crime

Jury Recommends 27 Year Sentence for Javon Martin

By Katie Pyzyk

Javon Martin (Arlington Police photo)(Updated at 2:10 p.m.) The jury that convicted 25-year-old Javon Martin of robbery and first degree felony murder yesterday for the stabbing of Arlington resident Carl Diener recommends that Martin receive a 27 year sentence.

The jury had the option of recommending sentences up to life in prison for Martin. He is expected to be formally sentenced before Judge Louise DiMatteo in May.

Martin’s cousin and co-defendant, Roger Clark III, pleaded guilty to Diener’s murder last year and will be sentenced at some point in the future. The maximum sentence Clark could receive is 25 years in prison; he was offered a reduced sentence as part of a plea deal for testifying against Martin.

Arlington County sent out the following press release about Martin’s conviction and recommended sentence:

ARLINGTON, Va. – An Arlington County jury yesterday found Javon Martin guilty of murder and robbery for the December 29, 2009 homicide of Carl Diener. Following the guilty finding, the members of the jury recommended a 27 year sentence for Martin, 25, formerly of Washington, D.C. Formal sentencing by Judge Louise DiMatteo is scheduled for a later date.

Theophani K. Stamos, Arlington County Commonwealth’s Attorney and M. Douglas Scott, Arlington County’s Chief of Police made the announcement after the conclusion of the trial.

Diener, 57, a retired federal government employee and a well known and loved member of the Lyon Park community, was found by a passerby stabbed to death lying on the street in the 3200 block of N. 13th Street. As was his practice, he awoke early in the morning to open a local health and fitness club for members. As Mr. Diener was walking from his longtime home to the health and fitness club, he was brutally attacked and left to die.

“From that cold December morning when Mr. Diener’s body was found, the Arlington County Police Department never wavered in their determination to solve this murder, investing hundreds of hours in this investigation,” commented Chief Scott. As a result, murder charges were brought against Roger K. Clark III, 22, of Severn, Maryland, and Javon Martin in June of 2011. Clark pleaded guilty and is currently awaiting sentencing.

Following the trial, Commonwealth’s Attorney Stamos said, “We are extremely grateful to the jury — all of whom worked so hard to reach the right conclusion. Our prayers go out to Carl Diener’s family and hope they will find some comfort in knowing those responsible for his death were held accountable by this community.”

Arlington County Deputy Chief Daniel J. Murray, Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division added, “The Homicide Robbery Unit’s efforts and a strong partnership with the Arlington County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office have resulted in two dangerous individuals being removed from the streets. Unfortunately none of our efforts could ever bring Mr. Diener back and the Arlington community is much poorer for the loss of this great friend to everyone.”

Master Police Officer Rosa Ortiz was the lead detective and the case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Molly Newton and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney John Lynch.

Police: Box Cutter Wielding Thieves Rob Woman in Virginia Square

By Katie Pyzyk

Arlington County Police Department badgePolice are looking for two men who allegedly robbed a woman and held a box cutter to her throat.

On Monday (February 4) just before 8:00 p.m., police say the woman left her home and was walking in the 3800 block of N. 9th Street in Virginia Square when a man approached her. He allegedly grabbed her and held a box cutter to her throat while demanding money and a cell phone.

Police say the woman told the man she didn’t have any money, and the attacker then led her about half a block away where a second man was standing. The men then reportedly took the victim’s cell phone and fled on foot.

The first subject is described as a black male, 6’0” tall and 160 pounds. At the time of the crime, the subject was described as wearing a ski mask, grey winter jacket, light jeans and was brandishing a grey box cutter. The second subject is described as a black male, 5’10” tall and 200 pounds. He was said to have a round face and beard, and was wearing a white hat, royal blue jacket with an orange bottom, dark jeans and white shoes.

Anyone with information about the suspects or this crime is asked to call the police non-emergency number at 703-558-2222.

Video: Thieves Smash Jewelry Counter at Pentagon City Mall

By ARLnow.com

The Arlington County Police Department has released surveillance footage of today’s smash-and-grab robbery at the Zales jewelry store in the Pentagon City mall.

The video shows four men entering the store, their faces covered by hoods and masks. They then use hammers to smash a glass jewelry case, quickly grab the merchandise, and flee the store. Police say the men made a clean getaway with 27 rings worth $128,000.

Anyone with information about the suspects is encouraged to contact Det. Paula Brockenborough at 703-228-4241 or via email at [email protected]. Information can also be reported anonymously to Arlington County Crime Solvers at 866-411-TIPS (8477).

Man Who Fought Thief For Bike Says He Had the Last Laugh

By ARLnow.com

An alleged bike thief takes off on the victim's pink-tired bike (courtesy photo)In publishing last week’s Arlington County crime report, we wrote that a man’s effort to recover his stolen bike “backfired” when he was punched in the face and his new bike was stolen.

The victim of that alleged crime wrote us shortly thereafter and said it was actually he who had the last laugh.

The man, who didn’t want his name published but who was able to confirm non-public details about the incident, says he successfully recovered his pricey Gary Fisher mountain bike while the thief only managed to punch him once and take off with his girlfriend’s used $100 bike with pink tires.

Here’s the victim’s side of the story:

My Gary Fisher 29er mountain bike with multiple very distinguishable and colorful upgrades was stolen Sunday [Jan. 13] in downtown DC in front of a Safeway at 3 pm in broad daylight by a guy who broke my lock.

The next Thursday I was biking to Caps practice at Kettler in Ballston on my girlfriend’s pink tired bike (which the perp is pictured with here) when I saw a bus pull up with my stolen Gary Fisher on front. I put the pink tire bike I was riding on the rack with my stolen Gary Fisher and boarded the bus. I rode for a few blocks and got ready to make my move at the Whole Foods. I went to get both bikes and the guy charged off the bus and we wrestled for the Gary Fisher. Eventually I got my lock around the frame and wheel so he couldn’t ride away as he got one good punch in. With the Gary Fisher secure, I knocked him down and he put his hand in his bag and threatened to have a gun. He probably didn’t but l was spooked and let him up and backed off.

He got up and got on the pink tired bike and rode off. I got my nice Gary Fisher back. He rode off on this pink tired bike that I bought for 100 bucks a few years ago heading toward Courthouse and Rosslyn. I assume he dumped it right after he rode out if sight because he stood out on that thing and cops never found him.

I was fine after the fight and didn’t have a mark on me.

If you see the pink tired Specialized Hardrock around Clarendon he stole it. Also by the time I got to Kettler on my Gary Fisher, practice was over. At least I got my bike back.

I’m sure the police don’t encourage confronting thieves like this and maybe that’s why they took the successful part of the report out. But the bike I got back is really valuable to me.

Police say they have not made any arrests in the case so far.

Courtesy photo

Crime Report: Effort to Recover Stolen Bike Backfires

By ARLnow.com

(Updated on 1/25/13) A cyclist’s effort to recover his stolen bike backfired last week. The man was punched in the face and had the new bike he was riding at the time stolen.

The incident took place on a Thursday morning, near the Whole Foods store in Clarendon. From this week’s Arlington County crime report:

ROBBERY, 01/17/13, 2700 block of N. Wilson Boulevard. At 10:26 am on January 17, a victim identified his stolen bicycle on the front rack of a bus. The victim placed his current bike in front of his stolen one on the rack and boarded the bus. The victim rode the bus one stop, got off, and then removed both bicycles from the bus rack. While doing this, the victim was confronted by a subject. The subject punched the victim in the face and then proceeded to steal the victim’s new bicycle. The victim was able to take pictures of the suspect. The suspect is described as a 35 year old black male, 6’0″ tall and 180 lbs. At the time of the incident, the subject was wearing black pants, a dark jacket, a dark skullcap, and light Nike shoes.

Also in this week’s crime report, a victim was punched and threatened by a pair of robbers.

ROBBERY, 01/20/13, 4200 block of N. 2nd Street. At 12:08 am on January 20, a victim was sitting in an area between two apartment buildings when two unknown subjects began to walk towards him. As the subjects walked by the victim, suspect one punched the victim in the face. The victim fell to the ground, but got back up to his feet. Suspect two then grabbed the victim and took him to the ground. Both subjects continued to punch and kick the victim. One of the subjects then pulled out a folding knife and threatened to kill the victim if he did not give them money. The victim stated that his belongings were in his backpack that had fallen to the ground. As the subjects walked over to the victim’s backpack, the victim fled the scene. The subjects took the victim’s backpack and fled southwest by foot. Suspect one is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5’10” tall and 160 lbs. He was wearing a black jacket and black pants during the incident. Subject two is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5’7″ and 170 lbs. He was wearing a light colored jacket and dark pants. Both subjects are described as being in their early to mid 20’s.

The rest of the crime report, after the jump.

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Man Arrested for Grabbing Woman’s Breast on Bus

By Katie Pyzyk

Aaron Darnell AlexanderPolice have arrested a man accused of grabbing a woman’s breast on an ART bus.

Around 4:30 p.m. on Friday (January 18), police say a woman was riding the ART bus when a man got on at the Ballston Metro station and sat across the aisle from her. He allegedly began speaking to the woman in a vulgar manner and she asked him to stop. The woman became nervous and also asked the man to move away from her.

Around the area of Washington Blvd and N. Pershing Drive the suspect allegedly leaned over and grabbed the victim’s breast. The victim yelled and told the man to stop, to which he reportedly responded, “F— you.” The bus driver pulled over and called police upon hearing the commotion, and the suspect took off on foot.

Police quickly found a man in the area meeting the suspect description, and the woman was able to identify him. Police arrested 28-year-old Aaron Darnell Alexander, of no fixed address.

Alexander was transported to Virginia Hospital Center for a laceration on his hand, which he said he received when he was robbed and stabbed the previous evening. Alexander has been charged with sexual battery and is being held on a $3,500 bond.

Morning Notes

By Katie Pyzyk

A-Town Bar and Grill

Citizen Receives Reward for Crime Tip — A tipster will get a $650 reward from Arlington County Crime Solvers (ACCS) for helping police solve a case from Christmas Day. The tipster’s information helped police arrest a suspect from an armed robbery of a 7-Eleven. “We are delighted to pay a reward to a local resident whose tip led to an arrest in an armed robbery,” said ACCS President Andres Tobar. “We encourage local residents who have information on a crime to call the ACCS tip line at 866-411-8477 to remain anonymous. If the tip leads to an arrest, a reward will be paid.” [Arlington County Crime Solvers]

Tejada Launches Campaign Targeting Childhood Obesity — County Board Chairman Walter Tejada kicked off his Moving Forward Together Campaign at a community meeting yesterday. The initiative involves the county working with a volunteer coalition and community members on several points, such as getting kids moving more at recess and in after school programs, establishing healthier vending options and training childcare providers in nutrition and physical activity. Residents are encouraged to get involved with the newly formed Healthy Community Action Team (HCAT). [Arlington County]

Construction Work at Central Library — Work has started on the Central Library’s first major interior renovations since the early 1990s, and includes painting, carpeting, new signs and new desks. Because staff needs to use the Quiet Study Room during construction, it will be closed to the public for the duration of renovations. Construction is expected to finish in the spring. [Arlington Public Library]

Free Inauguration Viewing on the Big Screen — Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike) is allowing customers to stop by on Monday, January 21, to watch the public Presidential Inauguration on the big screen. Admission is free and doors open at 11:00 a.m. [Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse]

Mind Your Body Oasis Grand Opening — Saturday (January 19) is the grand opening celebration for the new Mind Your Body Oasis (1750 Crystal Drive) in Crystal City. There will be raffles and samples of the juices sold at the yoga studio and holistic center. Customers will also be able to try a free yoga class.

Crime Report: Grabbed from Behind

By ARLnow.com

Two women were followed by men and grabbed from behind while walking home this past week, according to police.

Early Sunday morning, a woman was returning home in North Rosslyn when two men followed her, grabbed her, and possibly took some money before she was able to break free. From this week’s Arlington County crime report:

ROBBERY, 01/13/13, 1800 block of N. Quinn Street. At 3:17 am on January 13, a victim was returning home when she noticed two male subjects behind her. One male subject followed the victim into her apartment complex and grabbed her from behind. The victim struggled to break free and scream, but the subject held onto the victim and put his hand over her mouth. Eventually, the victim was able to break free and the suspect fled by foot. Some cash belonging to the victim seemed to be missing, but it is unclear if the suspect took the money. The subjects are described as two Hispanic males. One of the subjects stood on the outside of the apartment complex, while the other assaulted the victim. The subject that assaulted the victim is described as approximately 5’5″, heavy set and wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt and pants.

Early Monday morning, a man approached a woman from behind as she was walking home from work in the Buckingham area, near Ballston. The man grabbed the victim by the head, pushed her to the ground and stole her purse, according to the crime report.

ROBBERY, 01/14/13, 4100 block of N. 4th Street. At 12:10 am on January 14, a victim was walking home from work when the subject approached her from behind. The subject grabbed the victim by her head with both hands and pushed her to the ground. The subject then took the victim’s purse and fled the scene by foot. The suspect is described as a black male in his late 20’s, approximately 5’8″ and 150 lbs. Additionally, the subject has brown eyes and black hair, but no facial hair. The suspect was last seen wearing a red long-sleeve shirt, black pants and a black hat.

The rest of this week’s crime report, after the jump.

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Crime Report: Husband Stabbed in Arm

By ARLnow.com

For the second week in a row, a woman has been arrested and accused of stabbing her significant other.

Police say the woman, an Arlington Heights neighborhood resident, stabbed her husband with a folding knife. From this week’s Arlington County crime report:

MALICIOUS WOUNDING, 01/03/2013, 800 block of S. Ivy Street. At 7:55 pm on January 3, a married couple got into a verbal dispute. The argument escalated and the wife stabbed her husband in his arm with a folding knife. The victim was transported to Virginia Hospital Center for medical treatment of the stab wound. Aliyma Imaan Williams, 20, of Arlington, VA was arrested and charged with malicious wounding.

The rest of this week’s crime report, after the jump.

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Crime Report: New Year’s Day Stabbing

By ARLnow.com

A New Years Day dispute between a girlfriend and a boyfriend ended with the boyfriend being taken to the hospital for stab wounds, according to this week’s Arlington County crime report.

The incident took place in the Columbia Heights West neighborhood. The girlfriend, 32-year-old Griselda Saravia, was arrested and charged with stabbing her boyfriend in the arm with a kitchen knife.

UNLAWFUL WOUNDING, 01/01/13, 800 block of S. Frederick Street. At 4:40pm on January 1, a victim and his girlfriend got into a verbal altercation. The argument quickly escalated and the suspect stabbed her boyfriend in the arm with a kitchen knife. The victim was able to break free and call the police. He was later transported to Virginia Hospital Center for medical treatment of the stab wound. Griselda Y. Saravia, 32, of Arlington, VA was arrested and charged with unlawful wounding. She was released on recognizance with a $7,500 unsecured bond.

Early Sunday morning, according to police, a Herndon man “repeatedly punched” someone inside a Rosslyn store “for no apparent reason.” The victim suffered significant head and facial injuries, police said.

MALICIOUS WOUNDING, 12/30/12, 1600 block of N. Wilson Boulevard. On December 30 at 3:45 am, an intoxicated subject attacked another subject inside of a store for no apparent reason. The subject repeatedly punched the victim in the head, then proceeded to drag the victim to the back of the store and continued to punch him. Following the altercation, the victim was found unconscious with facial swelling and was transported to GW hospital. [Redacted due to charges being dropped], 30, of Herndon, VA, was arrested and charged with malicious wounding. He was held without bond.

The rest of this week’s crime report, after the jump.

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Crime Report: Armed Robbery at Pentagon City Mall

By ARLnow.com

A man robbed the Currency Exchange store at the Pentagon City mall on Chrismas Eve by implying that he had a weapon, according to police.

No weapon was seen, but the man was able to flee the scene after obtaining cash. From this week’s Arlington County crime report:

ARMED ROBBERY, 12/24/12, 1100 block of S. Hayes Street. At 2:42 pm on December 24, an unknown suspect robbed the Currency Exchange at Pentagon City Mall. The subject fled the scene on foot in the direction of the Metro. The subject is described as a black male, approximately 50 years old, 150 lbs, with a short beard. He was wearing a jean jacket over a black hooded sweatshirt and a black Nike hat at the time of the incident.

Also this week, a man was arrested and charged with indecent exposure after has was caught masturbating at the L.A. Fitness health club in Crystal City, according to police.

A gym patron walked into the sauna and witnessed the man mid-act, police said. According to Arlington County spokesman Dustin Sternbeck, the suspect began to “tussle” with the witness after he said he was going to alert the manager; no charges were filed as a result of the scuffle.

INDECENT EXPOSURE, 12/21/12, 3500 block of S. Clark Street. On December 21 at 9:21 am, a subject was seen masturbating inside the sauna of a gym. Morris Umansky, 63, of Arlington, VA, was charged with indecent exposure and released on a summons.

The rest of this week’s crime report, after the jump.

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