police

Alleged pickleball masturbator nabbed after Columbia Pike peeping incident

By ARLnow.com
File photo

A man whose stroke on the pickleball court was most unwelcome has allegedly been identified and arrested.

Police say a 49-year-old Arlington resident was taken into custody Monday after a peeping incident along Columbia Pike Friday night.

Just before 7 p.m. Friday, according to Arlington County police, the man was spotted masturbating while peeping into a business on the 1000 block of S. Edgewood Street. A source tells ARLnow that the business was a boxing gym.

Police were only told about the incident the next day, but a “review of evidence in the case” led them to the suspect, who was then also linked to a public masturbation incident on the morning of May 3 at the Walter Reed Community Center pickleball courts.

ARLnow previously reported about a pair of masturbation incidents at the Walter Reed courts in April. A police press release makes no reference to those incidents.

The suspect is currently being held in jail on two counts of public masturbation and one count of peeping, according to police.

More, below, from the ACPD press release.

The Arlington County Police Department’s Patrol Section is announcing the arrest of a suspect following investigations into exposure incidents. Alexei Rodriguez, 49, of Arlington, VA is charged with Public Masturbation (x2) and Peeping. He is being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.

At approximately 1:45 p.m. on November 4, police were dispatched to the 1000 block of S. Edgewood Street for the late report of a peeping. Upon arrival, it was determined at approximately 6:55 p.m. on November 3, the occupants of an open business allegedly observed the suspect peeping through a window and masturbating before leaving the scene on foot. Following the review of evidence in the case, officers identified the suspect and obtained warrants for his arrest. He was taken into custody on the morning of November 6.

As a result of the ongoing criminal investigation, officers identified Mr. Rodriguez as the suspect in an exposure incident from May and obtained an additional arrest warrant. At approximately 10:44 a.m. on May 3, a patrol officer was contacted by a community member regarding a male suspect allegedly observed masturbating by the courts of the Walter Reed Community Center located at 2909 16th Street S.

Crime prevention and control is a key initiative of the Arlington County Police Department and officers are committed to conducting active patrols throughout Arlington and comprehensive follow-up investigations to identify, deter and prevent criminal activity. Community members observing in-progress criminal activity should report information immediately for police investigation by calling the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.

ACPD: Man with gun robbed the Courthouse CVS last night

By ARLnow.com
File photo

Arlington County police are investigating a brazen armed robbery just a couple of blocks from their headquarters.

The CVS at 2121 15th Street N., next to the Courthouse Metro entrance, was robbed around 7:50 p.m. Thursday by a man armed with a gun.

The initial police dispatch said he pointed the gun at staff. Today’s ACPD crime report says he demanded money and fled with cash.

Despite a search of the area and local Metro stations, the man — said to be a notably diminutive 5’3″ tall — was not found.

More from the crime report:

ROBBERY, 2023-11020222, 2100 block of 15th Street N. At approximately 7:52 p.m. on November 2, police were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery. The preliminary investigation indicates the suspect entered the business, approached the counter, brandished a firearm and demanded money before leaving the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash. A lookout for the suspect was broadcast and officers canvassed the area yielding negative results. No injuries were reported. The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 5’3” tall and wearing a black hat, black jacket and blue pants. The investigation is ongoing.

Arlington man charged after alleged gunfire following delivery dispute

By ARLnow.com
Police cars (file photo)

The reported gunfire that sent an elementary school into lockdown last week stemmed from a resident’s dispute with a delivery driver.

That’s according to Arlington County police, which provided an update to the Friday afternoon incident yesterday evening.

The suspect in the case was identified as a 19-year-old Arlington man.

While multiple people reported hearing several gunshots, according to scanner traffic, police say no damage was found and no one was hurt.

More, below, from an ACPD press release.

The Arlington County Police Department is announcing the arrest of a suspect following a shots fired incident in the Fairlington neighborhood on the afternoon of October 27, 2023. Ahaan Kale, 19, of Arlington, VA is charged with Attempted Malicious Wounding and Reckless Handling of a Firearm. He is being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.

At approximately 12:20 p.m., police were dispatched to the 3500 block of S. Stafford Street for the report of shots fired. Responding officers established a perimeter and canvassed the area for the suspect. He was taken into custody when the vehicle he fled in returned to the scene.

The preliminary investigation indicates the male victim was delivering food when he encountered the suspect outside the residential building and a verbal dispute ensued. The victim then completed his delivery and, as he was driving away, the suspect ran towards his vehicle, brandished what the victim believed to be a firearm and discharged several rounds. No injuries or property damage were reported.

This incident remains an active criminal investigation and anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s tip line at 703-228-4180 or [email protected]. Information may also be provided anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS.

Arlington authorities warn of ‘currently circulating’ phone scam

By ARLnow.com
An iPhone (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

It’s an older phone scam, but it’s still active and is currently targeting Arlington residents.

The police department and the Sheriff’s Office are “warning the community about a common and reoccurring nationwide telephone scam currently circulating in Arlington.”

The jury duty scam tries to convince the person answering the call that they’re in trouble with the law.

“Several community members have reported receiving voicemail messages from an individual claiming to be a Lieutenant with the Sheriff’s Office wanting to discuss an urgent legal matter,” ACPD said Tuesday morning.

More from a press release:

In these types of scams, callers will pose as local law enforcement and contact victims accusing them of failing to appear for jury duty and stating a warrant for their arrest will be issued unless a fine is paid. Payment is often requested in the form of gift cards and the scammer will ask the victim to provide the gift card numbers over the phone.

As a reminder, the Arlington County Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office will never call to solicit funds or collect fines over the phone. Additionally, juror summonses are sent through the mail and communication through other mediums should be considered suspicious.

Be aware that scammers may spoof, a process of deliberately falsifying the information transmitted to your caller ID display, phone numbers of law enforcement or government agencies in an effort to disguise their identity and appear legitimate. If you receive a call of this nature, immediately hang up with the caller and verify the claim by calling the law enforcement agency directly. Never use a phone number provided to you from the caller to verify their credibility. To verify information regarding law enforcement in Arlington County, contact the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222.

For additional financial crimes information, visit our website. If you were the target or victim of a scam in Arlington County, please file an online police report.

NOW: Old Dominion Drive blocked by crash

By ARLnow.com
1/2

Part of Old Dominion Drive is blocked in both directions in the Rock Spring neighborhood due to a crash.

The crash was first reported around 3 p.m. It happened near the intersection with N. Dickerson Street, west of Williamsburg Blvd and east of the Fairfax County border.

Two vehicles — reportedly a Jeep and a BMW — suffered heavy front-end damage. A third vehicle, a Tesla, was also reported to have been involved in the crash but did not appear to have significant damage.

No serious injuries have been reported. It is unclear how long it will take for the road to reopen.

The crash happened about a block away from the 2022 crash that killed a Washington-Liberty High School student.

Weekend crime: A carjacking, a malicious wounding and an assault on police

By ARLnow.com
Police car speeding to a call at night (staff photo)

While many enjoyed pre-Halloween revelry this weekend, Arlington County police were kept busy with a variety of mayhem.

Several of the notable incidents happened early Saturday morning.

Just before 1 a.m., officers responded to a carjacking in Crystal City, in which a man is alleged to have forcibly stolen a car and a phone from a woman he knows.

From today’s APCD crime report:

CARJACKING, 2023-10280018, 23rd Street S. at S. Eads Street. At approximately 12:48 a.m. on October 28, police were dispatched to the report of a dispute. Upon arrival, it was determined the female victim and male suspect, who are known to each other, were inside the victim’s vehicle when they became involved in a verbal dispute, during which the suspect stole the victim’s phone. The suspect then threatened the victim and demanded the keys to her vehicle. The suspect took possession of the keys and the victim exited the vehicle. The suspect subsequently fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle. No injuries were reported. Warrants for the suspect were obtained for Carjacking and Petit Larceny.

This is at least the 17th reported carjacking in Arlington so far this year, three more than the 2022 total of 14.

About an hour later, police responded to a bar in Clarendon for a 24-year-old D.C. woman who allegedly assaulted a bouncer.

After the bouncer declined to prosecute, the still-agitated suspect is alleged to have spit on a female officer. She was then arrested on the charge of Assault on Police.

ASSAULT ON POLICE, 2023-10280034, 3100 block of Wilson Boulevard. At approximately 1:43 a.m. on October 28, police were dispatched to the report of disorderly conduct. Upon arrival, it was determined the female suspect was acting disorderly inside an establishment and asked to leave by security personnel. The suspect refused and allegedly assaulted the security personnel. A deputy working the Nightlife detail intervened and the suspect remained combative. Responding officers detained the suspect during which, she kicked one of them. The victim did not wish to prosecute for the assault and officers banned the suspect from the property. The suspect then reapproached an officer and spat on her. [The suspect], 24, of Washington, DC, was arrested and charged with Assault on Police.

About an hour after that, a hit-and-run dispatch led to the discovery of a man suffering a serious laceration and a car chase of the suspect in both crimes.

The suspect, a 24-year-old Arlington man, was finally taken into custody in the Columbia Forest neighborhood and now faces a slew of charges.

MALICIOUS WOUNDING, 2023-10280046, 600 block of S. Carlin Springs Road. At approximately 2:52 a.m. on October 28, police were dispatched to the report of a hit and run which was later determined to have occurred in Fairfax County, VA. Upon arrival, it was determined the reporting party, who is the owner of the vehicle struck in the hit and run, followed the suspect vehicle into Arlington and observed the male suspect stop in the 600 block of S. Carlin Springs Road and remove an individual from the vehicle before fleeing the area. Responding officers located the individual, an adult male, suffering from a laceration and immediately rendered aid before being transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. A lookout for the suspect vehicle was broadcast and an officer observed the vehicle traveling in the wrong direction and initiated a traffic stop. The suspect disregarded the officer’s emergency equipment and fled the area. Following a vehicle pursuit, the suspect vehicle came to a stop in the 5100 block of 10th Place S., during which the suspect exited and fled the scene on foot. Following a foot pursuit, the suspect was taken into custody without incident and determined to allegedly be under the influence. The preliminary investigation indicates the victim and the known suspect were in a residence in the 1000 block of S. Frederick Street when they became involved in a verbal dispute that escalated to a physical altercation during which the victim suffered the injury. [The suspect], 24, of Arlington, Va. was arrested and charged with Malicious Wounding, Eluding, Driving Under the Influence, Obstruction of Justice and Driving Under the Influence on a Suspended License. He was held without bond.

JUST IN: Police investigating apartment break-in and rape in Rosslyn

By ARLnow.com
File photo

A man broke into a woman’s apartment in Rosslyn early this morning and raped her, Arlington County police say.

The incident happened around midnight on the 1500 block of Clarendon Blvd.

More, below, from an ACPD press release.

The Arlington County Police Department is investigating a rape which occurred in the Radnor/Ft. Myer Heights neighborhood during the early morning hours of October 29.

At approximately 12:19 a.m., police were dispatched to the 1500 block of Clarendon Boulevard for the report of a rape. The preliminary investigation indicates the unknown male suspect gained entry to the victim’s residence, entered her bedroom and threatened her. The suspect then raped the victim before fleeing the residence on foot.

The suspect is described as a tall, Black male with a skinny build and shorter, curly hair.

This remains an active criminal investigation and anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Detective McGuire at 703-228-4173 or [email protected]. Information may also be provided anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). For additional community resources and contact information, visit our website.

This incident follows an apartment break-in and sexual assault in the Virginia Square neighborhood in April.

JUST IN: Suspect in custody after shots fired in Fairlington

By ARLnow.com
Police cars (file photo)

A suspect has been taken into custody after reportedly firing gunshots in the Fairlington neighborhood.

The incident started around 12:15 p.m. on the 3500 block of S. Stafford Street. Initial reports suggest that a local resident armed with a pistol fired several gunshots, potentially at a vehicle, before driving off.

The circumstances around the gunfire are unclear but it might have been preceded by some sort of dispute.

The Arlington County Police Department said shortly before 1:30 p.m. that a suspect was in custody. No injuries were reported.

Abingdon Elementary School was locked down during the incident, according to scanner traffic. The Fairlington Community Center was also alerted about the gunshots.

Here’s where ACPD is planning targeted traffic enforcement this fall

By ARLnow.com
Police officer talks with a driver during high-visibility enforcement along Little Falls Road (via ACPD)

We’re less than two weeks away from the ending of Daylight Saving Time, which means a renewed focus on road safety in the D.C. area.

Clocks will “fall back” an hour on Sunday, Nov. 5. Ahead of that, the Arlington County Police Department will be joining law enforcement across the region in kicking off the annual fall Street Smart campaign.

ACPD is planning targeted traffic enforcement events, starting this coming Thursday, at the following locations during the four-week campaign.

  • Thursday, Oct. 26 from 4-5 p.m. — 2000 to 2400 block of S. Glebe Road (Green Valley neighborhood)
  • Thursday, Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to noon – 23rd Street S. and Arlington Ridge Road (Arlington Ridge neighborhood)
  • Monday, Nov. 6 from 4-5 p.m. – Wilson Boulevard and Clarendon Boulevard at N. Veitch Street (Courthouse neighborhood)
  • Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 4-5 p.m. – Four Mile Run Drive at S. Walter Reed Drive (Green Valley / Shirlington area)

More, below, from an ACPD press release.

Waning daylight hours and the end of Daylight Saving Time will bring darker evening commuting and reduced visibility. To ensure the safety of all travelers on our roadways, the Arlington County Police Department and law enforcement agencies throughout the region will take part in the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s Fall Street Smart Campaign from October 25 – November 19. The Street Smart campaign aims to identify and change unsafe behavior patterns amongst motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists, with the goal of reducing the number of traffic related collisions and injuries on our roadways.

No matter how you travel, remember to share our roadways and always be a P.A.L. – predicable, alert and lawful.

Drivers are reminded to:

  • slow down, drive the speed limit and obey all posted traffic signs and signals.
  • remain alert for pedestrians and bicyclists.
  • stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
  • use caution when passing buses or stopped vehicles.
  • watch for pedestrians and bicyclists when turning.
  • allow for at least 3 feet when passing bicyclists.
  • avoid using your cell phone and never text while driving. Holding a hand-held communication device while driving is illegal in Virginia.

Pedestrians are reminded to:

  • cross the street at the corner and use marked crosswalks when they are available.
  • use pushbuttons when available and wait for the walk signal to cross the street.
  • look both ways before crossing.
  • remain visible, especially after dark and in bad weather, by wearing light colored or reflective clothing.
  • watch for blind spots around trucks and buses.
  • avoid using devices that distract you, such as cell phones, while crossing the street.

Bicyclists and shared mobility device operators are reminded to:

  • ride in the same direction as traffic.
  • use hand signals to communicate your intentions with others.
  • wear a helmet, which is required for all bicycle riders 14 years of age and younger and recommended for all other riders. (Arlington County Code 14.2-64.)
  • keep your eyes on the road and avoid the use of devices that may distract you.
  • remain visible, especially after dark and in bad weather, by wearing light colored or reflective clothing.
  • use headlights and taillights, especially when riding between sunset and sunrise.

Police investigating armed robberies in Crystal City and Lyon Park

By ARLnow.com
Police car at night (file photo courtesy Kevin Wolf)

Arlington County police are investigating a pair of armed robberies over the weekend.

One happened Friday night in the Crystal City area, about a block from the Metro station, while the other happened early Sunday morning in Lyon Park.

From the latest ACPD crime report:

ROBBERY, 2023-10210255, 500 block of 18th Street S. At approximately 10:17 p.m. on October 21, police were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined the victims were walking in the area when they were approached by the two unknown male suspects during which the suspects brandished a firearm and demanded their belongings. The suspects stole one victim’s purse before fleeing the scene on foot. A lookout was broadcast and officers canvassed the area for the suspects yielding negative results.  During the course of the investigation, the victim’s belongings were recovered in the area. Suspect One is described as a skinny-build Black male, approximately 5’8” with short dreadlocks wearing all dark clothing. Suspect Two is described as a heavy-set Black male, approximately 5’8” wearing a ski mask and dark clothing. No injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing.

ROBBERY, 2023-10220053, N. Barton Street at 9th Street N. At approximately 4:40 a.m. on October 22, police were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined the male victim was walking in the area when four unknown male suspects exited the suspect vehicle, two suspects brandished firearms and demanded the victim’s belongings. The suspects stole the victim’s cellphone, wallet and keys before reentering the suspect vehicle and fleeing the area. No injuries were reported.

Also in the crime report, a 37-year-old Arlington woman has been arrested after allegedly slashing a man with a knife during a dispute.

The incident happened Saturday night in the Glencarlyn neighborhood. Police say the man suffered serious injuries.

MALICIOUS WOUNDING, 2023-10210197, 300 block of S. Illinois Street. At approximately 7:07 p.m. on October 21, police were dispatched to the report of an assault with a weapon. Upon arrival, it was determined the male victim and female suspect were involved in a verbal dispute during which the suspect allegedly brandished a knife and struck the victim, causing a laceration. Responding officers located the suspect and victim in the area of 5th Road S. and S. Kensington Street and immediately rendered medical aid to the victim. Medics transported the victim to an area hospital with serious, non-life threatening injuries. [The suspect], 37, of Arlington, Va. was arrested and charged with Malicious Wounding.

Additionally, police are investigating gunshots early Monday morning in the Green Valley neighborhood. One local resident had a bullet go through the window of their home.

MISSILE INTO AN OCCUPIED DWELLING, 2023-10230013, 2200 block of S. Garfield Street. At approximately 12:50 a.m. on October 23, police were dispatched to the report of a shots heard. Upon arrival, it was determined at approximately 12:30 a.m., the victim was inside his residence when he was awoken to noise and upon further investigation, observed a broken window with an apparent bullet hole. Responding officers canvassed the area, recovered evidence confirming shots had been fired in the area and located a vehicle with property damage. No injuries were reported. There is no suspect description. The investigation is ongoing.

Man carjacked of BMW by gun-toting suspects along Columbia Pike

By ARLnow.com
File photo

Arlington County police are investigating an armed carjacking over the weekend.

It happened shortly after 11 p.m. on Friday, on the 5500 block of Columbia Pike, near the Fairfax County line.

The vehicle taken was a BMW, according to scanner traffic and as noted by local public safety watcher Alan Henney. The car was later found nearby and recovered, according to police.

“The male victim was walking to his parked vehicle when he observed the two male suspects in the parking lot,” said today’s ACPD crime report. “The victim then entered his vehicle during which the suspects approached, brandished a firearm and demanded the victim’s belongings. The victim exited his vehicle and the suspects entered and fled the scene.”

“During the course of the investigation, the victim’s vehicle was located unoccupied in the area,” the crime report continues. “The investigation is ongoing.”

By ARLnow’s count, this is at least the 16th carjacking in Arlington so far this year. At least half of those carjackings have been of BMWs. ACPD reported 14 total carjackings for all of 2022.

View More Stories