Scene of attempted bank robbery at 4075 Wilson Blvd (staff photo)
Scene of attempted bank robbery at 4075 Wilson Blvd (staff photo)
Scene scene tape in front of attempted bank robbery at 4075 Wilson Blvd (staff photo)
The Bank of America in Ballston was robbed (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
The Bank of America in Ballston was robbed (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
The Bank of America in Ballston was robbed (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
(Updated at 3:30 p.m.) Expect significant police activity in the Ballston area following a pair of bank robberies.
The Citizens Bank at 4075 Wilson Blvd was the scene of an attempted robbery shortly after 2 p.m. The suspect ran off without cash after hopping the counter, per initial reports.
About 10-15 minutes later, a suspect matching the same description as the first successfully robbed the Bank of America directly in front of the Ballston Metro station.
The suspect remains at large and police are actively searching for him. Metro train traffic may also be disrupted as a result of the investigation.
So far no injuries have been reported. The man reportedly implied a weapon but none was seen.
The suspect is described as a short, middle aged Black male wearing a gray sweatsuit and carrying a plastic bag. The description differs from that of the taller, still-at-large suspect accused of robbing the Truist bank in Ballston last week.
Officers reportedly detained at least one or two people in the area matching the description of today’s robbery suspect, though it’s unclear whether either was determined to be the suspect.
Prior to last week, the last reported bank robbery in Arlington was in 2019.
POLICE ACTIVITY: No injuries have been reported. Preliminary investigation indicates a weapon was implied but not seen or displayed. Expect continued police presence in the area as the investigation continues.
Ballston bank robbery suspect (photo courtesy ACPD)
Ballston bank robbery suspect (photo courtesy ACPD)
Ballston bank robbery suspect (photo courtesy ACPD)
Police on scene of robbery at the Truist bank in Ballston (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Police on scene of robbery at the Truist bank in Ballston in May (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Police on scene of robbery at the Truist bank in Ballston (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Arlington County police have released photos of the man they say robbed a bank in Ballston last week.
The photos show a man wearing a surgical mask and a hoodie, inside the Truist bank at 920 N. Taylor Street. Police say he passed a note to a teller implying that he had a weapon, then made off with cash.
No one was hurt.
Police are now hoping that the public can help them identify and find the suspect, who successfully fled the scene after the robbery.
More from an ACPD press release, below.
The Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit is seeking the public’s assistance identifying a bank robbery suspect captured on surveillance footage.
At approximately 1:58 p.m. on May 2, police were dispatched to the report of a robbery by force in the 900 block of N. Taylor Street. Upon arrival, it was determined the suspect entered a bank and passed a note to the teller demanding money and implying he had a weapon. He then fled the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. No weapon was seen or displayed and no injuries were reported.
The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 6’02” tall with a heavy set. He was wearing a black hoodie, dark pants, black hat and sunglasses at the time of the incident.
Anyone with information that may assist with the investigation or who can identify the suspect is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit at 703-228-4180 or [email protected]. Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
Knives found in a passenger’s carry-on bag at Reagan National Airport (photo courtesy Transportation Security Administration)
Knives found in a passenger’s carry-on bag at Reagan National Airport (photo courtesy Transportation Security Administration)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)
Bringing a large stash of knives to the airport probably wasn’t the sharpest idea, in retrospect.
An Alexandria man received a citation yesterday (May 4) after federal authorities say he tried to bring 22 knives and a pair of brass knuckles through security at Reagan National Airport.
The knife collection allegedly found in the man’s carry-on bag included scalpels, long-blade knives, throwing knives, a dagger and a switchblade.
The Transportation Security Administration said the weapons were flagged via X-ray at a security checkpoint.
“TSA would have had no issue had all 23 of these items been packed in a checked bag, but passengers certainly cannot carry these types of weapons into the cabin of an aircraft,” the agency noted.
The full TSA press release is below.
An Alexandria, Va., man was cited by police after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers unloaded a stash of 23 prohibited items from the man’s carry-on bag at one of the security checkpoints at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) yesterday, Wednesday, May 4. Twenty-three items were knives including scalpels and martial arts throwing knives.
Among the items that were pulled from the carry-on bag were:
Nine disposable scalpels
Eight folding locking-blade knives
Three martial arts throwing knives
One dagger
One switchblade
One pair of brass knuckles
The TSA officers located the weapons when the man’s carry-on bag entered the security checkpoint’s X-ray machine. The bag was pulled for a search and the weapons stash of weapons was removed. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police were alerted and responded to the checkpoint and issued the man a citation.
TSA would have had no issue had all 23 of these items been packed in a checked bag, but passengers certainly cannot carry these types of weapons into the cabin of an aircraft. He should have downloaded the myTSA app, so he could easily have used the “Can I bring?” feature, which would have advised him to pack the items in a checked bag. That would have sharpened his knowledge as to what can and cannot go into a carry-on bag.
“When passengers have prohibited items among their carry-on items, it slows down the screening process,” said John Busch, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “Travelers play a role in the efficiency of checkpoint screening by knowing what should and should not be packed in a carry-on bag. In addition to the myTSA app, travelers can tweet a question to @AskTSA, send a question to our social media team through Facebook Messenger, or go to our web site, www.tsa.gov, and in the upper right-hand corner of the homepage is the handy ‘Can I bring?’ feature that enables you to type in the name of an item to learn where it should be packed,” he said.
“Even in the sometimes chaotic environment of the screening checkpoints, the TSA officers at our airport do an amazing job every day by keeping dangerous items out of the aircraft cabin,” Busch said. “It’s important to acknowledge them and the significance of their mission.”
Police Week motorcade in Crystal City on Oct. 12, 2021 (Photo courtesy Ryan Radford)
Next week marks the start of National Police Week in D.C. and Arlington can expect plenty of motorcades and busy hotels as a result.
The annual week-long event was last held in October, after being delayed due to the pandemic. It’s now back to its usual timeslot in the spring and may be a particularly large event this year.
“Police Week this year is going to be huge,” a tipster tells ARLnow. “After not having in 20 or 21 and an abbreviated one in Fall of 21 and a large number of Covid deaths, there will be huge participation.”
“Several Arlington hotels are base camps for the families,” the person noted.
Police Week is scheduled from Wednesday, May 11 through Tuesday, May 17. Most of the scheduled activities will take place Thursday through Sunday, though the arrival of families of fallen officers on Wednesday and Thursday will prompt many of the motorcades and rolling road closures.
Arlington County will hold its own observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day this coming Tuesday. The event, held in Courthouse, is open to the public.
More from an ACPD press release, below.
The Arlington County Police Department and the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office will gather to honor and pay tribute to the memory of the seven law enforcement officers of Arlington County who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our community. This solemn ceremony is held each year ahead of National Police Week which recognizes those law enforcement officers throughout the United States who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others and provides support to their survivors.
Observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day
Members of the public and the media are invited to attend the Observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Date: Tuesday, May 10, 2022
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Location: Arlington County Justice Center Plaza located at 1425 North Courthouse Road
Road Closure: North Courthouse Road will be closed between 14th Street N. and 15th Street N. from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. to accommodate the event.
About National Police Week
In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. It is a dedicated time to honor and remember the officers who have given their lives in the line of duty, and recognize the sacrifices made by the families of those officers. National Police Week occurs each May and will be observed from May 11 – 17, 2022.
Police Week is organized by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Fraternal Order of Police/Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary (FOP/FOPA) and the Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) and supported by law enforcement agencies across the country. The public can expect to see an increase in law enforcement activity in Arlington and the region as police agencies from around the country escort survivors to National Police Week events. An increased presence of police vehicles with activated emergency equipment around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and nearby hotels is anticipated.
Arlington police car at night (file photo courtesy Kevin Wolf)
(Updated at 10:15 a.m.) The neighborhoods around Gunston Middle School have again been the scene of a significant series of thefts from vehicles.
Thieves have repeatedly targeted the residential areas along 28th Street S., which connects the Long Branch Creek and Arlington Ridge neighborhoods, over the past month.
The latest involved the early morning theft of airbags from around 20 Honda vehicles, according to an Arlington County Police Department crime report. Airbag thefts were also reported in the nearby Aurora Hills neighborhood, not far from Crystal City.
LARCENY FROM AUTO (Late) (Series), 2022-04280050/04280074, 1400 block of 28th Street S./600 block of 26th Street S. At approximately 5:47 a.m. on April 28, police were dispatched to the late report of a larceny from auto. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that between approximately 4:49 a.m. on April 27 and 5:36 a.m. on April 28, the unknown suspect(s) forced entry into approximately 20 vehicles, all identified as Honda models, and stole airbags. There is no suspect(s) description. The investigation is ongoing.
It the third such reported theft series in the neighborhood in April. Others include:
Five vehicles were rummaged through after windows were smashed in Long Branch Creek and Arlington Ridge on April 25
At least one catalytic converter theft (out of three reported total) on April 20
Three vehicles were rummaged through after windows were smashed in the Arlington Ridge neighborhood on April 14
In November, sixteen vehicles in Long Branch Creek had their windows smashed in one presumed overnight crime spree.
Asked about the thefts and what specifically is being done in these neighborhoods to prevent additional crime sprees, a police spokeswoman provided some general information.
“Larcenies from auto, including thefts of airbags, catalytic converters, tires and rims, as well as thefts of valuables/keys from unlocked vehicles are recurring local and regional crime trends,” said ACPD’s Ashley Savage. “As time and resources permit, officers conduct extra patrols in the areas of reported incidents.”
“The department’s efforts are enhanced by the active involvement of the community,” she continued. “Community members observing in-progress criminal activity should report for police investigation by contacting the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222 or dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.”
Savage also provided the following prime prevention tips.
Officers continue to share crime prevention information, including information on the 9 P.M. Routine, with community members and organizations in the areas of these incidents.
Additional crime prevention information related to larcenies from auto include:
Close and lock all windows and doors when you park. Pull on the door handle to verify it’s locked.
Park in well-lit areas and activate exterior lights at your home.
Take all valuables out of your vehicle.
Do not leave your keys, key fobs, or valet keys in your vehicle. This includes keys to a secondary vehicle.
Participate in the #9PMRoutine and encourage your family, friends and neighbors to do so too.
A follow up inquiry with Arlington County’s communications staff, with questions specific to the affected neighborhoods, yielded more detail about local outreach efforts.
“The incident summary from the Daily Crime Report and crime prevention tips have been shared by the ACPD Community Engagement Division with all civic association presidents as well as on all areas on Nextdoor,” wrote Bryna Helfer, Assistant County Manager and Director of Communications and Public Engagement. “This includes Long Branch Creek and Arlington Ridge civic associations as well as other areas in the County as [larcenies from auto] have been reported in nearly all neighborhoods across Arlington, typically during the overnight hours and can occur on any day of the week.”
ARLnow has not received a response to questions sent to the email address for the Long Branch Creek Civic Association. The neighborhood association’s Facebook page has been inactive for several years and its Yahoo Groups page appears to have been taken down.
Blooming trees and the dog park at Gateway Park in Rosslyn (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Animal Shelter at Capacity — “Our dog kennels are at capacity (every single kennel is occupied)… but what about your home? That extra seat on your couch sure would be a lot cuter with a furry friend curled up on it.” [Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Fox 5]
Parents Peeved at Teacher Transfer — From an online petition with nearly 500 signatures: “Dr. Sharon Gaston has worked at Taylor Elementary school for 12 years as the lead reading specialist. For the past 11 years she was appointed under 2 different principals as their designee. This past school year she applied to be the principal and unfortunately was passed over. The new principal… is transferring her to a high school. Why? We want answers.” [Change.org]
APS Announces New Principals — “So happy and proud to announce that Ms. Frances Lee has been appointed as the next principal of Ashlawn Elementary! She is currently assistant principal of Escuela Key.” “At the April 28 School Board meeting, the School Board appointed Ms. Bridget Loft as the new Swanson principal. Her appointment is effective May 3.” [Twitter, Arlington Public Schools]
New Japanese Eatery at Mall Food Court — “Sarku Japan… The largest and most successful Japanese Quick Service Restaurant chain in the US is coming! Come celebrate the grand opening of Sarku Japan at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City. Sample their famous signature chicken teriyaki at the food court.” [Twitter]
Arlington Man Sentenced for Bias Attack — “A man from Arlington, Virginia, was found guilty and sentenced Friday for a hate crime attack on two Latino construction workers back in 2019. A judge sentenced Kurt Madsen, 53, to 540 days — nearly a year and a half — in jail, but suspended his term to time served as long as he completes two years of probation. Before his trial, Madsen spent 160 days in jail.” [WTOP, U.S. DOJ]
Police Memorial Ceremony Planned — “The annual Arlington County Peace Officers Memorial Day Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 10 at 8 a.m. at the Arlington County Justice Center, 1425 North Courthouse Road… The public is invited; the event also will be live streamed through the county government’s Facebook page.” [Sun Gazette]
Metro Starting to Buy Electric Buses — “New details of Metro’s Zero-Emission Bus Transition Plan, presented at this week’s meeting of the Board of Directors, outlines how the agency will transition to a zero-emission bus fleet including testing and evaluation, infrastructure and facility upgrades, and procurement efforts.” [WMATA]
It’s Monday — Partly cloudy throughout the day. High of 76 and low of 61. Sunrise at 6:10 am and sunset at 8:03 pm. [Weather.gov]
Raindrops on azaleas in Westover (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Another Vehicle Larceny Series — “28th Street S. at 26th Street S./28th Street S. at S. Lang Street. At approximately 9:05 a.m. on April 25, police were dispatched to multiple reports of destruction of property. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the unknown suspect(s) broke the windows to five vehicles and rummaged through them. One victim reported having electronics stolen from their vehicle. There is no suspect(s) description.” [ACPD]
Update on Route 1 ‘Urban Boulevard’ Plan — “The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will hold a virtual public information meeting Thursday, April 28 on a feasibility study identifying enhanced multimodal connectivity and accommodations along Route 1 (Richmond Highway) from 12th Street South to 23rd Street South to meet the changing transportation needs of the Crystal City and Pentagon City communities.” [VDOT]
More Wins for Yorktown Lax — “The defending state champion Yorktown High School boys lacrosse team improved to 7-2 with blowout victories over Herndon, 15-2, and Dominion, 17-5, for seven straight victories.” [Sun Gazette]
Regional Grant for Ballston Metro Entrance? — From Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services: “A new west entrance to the Ballston-MU Metrorail station is in the running. Let these fine folks know why their greenbacks would be well spent.” [Twitter, N. Va. Transportation Authority]
‘Empty the Shelters’ Event Next Week — “The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is participating in the Bissell Pet Foundation’s spring “Empty the Shelters” animal adoption event next week from May 2-8. More than 275 shelters in 45 states and Canada are participating in the week-long event. The Bissell Pet Foundation sponsors reduced adoption fees for $25 or less.” [Patch]
Warner Weighs in on Musk Buying Twitter — From Sen. Mark Warner: “Elon Musk must work in good faith to preserve Twitter’s necessary reforms to prevent the spread of misinformation.” [Twitter]
It’s Wednesday — Mostly sunny, with a few more clouds in the afternoon. High of 58 and low of 44. Sunrise at 6:16 am and sunset at 7:58 pm. [Weather.gov]
(Updated at 4 p.m.) Two people are in jail in Arlington after police say gunshots were fired from their vehicle in the District.
The arrests happened around 11:45 a.m., along southbound I-395 near S. Glebe Road. The incident started when an off-duty U.S. Park Police officer allegedly saw shots fired from the suspects’ vehicle — reportedly a U-Haul truck — at another vehicle.
“An off duty United States Park Police officer reporting for duty observed a vehicle discharge a firearm at another vehicle in the District of Columbia,” a Park Police spokesperson tells ARLnow. “Both vehicles fled the initial scene. The off duty USPP officer called in the incident to report it to on duty personnel.”
“USPP officers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on southbound 395 in the area of Army Navy Drive,” the spokesperson continued. “The vehicle fled the initial stop before coming to a second stop for officers in the area of southbound 395 prior to Glebe Road. Two individuals were placed under arrest and transported to Arlington County Jail to be presented before a magistrate.”
A gun was found and the investigation is “ongoing,” the spokesperson said.
Arlington County police assisted Park Police during the incident, an ACPD spokeswoman confirmed. Several lanes of I-395 were temporarily blocked while the arrests were made.
LOCATION: SB I-395/Glebe Rd INCIDENT: Police Department Activity IMPACT: The 3 right lanes on SB I-395 are closed just prior to Glebe Rd. Seek alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/scmMyR9yCL
The entrance to the parking garage on 20th St. in Crystal City (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Jogger Robbed Near Rosslyn — “The victim was jogging in the area when the unknown male suspect approached, grabbed her by the arm and pushed her away while attempting to remove her cell phone from her hand. A brief struggle ensued, during which the suspect stole the victim’s cell phone before fleeing the scene in a white sedan. The victim sustained minor injuries and did not require the treatment of medics.” [ACPD]
JBG Announces Carbon Neutrality — “JBG Smith Properties, in its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance report released Friday, said it achieved carbon neutrality across its 16.8 million-square-foot operating portfolio in 2021 as a result of its purchases of carbon offsets and renewable energy credits… More than 50% of the Bethesda-based firm’s holdings are located in Pentagon City, Crystal City and Potomac Yard, the area branded as National Landing.” [Washington Business Journal]
ACPD Motor Officer Is No. 1 — “Over the weekend, members of the Special Operations Section competed in the 2022 NOVA Motor Rodeo. Congratulations to all the participants including ACPD’s Corporal Maxwell who placed 1st in the Individual Slow Ride – Police Category!” [Twitter]
More Dangerous I-395 Driving — From public safety watcher Dave Statter: “This is a new one for #395cam: Driver gets halfway down Rt 110N ramp & decides that’s not where they want to to go. Watch what they do.” [Twitter]
It’s Tuesday — Possible light rain in the afternoon and evening. High of 66 and low of 57. Sunrise at 6:18 am and sunset at 7:57 pm. [Weather.gov]
A police traffic stop in Rosslyn in 2021 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Arlington County police are kicking off the annual spring Street Smart safety campaign tomorrow with targeted traffic enforcement in Rosslyn.
The region-wide road safety campaign “focuses on educating drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists about traffic laws and how to safely share our roadway.” The campaign includes the personal testimonials of crash survivors, including two from Arlington.
The enforcement will start after the 10:30 a.m. media event concludes.
More from an ACPD press release, below.
As part of the Arlington County Police Department’s key initiative of transportation safety, the department is again participating in the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Spring Street Smart campaign. This region-wide public safety campaign, which runs until May 22, 2022, focuses on educating drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists about traffic laws and how to safely share our roadways. Through a two-pronged approach of education and enforcement, the campaign aims to reduce the number of traffic related crashes and injuries on our roadways by identifying and changing unsafe behavior patterns among travelers.
Street Smart Campaign Kickoff
The Spring 2022 Street Smart Campaign Kickoff media event will take place on Tuesday, April 26 at 10:30 a.m. at 1560 Wilson Boulevard. Directly following the event, officers will conduct high-visibility traffic enforcement at the following locations in Rosslyn:
Fort Myer Dr. at Fairfax Dr.
Langston Blvd. at N. Moore St.
Transportation Safety Tips for Travelers
Whether you travel on foot, two wheels or four wheels, share our roadways safely be being a PAL – predictable, alert and lawful.
If you’re driving . . .
Slow down, drive the speed limit and obey all posted traffic signs and signals.
Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
Be careful when passing buses or stopped vehicles.
When turning, yield to people walking and biking.
Look for bicyclists before opening your door.
Allow at least 3 feet when passing bikes.
Avoid using your cell phone and never text while driving.
If you’re walking . . .
Cross the street at the corner and use marked crosswalks when they’re available.
Use the pushbuttons and wait for the walk signal to cross the street.
Watch for turning vehicles.
Look both ways before crossing the street.
Stay visible after dark and in bad weather with light-colored clothing, reflective gear and/or lights.
If you’re biking . . .
Obey posted traffic signs and signals.
Ride in the same direction as traffic.
Communicate your intentions by using hand signals.
Wear a helmet (required for riders 14 years of age or younger, and recommended for all).
Use headlights and taillights, especially when riding between sunset and sunrise.
Construction continues at Ft. Myer Drive and Langston Blvd in Rosslyn (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
School Bus Driver Shortage — From an Arlington Public Schools email to families: “Due to a shortage of bus drivers, APS will not be able to operate late buses this afternoon, Fri, April 22, or Mon, April 25. Transportation will not be provided for any scheduled late activities at schools today or Monday. Any scheduled athletic events with approved transportation prior to this announcement will take place as scheduled. APS will resume late bus service on Tue, April 26. We apologize for the inconvenience.” [Twitter]
Water Rescue Call Near Chain Bridge — “Water Rescue – #DCsBravest responded for the report of a person in the water in the vicinity of Chain Bridge Road NW. Upon arrival, adult male already safely removed to shore on VA side and is being transported by @dcfireems
with non-serious/non-life threatening injuries.” [Twitter]
PD, FD Help Make Birthday Special — From the Arlington County Police Department: “Happy Birthday, Sarah Elizabeth! Corporal Smithgall first met Sarah Elizabeth while working as a School Resource Officer and has maintained a relationship with her and her family ever since. When he heard she was celebrating a birthday, he enlisted the help of his patrol squad members and Arlington County Fire Department to make it special with a birthday parade, cake and balloons!” [Facebook, Twitter]
Homelessness Org Needs Bedding — “We have moved clients into permanent housing; please help us make it feel like a HOME. We need six bedding bundles.” [Twitter]
It’s Monday — Mostly cloudy throughout the day. High of 75 and low of 54. Sunrise at 6:19 am and sunset at 7:56 pm. [Weather.gov]
