police

UPDATED: Bomb Threat Prompts Evacuation of Marymount University

By ARLnow.com

Update at 3:15 p.m. — The all clear was given around 1:30 p.m. and Marymount’s campus was reopened, according to police. The threat that prompted the evacuation was posted on social media, according to the university.

Earlier: One suspect has been taken into police custody after a bomb threat prompted the evacuation of Marymount University.

Bomb dogs are sweeping the north Arlington campus “out of an abundance of caution,” according to the Arlington County Police Department. Students and others on campus have been evacuated to a nearby park.

The threat comes on both April Fool’s Day and Easter Sunday. The university is closed through Tuesday due to the Easter holiday, according to an academic calendar.

ACPD is asking the public to avoid the area as the investigation continues.

More via social media:

Man Charged With Hitting Parked Cars, Assaulting Police Officer

By Bridget Reed Morawski

(Updated on 12/23/21 at 11:20 a.m.) A Falls Church man was arrested overnight after police say he assaulted an Arlington officer following a hit and run in Clarendon.

[Name redacted], 30, was arrested and charged with assault on police, driving under the influence, and hit and run.

The incident started around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday on the 1100 block of N. Irving Street, which is close to several popular Clarendon bars.

[Redacted] is alleged to have struck two cars before abandoning his vehicle and leaving the scene on foot.

After officers contacted [redacted] and requested that he return to the scene, he returned by taxi but wouldn’t get out of the vehicle, according to a crime report.

From the police report:

At approximately 11:28 p.m. on March 27, police were dispatched to a hit and run that had just occurred. Upon arrival at the scene, officers located the striking vehicle and two parked vehicles with damage. The driver of the striking vehicle fled the scene on foot prior to police arrival. Officers developed a suspect description, contacted the driver and requested he return to the scene. When the suspect arrived by taxi, he refused to exit the vehicle and would not comply with the lawful commands of the officers. As the officers were attempting to secure the suspect, he allegedly became combative and struck an officer. [Redacted], 30, of Falls Church was arrested and charged with Assault on Police, Driving Under the Influence and Hit and Run. He was held on no bond.

Peeping Tom Arrested After Foot Chase

By ARLnow.com

A man was arrested early Monday morning for a peeping incident in Clarendon.

Police say a resident heard a noise from outside her house on the 1000 block of N. Cleveland Street and then saw a man trying to get in via a sliding glass door.

The suspect took off running upon seeing the woman, and was later arrested by police “following a brief foot pursuit.” Edwin Espana, a 30-year-old Arlington resident, is now facing several charges including peeping and drunk in public.

From an Arlington County Police Department crime report:

PEEPING, 2018-03260012, 1000 block of N. Cleveland Street. At approximately 12:58 a.m. on March 26, police were dispatched to the report of an attempted breaking and entering. Upon arrival, it was determined that the female victim heard noise originating from outside her sliding glass door. Upon investigation, the victim observed a male suspect allegedly attempting to gain entry into the residence. Upon seeing the victim, the suspect fled the scene on foot. Arriving officers broadcast a lookout for the suspect and following a brief foot pursuit, the suspect was taken into custody. Edwin Ayala Espana, 30, of Arlington, VA was arrested and charged with Peeping into an Occupied Dwelling, Unlawful Entry and Drunk in Public. He was held on a secured bond.

Separately, another peeping incident was reported Monday night in south Arlington:

PEEPING, 2018-03260215, 2800 block of 9th Street S. At approximately 9:08 p.m. on March 26, police were dispatched to the report of a possible peeping tom. Upon arrival, it was determined that the witness observed an unknown suspect looking into the window of a residence. The suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival and officers canvased the area with negative results. The suspect is described as a male, 30-45 years old wearing a dark jacket and black knit cap. The investigation is ongoing.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Community Concerns Over Hospital Land Swap — Updated at 1:50 p.m. — Virginia Hospital Centers needs to expand to keep up with patient demand but the planned expansion is in a holding pattern as resident concerns are addressed. “Tracy Greiner, chair of a task force of three nearby civic associations, said the hospital has ‘failed to effectively address three years of homeowner feedback.’ Neighbors — some who’ve been in Halls Hill for three generations, others who just bought in — worry about traffic, nighttime lights and construction.” [Falls Church News-Press]

Beyer Wants Answers from FBI — Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) is requesting a meeting with the director of the FBI to discuss the investigation into the fatal shooting of Bijan Ghaisar by U.S. Park Police along the GW Parkway, to ensure that it proceeds expeditiously. Of note: “Beyer said that Arlington County, where the 911 calls came in, will not release the 911 tapes because the FBI hasn’t given them permission because it’s an ongoing investigation.” [WTOP]

Wilcox to Headline Arlington Gala — “Arlington’s own Amy Wilcox, a recording artist and star of A&E Network’s ‘Crazy Hearts: Nashville,’ will be the featured performer at the Arlington Community Foundation’s annual gala – ‘This Is Us’ – to be held April 21. The evening event will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City, with funds raised being used to support the philanthropic initiatives of the foundation.” [InsideNova]

Candy Dispute Prompts Call to Police — According to scanner traffic, police responded yesterday evening to a domestic incident in which “a father is not allowing his kid to have candy and they’re all fighting.” [Twitter]

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Shake Shack, Philz and More Coming to Ballston — “Ballston will beef up its fast-casual restaurant offerings by the end of this year, with Shake Shack, We the Pizza, Philz Coffee and Cava all slated to lease space in the newly dubbed Ballston Exchange project. Ballston Exchange, formerly known as Stafford Place I and II, was until 2017 home to the National Science Foundation.” [Washington Business Journal]

Outdoor Lab Squeezed by Rising Enrollment — “A growing student body at the elementary-school level may soon mean there are not enough days in the school year to send the usual cadre of students to the Arlington Outdoor Lab, located in Fauquier County.” [InsideNova]

Arlington Smoker Busted in Falls Church — Falls Church police issued a summons to a 56-year-old Arlington man for smoking in a restaurant in the city. [Falls Church News-Press]

Hamlin Leaving Macedonia Baptist Church — The Rev. Dr. Leonard Hamlin Sr. is leaving Macedonia Baptist Church in Nauck for a post at the Washington National Cathedral. “To celebrate his 22-year tenure at Macedonia, more than 300 people attended a farewell gala held March 25 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City,” the Sun Gazette reported. [InsideNova]

Advocates Flock to Open Door Monday — Those seeking more funding in the county budget process flocked to yesterday’s regularly-scheduled Open Door Monday event with County Board member Libby Garvey. Among those bending Garvey’s ear were first responders, who are seeking higher pay, and Arlington Independent Media, which is fighting a proposed budget cut. [Twitter, Twitter]

Photo courtesy @jimcollierjr

Police: Drunken Man With Knife Charges at Security Guard

By ARLnow.com

A Delaware resident is facing a series of charges after police say he got drunk, damaged property inside a Crystal City hotel and then charged at security guards with a knife.

The incident happened around 12:30 a.m. early Friday morning, on the 1700 block of Jefferson Davis Highway (Route 1).

More from Arlington County Police:

WEAPONS VIOLATION, 2018-03230014, 1700 block of Jefferson Davis Highway. At approximately 12:39 a.m. on March 23, police were dispatched to the report of a disorderly subject brandishing a knife. Upon arrival, it was determined that a male subject was being disorderly inside a hotel and had damaged property. When security officers attempted to intervene, the subject allegedly charged at them and made threatening statements while brandishing a knife. Arriving officers took the subject into custody. Ralph Powers, 43, of Newark, Delaware was arrested and charged with Assault & Battery, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Destruction of Property and Drunk in Public.

Crime Report: Man With Knife Robs Lee Highway Business

By ARLnow.com

A man with a knife robbed a business on Lee Highway last night.

The man fled with cash stolen from the business on the 5500 block of Lee Highway, according to the latest Arlington County Police Department crime report. That block is home to two banks, a waxing studio, a restaurant and other businesses.

Despite snow on the ground, the suspect was able to leave the area before police were able to track him down.

More from ACPD:

ROBBERY (late), 2018-03210100, 5500 block of Lee Highway. At approximately 9:04 p.m. on March 21, police were dispatched to the report of a robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined that at approximately 8:35 p.m., an unknown male suspect entered a business, brandished a knife and demanded cash from an employee. The suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash prior to police arrival. The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 6’1″, in his 60’s, with shoulder length hair, wearing a white full length jacket with a hood, blue jeans and sneakers. No injuries were reported. Arriving officers canvased the area and a K9 track yielded negative results.  The investigation is ongoing.

The rest of this past week’s crime report highlights, including one that we’ve already reported, after the jump.

Photo via Google Maps

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Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

More on Hit-and-Run Suspect Arrest — A lobbyist known for his promotion of conspiracy theories, particularly theories about the murder of DNC staffer Seth Rich, says he was the victim of an incident that led to the arrest of a man in Fairlington on Saturday. Jack Burkman says the suspect, Kevin Doherty, shot him twice and tried to run him over with an SUV in the parking garage of the Key Bridge Marriott in Rosslyn. [Washington Post]

Isabella Sued for Sexual Harassment — “Celebrity chef Mike Isabella, the head of a $30 million culinary empire based in the nation’s capital, was sued Monday by a former top manager who claims that Isabella and his partners repeatedly sexually harassed her in the workplace… [The plaintiff] told The Post she joined Isabella’s company as a regional manager in 2015, helping to open his three Arlington, Va., properties.” [Washington Post]

Sprynt to Reopen for Season — Local free ride service Sprynt will be reopening for the season “in a few weeks,” according to founder Alex Villanueva. One of the company’s electric vehicles was seen parked in Clarendon last night with a “now hiring” sign on it. [Twitter]

Hotel Company Moving HQ to Crystal City — Interstate Hotels and Resorts is moving its headquarters from Ballston to Crystal City, per a press release. The company is leasing 35,000 square feet at 2011 Crystal Drive. [Twitter]

Flickr pool photo by John Sonderman

BREAKING: Police Investigating Ballston Death as Homicide

By ARLnow.com
Scene of Ballston homicide - 4100 block of 11th Street N. (via Google Maps)

Update at 4:25 p.m. on 3/20/18 — Police have identified the victim as 40-year-old Arlington resident John Giandoni.

Arlington County Police say Friday night’s death investigation in Ballston is now a homicide investigation.

More from an ACPD press release:

The Arlington County Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred in the 4100 block of 11th Place N. on Friday, March 16, 2018.

At approximately 7:35 p.m. on March 16, police were dispatched to the report of a possible death. Upon arrival, it was determined that following a check on the welfare, the male victim was located deceased inside the residence. This remains an active investigation and cause of death will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective R. Munizza at 703-228-4171 or [email protected]. To report information anonymously, contact the Arlington County Crime Solvers at 866.411.TIPS (8477).

This is the first homicide in Arlington County this year.

Attempted Armed Robbery of Starbucks Foiled By Audacious Customer

By ARLnow.com

A Starbucks customer foiled a would-be armed robber — twice — over the weekend.

According to an Arlington County Police crime report, a man walked into a business on the 3100 block of Lee Highway just after 5 a.m. Sunday morning, brandished a firearm and ordered everyone to the back of the store. A customer with a venti-sized dose of audacity then intervened.

“A patron physically challenged the suspect causing the suspect to exit the business,” said the crime report. “The suspect immediately re-entered the business brandishing the firearm. Once confronted again by the patron, the suspect fled the scene on foot.”

“Arriving officers canvased the area and a K9 track yielded negative results,” the crime report continued. “No injuries were reported. The suspect is described as a black male, 20-30 years old, approximately 6’0, wearing a black winter jacket with a fur hood. The investigation is ongoing.”

Though police did not specify a business, a tipster said the robbery took place at the Starbucks in the Lyon Village Shopping Center, along Spout Run Parkway.

Asked about a possible surveillance image of the suspect, ACPD spokeswoman Ashley Savage said the department has “nothing for release at this time.”

UPDATED: Hit and Run Suspect Arrested During Police Raid in Fairlington

By ARLnow.com

(Updated at 12:10 p.m.) The normally quiet Fairlington community woke up to an alarming sight Saturday morning.

According to residents, heavily-armed police officers raided a home on the 2800 block of S. Buchanan Street, in north Fairlington, around 8 a.m. Saturday. On the Nextdoor social networking site, neighbors described a scene that seemed like it was out of a movie.

“It was 8:30 a.m. when I heard the agents who surrounded the place with assault rifles yelling everyone to stay inside, and with a bullhorn instructing the residents of the unit next door to go to the basement,” one wrote. “Steady stream of people going in and out now. Very scary way to start the day.”

Arlington police spokeswoman Ashley Savage confirmed that a man was arrested but did not initially detail the circumstances involved. Monday morning, after this article was published, police issued a press release (below) announcing that they had arrested a suspect in a hit-and-run crash that happened last week in Rosslyn.

The Arlington County Police Department has arrested a suspect for his involvement in an assault in the 1400 block of Lee Highway. Kevin Doherty, 46, of No Fixed Address was arrested and charged with Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony and two counts of Malicious Wounding. He is being held in the Arlington County Detention Facility without bond.

At approximately 6:43 p.m. on March 13, 2018, officers were dispatched to a hit and run collision in the 1400 block of Lee Highway. Upon arrival, it was determined that a male victim was traveling on foot when he was struck by an unknown vehicle. The male victim was transported to a local hospital. The striking vehicle did not remain on scene.

During the course of the investigation, Homicide/Robbery Unit detectives developed a possible suspect description based on evidence located at the scene and witness interviews. Members of the Emergency Response Team took the suspect into custody without incident at a residence in the Fairlington neighborhood on the morning of March 17, 2018.

This remains an active criminal investigation and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective C. Riccio at 703-228-4180 or [email protected]. To report information anonymously, contact the Arlington County Crime Solvers at 866.411.TIPS (8477).

There was no further explanation for the firearm charge or the second malicious wounding charge.

“This is an ongoing criminal investigation and, at this time, there are no additional details for release beyond the information in the press release,” Savage said in response to an ARLnow.com inquiry.

Separately, on Friday afternoon, a police tactical team arrested two people at the Inn of Rosslyn motel. Savage said that officers were executing a search warrant but was unable to provide additional details.

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