police

Out-of-Control Truck Seriously Injures Two Cyclists

By ARLnow.com

Update at 9:10 a.m. on 10/16/12 — The male victim is recovering from his injuries, while the female victim is still in critical condition in a medically-induced coma, according to Arlington County Police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck. Police are still awaiting the result of a blood test on the driver before pressing charges. According to Sternbeck, witnesses told police that the driver did a “burn out” at the intersection before losing control of the truck.

The driver of a pick-up truck lost control and plowed into two cyclists on Four Mile Run Drive this afternoon, police said.

According to Arlington County Police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck, the driver was heading eastbound on Columbia Pike, made a right-hand turn onto Four Mile Run Drive, lost control of the truck, went over the median and struck the cyclists. The cyclists were biking in the roadway and not on the adjacent trail, Sternbeck said.

The victims, a man and a woman, were both in their 60s, Sternbeck said. The woman suffered “significant head trauma” and a broken pelvis. The man suffered broken ribs and punctured lungs. Both victims were transported to George Washington University Hospital in “serious” condition.

Charges are pending against the driver of the truck, who remained on scene after the accident, Sternbeck said. Four Mile Run Drive was closed between Columbia Pike and George Mason Drive for much of the afternoon while police investigated the accident.

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Crime Report: Stolen iPhone Tracked Via GPS

By ARLnow.com

A iPhone’s remote GPS tracking feature saved the day for a burglary victim last weekend.

The incident started when a resident of a house invited a woman inside for a drink early Sunday morning, according to Arlington County Police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck. After the woman left, one or more of the home’s residents noticed items missing, including an iPhone. The victim called police and used a GPS tracking feature to point police to the whereabouts of the stolen iPhone.

Police went to the address provided by the victim and found the stolen items, according to Sternbeck. The suspect confessed on the scene, he said.

From this week’s Arlington County crime report:

BURGLARY, 10/07/12, 1300 block of S. Queen Street. Between 3:30 and 8 am on October 7, a subject entered a victim’s residence and stole numerous items, including credit cards, laptop, playstation 3, cash and an iPhone. The suspect was located through the stolen iPhone GPS tracker. Carole Jean Jamison, 40, of Arlington, VA, was arrested and charged with burglary, grand larceny and larceny of credit cards.

Also on this week’s crime report, police say a man tried to rob the 7-Eleven store on the 200 block of S. Glebe Road, only to have his efforts to grab crash from the register foiled by the store’s clerk. Frustrated by his failed robbery attempt, the man proceeded to “trash” the store, destroying merchandise and throwing things to the ground, according to Sternbeck.

“He was knocking over everything,” Sternbeck said.

The man was arrested thanks in part to the fact that the clerk locked the exits from the store, trapping the suspect inside.

ATTEMPTED ROBBERY, 10/06/12, 200 block of S. Glebe Road. On October 6 at 2:49 am, a subject entered a 7-11 convenience store and attempted to get inside the cash register. A physical altercation ensues with the store clerk and the subject proceeds to destroy the merchandise and items throughout the store while trapped inside. Police arrive on scene and take Darryl Dwight Forrest, 31, of no fixed address into custody. He is charged with attempted robbery, destruction of property, assault and battery and providing false identification to police. He was held without bond.

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

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Armed Robbery at Pentagon City Nordstrom

By ARLnow.com

A man with a gun tried to rob the Nordstrom store at Pentagon City mall this morning.

The incident happened around 10:20 a.m. Initial reports suggest a man, armed with a gun, tried to rob the fine jewelry section of the department store, but didn’t end up taking any merchandise. He fled the store and was last seen running toward Pentagon Row. Police swarmed the area and stopped some possible suspects but so far have not made any arrests.

No one was injured during the incident.

Man Convicted of Taking Unauthorized Topless Photo of Girlfriend

By ARLnow.com

An Arlington man has been found guilty of “unlawful filming,” a Class 1 misdemeanor, after taking an unauthorized topless photo of his now-ex girlfriend while she was sleeping.

A jury sentenced Trevor Frye, 28, to 40 days in the Arlington County jail and a $2,500 fine. A judge is expected to finalize the sentencing at a hearing on Dec. 7.

Frye was acquitted on a separate charge of unlawful entry. He had been accused of entering his ex-girlfriend’s apartment and knocking on her bedroom door in the middle of the night, while intoxicated.

At trial, the victim testified that Frye emailed her the topless photo of herself — sleeping in Frye’s bed — following an argument, according to prosecutors. The photo, which was apparently taken with a cell phone, was presented as evidence at the trial. The victim testified that she had a conversation with Frye, prior to the photo being taken, in which she said she specifically said she didn’t want him to take such photos of herself.

Frye, who is not a lawyer, represented himself at trial, according to Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Josh Katcher, who prosecuted the case.

The case attracted significant attention following an ARLnow.com article in May. Though public interest seemed disproportionate to the nature of the alleged crimes, in a statement issued to ARLnow.com Katcher said there’s a larger lesson to be learned from the case.

[Commonwealth’s Attorney] Theo [Stamos] has made it clear that these cases are not to be taken lightly, especially because one isolated incident of unlawful filming can lead to a lifetime of anxiety. One unauthorized picture on the internet is all it takes. And you have to keep it mind, once it’s out there, there is very little we can do to get it back. The genie is out of the bottle. It’s a bell that can never be unrung.

The victim in this case will spend the rest of her life worrying that the picture Mr. Frye unlawfully took will make it onto the internet. Can you imagine if every time you applied for a job, met a significant other’s family, or made a new friend, you had to worry about them looking you up on the internet and finding a topless picture. I think it was that sentiment that caused the jury to impose 40 days [in jail] and the [maximum] fine.

This is a great result.  It sends a strong signal to the community that this type of behavior won’t be tolerated.

I have a feeling that we will see more prosecutions for this type of crime as social media becomes more intertwined with our lives, especially considering the ease with which a picture can now be snapped and sent via a smart phone.

Katcher credited Arlington County police officer Melinda Wood and detectives James Stone and Dan Gillenwater for helping to make the case against Frye.

“Without their tireless effort, a tough case would have been impossible, and a criminal would have gone free,” he said.

Rash of Car Break-Ins Reported in Clarendon

By ARLnow.com

Clarendon residents are being warned to lock their cars and hide any valuables after a series of vehicle break-ins at local parking garages.

Residents and business owners at the Market Common Clarendon shopping center/apartment complex were told in an email last week that management was increasing security patrols in response to a rash of break-ins.

“Over the past few weeks the parking garage experienced a number of vehicle break ins, and we want you to know that we share in your concern and frustration over these events,” property managers wrote. “Unfortunately, as the Arlington County Police have informed us, our garage is not the only area that has been affected — the entire County has seen an increase in vehicle break-ins.”

Arlington County Police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck could not confirm whether there has, in fact, been a noticeable increase in break-ins, but an email sent yesterday by management at the Residences at Station Square Condo (1201 N. Garfield Street) does point to the break-ins not being isolated to just one parking garage. The email, sent to building residents, confirms reports of thefts in the garage.

“We have had a rash of vehicle break ins in the garage,” the email says. “This has been happening throughout the Clarendon and Arlington area. The cars have been damaged during the break in, and small items have been stolen from the vehicle. To prevent this from happening in the future please remove all items from sight. Please remove any and all items in your parking space. Please use extra caution until the individual or individuals are apprehended.”

Last week police were dispatched to the garage for reports of incidents where a car window was busted in and loose change was taken, and where a convertible roof was cut open and a GPS navigation system taken.

Residents of both Clarendon buildings were sent an Arlington Police flyer (pictured) that advises them to always lock car doors, keep windows rolled up, and lock valuables in the trunk. Sternbeck reiterated that message in a discussion with ARLnow.com.

“It’s the responsibility of residents and visitors to lock their vehicle and not leave valuables in plain sight,” said Sternbeck, who also noted that “larceny from auto” is a common crime that occurs every day in Arlington County.

Management at the Residences at Station Square said they were “taking preventative measures from this happening in the future.” Among the actions being taken at Market Common Clarendon were expanded private security patrols, a private duty Arlington County police officer on patrol during overnight hours, and coordination with ACPD beat officers and crime prevention specialists.

ACPD to Hold Community Crime Forums

By Katie Pyzyk

The Arlington County Police Department is inviting residents to attend a series of community forums to address crime trends throughout the county.

In addition to looking at trends, part of the discussions will examine recent incidents of violent crimes. Residents will be able to ask questions and voice concerns about crime throughout Arlington as a whole, and localized crime in each neighborhood.

District commanders and officers from each of the three districts’ community policing teams will be on hand to present information and answer questions. Police Chief M. Douglas Scott and Deputy Chief Michael Dunne will also attend the forums.

The meetings will take place on the following dates:

  • District One – October 17, 2012, 7:00 p.m. at Madison Community Center, 3829 N. Stafford Street, Room 6
  • District Two (South) – October 24, 2012, 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 830 S. 23rd Street
  • District Two (North) – November 1, 2012, 7:00 p.m. at Key Elementary School, 2300 Key Blvd, multi-purpose room
  • District Three – October 25, 2012, 7:00 p.m. at Arlington Career Center, 816 S. Walter Reed Drive

There is an online list naming each of the county’s neighborhoods which police districts they fall into. For additional questions, contact the appropriate district commander listed below:

Police Investigating Armed Robbery Near Ballston

By ARLnow.com

Police are on the scene of a reported armed robbery just south of Ballston.

The incident happened just after 2:30 p.m. According to initial reports, two young men in their 20s, dressed in all black, stole a cell phone from a victim near the intersection of Glebe Road and 4th Street N. One of the men brandished a handgun during the robbery, while the other implied a weapon.

Nobody was injured during the robbery. Police are searching the area for the suspects.

Exchange Student Host Dad Not Yet Facing Charges

By Katie Pyzyk

The exchange student who accused her host father of taking nude pictures of her isn’t pressing charges, at least for now.

According to Arlington County Police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck, the girl was simply focused on getting back to her home in Germany, and has not wanted police involvement thus far. However, the possibility of her pressing charges remains, we’re told, and police continue to be in contact with her.

Police say the girl had been staying with a family in the Donaldson Run neighborhood before discovering nude photos of herself on her host father’s USB drive last month. ACPD declined to release extensive details about the case due to the girl being a juvenile and the police investigation continuing.

ARLnow.com has learned that the girl came to Arlington through the Program of Academic Exchange (PAX), which is a State Department-designated agency. PAX did not return our calls, but State Department Director of Media Relations Susan Pittman confirmed the agency’s involvement. She declined to provide any more information due to the ongoing investigation.

The State Department oversees the issuing of J-1 visas, which cover exchange students and workers. It vets certain organizations and designates them as sponsors for exchange programs. Participants in exchange programs must be sponsored in order to enter the country.

Should an exchange program participant come forward with something “untoward” happening during their stay in the U.S., the sponsor agency is required to immediately report the incident to the State Department. Because the State Department itself is not an enforcement agency, cases are often turned over to the Department of Homeland Security for investigation.

“We look over to make sure these people are actually enforcing the regulations that are there. If they’re not, it will be sent to the proper law enforcement authorities,” Pittman said. “We then make sure the participant is put into a safer environment. Safety is our overriding concern in all of this.”

While the State Department does not rate sponsors, designation indicates that the agency is compliant with all regulations and is in good standing. Pittman said should action need to be taken against offending organizations, there are different levels of sanctioning. However, investigations often indicate unfortunate situations can occur even when an agency closely follows all regulations and properly screens host families.

“While certainly there are some reports of some acts that may impinge upon the safety of the participant, it may not be the fault of anybody at the agency, it may have just happened,” Pittman said. “The number of incidents is really low compared to the number of people who come through.”

Last year, there were two State Department-designated agencies that brought 541 secondary school exchange students to Virginia. Pittman did not have information on how many incidents occurred last year, if any, requiring an investigation. She did say the number is consistently low and the State Department works to prevent and eradicate threats to safety.

“We are committed to identifying and eliminating potential threats and dangerous situations for students, and any participants, visiting the United States,” said Pittman. “Although the vast majority of the participants have positive experiences, even one negative experience is one too many. We work diligently and continuously to address all concerns and to ensure every participant in our exchange program has a safe and positive experience.”

Police: Would-Be Rapist Stopped By Alert Officer

By ARLnow.com

(Updated at 12:20 p.m. on 12/23/21) Arlington County Police say one of their officers stopped an attempted rape in progress near Drew Model Elementary School in Nauck last night.

The incident happened just before 11:00 yesterday (Monday) night. The officer was walking in the Nauck neighborhood when he heard a woman screaming for help. Using a flashlight, the officer located a man with his pants unbuttoned, attempting to rape a female victim in a wooded area on the 3500 block of 23rd Street S., in the area of the school and the Drew Community Center, according to police.

Dumfries, Va. resident Kenneth [redacted], 34, was arrested and charged with attempted rape. He’s being held without bond.

According to Arlington County Police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck, [redacted] met the woman at a nearby bus stop, asked her for a cigarette, and started talking to her, before throwing her to the ground and attempting to rape her. The woman had a “busted lip” but did not require medical treatment, Sternbeck said.

Collision Involving ACPD Cruiser in Pentagon City

By ARLnow.com

An Arlington County Police cruiser slammed into a vehicle in Pentagon City while responding to a call this (Sunday) afternoon.

The incident happened around 3:30 p.m. The officer was heading westbound on Army Navy Drive, responding to a large fight in progress at the Sheraton National hotel (900 S. Orme Street), when a Saab pulled out in front of him from a Pentagon parking lot. Multiple witnesses told ARLnow.com that the cruiser had its lights and siren on, while the driver of the Saab had a green light. One witness said he was in his car with the windows up and could not hear the siren.

The cruiser and the Saab collided, sending the Saab careening into the eastbound lanes of Army Navy Drive. The cruiser wound up in the center of the intersection, facing an entrance to the Pentagon City mall parking garage.

Paramedics treated the female driver of the Saab at the scene for an apparent ankle injury. The officer did not require medical attention.

Eastbound Army Navy Drive was closed for at least an hour while police photographed the scene and took witness statements. No word yet whether any charges will be filed as a result of the accident.

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UPDATED: Police Investigate Critical Pedestrian Accident in Clarendon

By ARLnow.com

(Updated at 11:35 a.m.) Arlington County Police are investigating a serious pedestrian accident on a busy street in the center of Clarendon.

An adult male was struck by a Honda Civic coupe heading eastbound on Clarendon Blvd, near the intersection with N. Highland Street, around 12:30 a.m., according to initial reports. The man suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported via ambulance to George Washington University Hospital.

Police shut down Clarendon Blvd from Washington Blvd to N. Garfield Street while detectives investigated the accident. Crowds of Clarendon bar-goers peered from behind yellow police tape at the bloody evidence marked at the scene, including the victim’s shoes, pants and shirt.

The driver of the Honda, identified by police as 22-year-old Tyler Bruce Wills of Bowie, Md., was arrested on scene and charged with DUI and DUI Maiming. He’s currently being held without bond. Charges against Wills may change depending on the status of the victim, said Arlington County Police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck.

The victim, a 27-year-old man from Collinsville, Va., has been undergoing surgeries and remains in critical condition, according to Sternbeck. The victim suffered a fractured skull, two broken legs, a broken arm, numerous lacerations to his body, and a big laceration to his face. A friend was with the victim at the time of the accident and was able to notify his family, Sternbeck said.

Unconfirmed witness accounts suggested the victim was crossing just outside the crosswalk and was struck by the car, which was traveling through the intersection at what was described as a relatively high rate of speed. The victim flew through the air and came to rest, motionless, on the pavement, a witness said.

As of 2:15 a.m., a police accident reconstruction team was taking photos and using measurement devices to piece together a more definitive account of how the accident happened.

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