Street were closed near the crime scene as a result of the investigation.
One suspect was in custody as of about 10:20 p.m., police said. An ACPD spokeswoman says the suspect in custody appears to have known at least one of the victims. There’s no word yet on a motive.
Police were still searching for other suspects with the assistance of the Fairfax County Police helicopter after the first suspect was detained, according to scanner traffic.
“One suspect is in custody and the investigation is ongoing to determine if any other individuals are involved,” said police spokeswoman Ashley Savage.
PRELIMINARY: At approximately 9:26 police were dispatched to the report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, three victims were located and transported to area hospitals. Two victims in serious condition, 1 victim with minor injuries. 1 suspect in custody. Police remain on scene.
Separately, during the stabbing investigation, firefighters battled a reported townhouse fire on the 1400 block of N. Nash Street in Rosslyn, near the Iwo Jima memorial. The fire, on the roof of the townhomes, was quickly extinguished and did not extend to the interior of the building.
Fast and effective response from @ArlingtonVaFD tonight in Rosslyn to put out a roof fire at Monument Place condos. At least seven fire trucks arrived on scene to what could have been a huge fire had it spread to neighboring homes. @ARLnowDOTcompic.twitter.com/qDGbTheFPB
#FinalUpdate: 1400 blk N Nash St, Fire is out. Fire contained to furniture on roof. No injuries reported. Fire Marshal on scene investigating. Most units going in service. Roads in area should clear up soon. @FortMyerFirepic.twitter.com/G3i8QMfwjM
First responders on scene at the townhouse fire on N. Colonial Terrace in Rosslyn
First responders on scene at the townhouse fire on N. Colonial Terrace in Rosslyn
Townhouse fire in Rosslyn (photo via Arlington County Fire Department)
Map showing location of Rosslyn townhouse fire (photo via Google Maps)
First responders on scene at the townhouse fire on N. Colonial Terrace in Rosslyn
First responders on scene at the townhouse fire on N. Colonial Terrace in Rosslyn
(Updated at 1:30 p.m.) Firefighters have extinguished a fire at a townhouse on the 1500 block of N. Colonial Terrace in Rosslyn.
Fire department spokesman Capt. Ben O’Bryant said the fire was under control around 1:10 p.m. and that no one was injured. He told ARLnow that the department is now investigating what sparked the flames.
Crews on scene began retracting the ladders and taking apart the hoses shortly afterwards.
At 12:55 p.m., first responders reported that the fire appeared to be contained to the building’s outdoor balcony, and that they were working on extinguishing it.
Crews entered the building at around 12:45 p.m. after firefighters reported seeing smoke upon arriving at the scene. A 911 caller, who O’Bryant said was a neighbor, described “flames coming out of a French window,” per scanner traffic.
Fire is out. Confined to exterior wall on third floor. No one home at time of fire. No injuries reported. Units starting to pick up. Fire Marshal on scene investigating. pic.twitter.com/OpUfP8WSSS
Medics and bystanders treating an injured kitchen worker in Ballston
The scene outside of Dirt restaurant in Ballston seconds after a kitchen flash fire
Firefighters on scene of a kitchen flash fire at Dirt restaurant in Ballston
A man flags down an ambulance after a kitchen flash fire in Ballston
(Updated at 2:15 p.m.) A man suffered serious burn injuries after a flash fire erupted in the kitchen of a popular Ballston restaurant during Tuesday’s lunchtime rush.
Three others were being treated for potential injuries after the flare-up at Dirt restaurant, which recently opened at 4121 Wilson Blvd.
The incident happened around 12:15 p.m. While the restaurant was bustling with a lunchtime crowd, the kitchen suddenly and unexpectedly was engulfed by a large fireball. Staff and customers ran out of the restaurant, which was quickly evacuated.
One worker who had been in the kitchen during the flare-up ran out, screaming in pain from burns. Passersby and an Arlington County Fire Department ambulance crew, apparently on their lunch break, quickly jumped into action and began comforting and treating the man as he writhed on the ground.
He was transported via ambulance to the burn center at Medstar hospital in D.C. with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, according to ACFD.
Firefighters extinguished the remaining flames in the kitchen and treated the injured, two of whom were being transported to Virginia Hospital Center with minor burns, according to scanner traffic. Occupational safety investigators were dispatched to the scene to investigate.
Later Tuesday afternoon ACFD spokesman Capt. Ben O’Bryant told ARLnow that the fire was caused by an aerosol can of cooking oil that ignited after being placed next to a stove.
Among those inside the restaurant at the time of the incident was an ARLnow editor, who was paying for an order at the front counter — which is adjacent to the kitchen — when the fireball erupted. While the editor felt the intense heat of the fire and had ash in his eye, he was otherwise uninjured.
Units were dispatched to 4100 blk of Wilson Blvd for report of multiple burn patients. 1 patient transported with serious but NLT burns. 2 patients transported with minor burns. 1 patient treated & released. Most units returning to service. Fire Marshal on scene investigating. pic.twitter.com/B8sLd6a64a
(Updated at 4 p.m.) Arlington County Police responded to a stabbing outside the McDonald’s at 2620 Jefferson Davis Highway in Crystal City this morning.
The incident happened around 10:30 a.m. Police say a man was stabbed with a knife by another man in the restaurant’s parking lot, following a verbal dispute. The victim was treated by paramedics and rushed to the hospital with reported non-life-threatening injuries.
A suspect was arrested and later identified as 61-year-old Anthony Jones. He was charged with Aggravated Malicious Wounding and Stab while in the Commission of a Felony and held without bond.
Victim suffered non-life threatening injury and was transported to an area hospital. Suspect is in police custody. Police remain on scene investigating. (2/2)
Duplex fire in Nauck (photo via Arlington County Fire Department)
Duplex fire in Nauck (photo via Arlington County Fire Department)
Duplex fire in Nauck (photo via Arlington County Fire Department)
(Updated at 9 a.m.) Firefighters are battling a house fire in the Nauck neighborhood, near Shirlington and the W&OD Trail.
The blaze, in a duplex on the 3600 S. Four Mile Run Drive, was first reported just before 8:30 a.m. Flames and heavy smoke could be seen coming from the home.
As of 8:40 a.m., firefighters were making progress but still working to contain the flames. As of 8:55 a.m., most of the fire was reported out, but crews were still looking for hot spots.
Additional fire department units have dispatched to the scene. Initial reports suggest the home’s occupants were able to get out safely and no one was hurt.
I-66 blocked by fallen tree near Spout Run (photo courtesy @orihoffer)
I-66 blocked by fallen tree near Spout Run
I-66 blocked by fallen tree near Spout Run
Cars driving the wrong way on WB I-66
Update at 3:35 p.m. — One lane of westbound I-66 has reopened, just in time for the evening rush hour. Crews remain on scene assisting with the cleanup.
Earlier: A tree has fallen across I-66 near Spout Run, blocking the westbound lanes of the highway.
The tree fell around 1 p.m. At least two cars crashed into the fallen tree, though so far no injuries have been reported, according to scanner traffic. All westbound lanes are blocked and traffic is stopped.
Eastbound lanes are not currently blocked, though traffic becoming increasingly backed up prior to the scene due to rubbernecking delays.
On traffic cameras, cars can be seen driven the wrong way in the westbound lanes, as drivers try to escape the jam. Due to the size of the tree the lanes may remain closed for at least part of the afternoon. Those driving in the area should expect delays in Rosslyn due to detoured traffic.
A number of trees are reported to have fallen around Arlington amid today’s gusty winds.
Medics now responding to I-66 after one of the crew members helping to remove the tree was injured, per scanner. Cones are being set up so one lane can be reopened in time for the rush hour.
Arlington County Police say the death of an elderly woman this past fall, originally believed to be of natural causes, was actually a homicide.
The police department announced the medical examiner’s determination Friday morning and asked for the public’s help in the case. The finding that the woman was smothered and drugged to death bumps up Arlington’s 2018 homicide count to four.
More from an ACPD press release:
A 2018 death investigation conducted by the Arlington County Police Department has been classified as a homicide.
At approximately 10:49 p.m. on September 28, 2018, police were dispatched to the 2100 block of N. Scott Street for the report of a check on the welfare. Upon arrival, officers located a 72-year-old female deceased inside a residence. At the time of the initial report, the death appeared to be related to natural causes and there was no evidence of a threat to the community.
In accordance with standard procedures, the death was assigned to the Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit for follow-up investigation. Following the collection and review of crime scene evidence, witness interviews and information provided by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the incident has been classified as a homicide.
The victim has been identified as Penelope Holloway of Arlington, Virginia. Cause of death was determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner as smothering and mixed drug.
The investigation has determined this to be an isolated incident with no threat to the community. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective J. Senn of the Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit at 703-228-4049 or [email protected]. Information may also be provided anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
This is the fourth reported homicide in Arlington County in 2018.
