Police responding to a telephone threat against The Children’s School (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Map showing approximate location of shooting (via Google Maps)
Police on scene of possible shooting (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Police on scene of possible shooting (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Police on scene of possible shooting (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Police on scene of possible shooting (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
(Updated at 11:20 p.m.) Arlington County police are investigating a possible shooting in the Ashton Heights neighborhood near Ballston.
The investigation seems to be centered around the intersection of N. Piedmont Street and 5th Street N., about two blocks from Mosaic Park to the north and the Buckingham Center shopping strip to the south.
The gunfire happened around 3:45 p.m. Multiple people called 911 to report hearing 2-3 shots fired and seeing an SUV fleeing from the scene, along with a man fleeing on foot, according to scanner traffic.
So far no injuries have been reported, but officers say they found some broken glass, potentially from the SUV’s back window.
POLICE ACTIVITY: At approximately 3:45 p.m., police were dispatched to the 500 block of N. Piedmont Street for the report of shots fired. No injuries have been reported. Expect continued police presence in the area. pic.twitter.com/6Dzr59rnIW
Two people were arrested along Columbia Pike today after a man was shot to death Saturday morning a few blocks away.
Arlington County police say a 46-year-old woman has been charged with murder and a 48-year-old man was charged with conspiracy to commit murder in connection to the death of 45-year-old D.C. resident Reginald Scott, who was found dead in a parked car.
The suspects were arrested Sunday morning at a bus stop at Columbia Pike and S. Quincy Street. Witnesses described to ARLnow a “heavy police presence and crime scene tape” across a two-block stretch of the Pike after the arrests.
Scott was found dead about four blocks, shortly before 8 a.m. Saturday, inside a car that was parked in a business parking lot on the 3600 block of the Pike.
The preliminary investigation into the suspicious death indicates the victim, Reginald Scott, 45, of Washington D.C., suffered an apparent gunshot wound. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death. This incident is being investigated as a homicide.
During the course of the investigation, detectives developed possible suspect descriptions based on evidence located at the scene and witness interviews. Arrest warrants were obtained and the suspects were located near a bus stop at Columbia Pike and S. Quincy Street on the morning of February 27. They were taken into custody without incident. April Puckett, 46, of No Fixed Address has been charged with Murder, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. James Harris, 48, of No Fixed Address has been charged with Conspiracy to Commit Murder. The suspects are being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.
Detectives continue to investigate the events that preceded the homicide. Anyone with information that may assist with this investigation is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit at 703-228-4180 or [email protected].
An Arlington County jury found a 66-year-old man guilty on Monday of killing his son in Green Valley in 2020.
Marshall Stephens Jr., 45, was found alone in his vehicle in the 1900 block of S. Lowell Street with a single gunshot wound to the back of his head on April 23, 2020. His father — Marshall Stephens — was found guilty of first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Stephens, who is scheduled to be sentenced April 1, faces a minimum of 20 years in prison and maximum of life behind bars for the murder charge and a minimum of three years for the firearm charge, prosecutors say.
“While there is nothing we can do to bring back Marshall Stephens, Jr., we are grateful for the jury’s verdict and attention to this case,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti. “We hope this helps bring some level of closure to the surviving victims as they continue their difficult healing process.”
The full press release from the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney is below.
On Monday January 24, 2022, an Arlington County jury unanimously found Marshall Stephens, 66, guilty of first degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Stephens was found guilty in connection with the April 23, 2020, shooting of his 45-year-old son, Marshall Stephens, Jr. in the Green Valley neighborhood of Arlington. The victim was found alone in his vehicle, with a single gunshot wound to the back of his head.
Successful prosecution was possible because of a careful investigation on the part of the Arlington County Police Department and collaboration between ACPD and the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
“While there is nothing we can do to bring back Marshall Stephens, Jr., we are grateful for the jury’s verdict and attention to this case,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti. “We hope this helps bring some level of closure to the surviving victims as they continue their difficult healing process.”
First degree murder carries a statutory minimum sentence of 20 years and a maximum of life in prison; use of a firearm in the commission of a felony carries a statutory minimum sentence of 3 years.
Stephens is scheduled to be sentenced on April 1, 2022, in the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Local Man Charged in Bailey’s Xroads Shooting — “Fairfax County police have charged a 33-year-old Arlington man in connection with a shooting that occurred Nov. 20 at the Food Star supermarket at 5521 Leesburg Pike. According to police, officers were called to the store at 6:43 p.m. by Harvey Coleman, of Arlington, after he reported to police he had shot someone in self-defense… Following several interviews and the review of surveillance footage, detectives have charged Coleman with malicious wounding and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.” [Sun Gazette]
Ice Cream Store Now Open in Pentagon City — “Have I got a scoop (get it?) for my followers! For those who may be in search of a sweet treat this afternoon, Mimi’s Handmade Ice Cream opened today at @PentagonRow (Westpost). Impressive variety.” [Twitter]
Arlington Vet Chooses Health Career — “After graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point, she was commissioned as an Army officer and chose to attend flight training, following in her late father’s footsteps. Soon, she was soon piloting Blackhawk helicopters… it was the time she was in the military that really prepared her for physician-assistant school.” [Sun Gazette]
It’s Monday — Today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 46. Northwest wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Sunrise at 7:06 a.m. and sunset at 4:47 p.m. Tomorrow will be mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 51. South wind 5 to 8 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. [Weather.gov]
Dark clouds move across the region, seen from the Shirlington pedestrian bridge over I-395 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Reduced Metro Service Continues — “Metro continues working to finalize plans in cooperation with safety officials to return the 7000-series railcars to passenger service and fully restore its rail system. As a result, Metrorail service will remain at the current reduced service levels through at least October 31, 2021. During this time, trains will operate basic service every 15-20 minutes on the Red Line and every 30-40 minutes on all other lines.” [WMATA]
APS Online Learning Update — “Arlington Public Schools leaders say they have triaged some of the most pressing fallout from a rocky rollout of the new online-learning initiative, but still have steps to take to ensure the program meets its promises to students and their families. ‘We have had a lot of regretful growing pains – that has been bad,’ frustrated School Board member Cristina Diaz-Torres said after an Oct. 14 update on the situation.” [Sun Gazette]
Charges Dismissed in Police Shooting — “A federal judge in Alexandria on Friday dismissed all criminal charges against two U.S. Park Police officers who fatally shot unarmed motorist Bijan Ghaisar in 2017, saying that they reasonably feared that one of the officers was in danger and that their actions following a pursuit of Ghaisar were ‘necessary and proper.’ Prosecutors for the Virginia Attorney General’s Office and the Fairfax County commonwealth’s attorney said they would appeal the ruling.” [Washington Post]
It’s Monday — ⛈ A chance of showers between 2-5 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms — some potentially strong, with heavy rain — in the evening. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. South wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Sunrise at 7:27 a.m. and sunset at 6:15 p.m. Tomorrow, it will be mostly cloudy and breezy, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms and a high near 65.
Rosslyn skyline, with Tysons in the background (Flickr pool photo by Kevin Wolf)
Update on Shirlington Area Shooting — “At approximately 9:40 a.m., police were dispatched to the report of a shooting in the 4400 block of 31st Street S. Upon arrival, it was determined that the suspect approached the area in a vehicle, exited and fired shots towards two individuals sitting outside a residential building. The suspect then reentered the vehicle and fled the scene. No injuries were reported.” [ACPD]
Passenger Recounts Metro Derailment — From NBC 4’s Adam Tuss: “EXCLUSIVE — we talk to a passenger tonight who was on last week’s derailed Blue Line Metro train. Noelle Purcell says there was smoke, no communication, and she didn’t know if she was going to make it out.” [Twitter, Twitter]
Beyer Pushes for More Buses — From WAMU’s Jordan Pascale: “Rep. Don Beyer out with a statement telling WMATA to ‘maximize bus service’ as 7000-series sidelined for an undetermined amount of time… Metro says no go on bus increase, ‘all of our available operators and buses are already in service.'” [Twitter]
New Restaurant in Pentagon City –“The Ritz-Carlton hotel in Pentagon City has revamped its restaurant as a Mediterranean place that serves modern meze, small pours of glamorous Napa wines, and an espresso martini built with a brand of chocolate rum owned by Bruno Mars. Santé opened over the weekend at 1250 S. Hayes Street in Arlington, Virginia, for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner.” [Eater]
Unusual Protest Outside DEA — “A group called ‘Anonymous Apes’ placed a nine-foot monolith outside the Drug Enforcement Administration’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. The protest was staged by criminal justice and drug policy reform activists dressed in ape costumes who wanted to decry the DEA for preventing ‘research into the therapeutic uses of many natural plants and substances,’ the activists said to the District of Columbia Marijuana Justice Organization in a press release.” [NBC 4]
Spotted: Wienermobile — Arlington motorcycle officers spotted the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile while on patrol yesterday. [Twitter]
Howl-O-Ween in Rosslyn — “The Rosslyn BID and the Rosslyn Dog Owners Group (R-DOGS) are teaming up for a Halloween themed evening of dog-friendly activities, treats and fun in celebration of Rosslyn’s new Interim Dog Park at Gateway Park West! Beginning at 3 p.m. on Friday, October 22, Rosslyn’s pet community is invited to enjoy local pet-themed vendors, speakers, a social media dog costume contest and giveaways.” [Rosslyn BID]
It’s Thursday — ☀️ Today will be sunny and just about perfect, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon. Sunrise at 7:24 a.m. and sunset at 6:21 p.m. Tomorrow will be cooler and partly sunny, with a high near 69.
Police K-9 investigates shots fired in the Shirlington area (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Approximate location of shots fired (via Google Maps)
Shots fired investigation in the Shirlington area (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Park Shirlington apartments sign amid shots fired investigation (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Police K-9 investigates shots fired in the Shirlington area (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
(Updated at 11 a.m.) Arlington police are investigating gunshots reportedly fired from a vehicle in the Shirlington area.
Described to first responders as a “drive-by shooting,” the incident happened around 9:30 a.m. on the stretch of 31st Street S. between the Shirlington and Fairlington neighborhoods.
The vehicle from which the shots were fired is described as a dark blue Toyota Prius. A lookout for the car was broadcast to police in neighboring jurisdictions.
So far there are no reports of anyone being struck by the gunfire.
Police are on scene investigating while medics stand by in case any gunshot victims are located.
POLICE ACTIVITY: ACPD is investigating a shots fired incident in the 4400 block of 31st Street S. No injuries have been reported. A dark blue Toyota Prius was observed fleeing the area. Anyone with information is asked to contact police. Expect continued police presence in area.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the ACPS'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).
An Arlington resident is facing multiple felony charges after police say he shot someone during a dispute in the Green Valley neighborhood over the weekend.
The Saturday night shooting was initially reported as just a “shots fired” call, but Arlington County police said today that a man was later found with a gunshot wound.
“At approximately 8:14 p.m., an officer on an unrelated call heard a series of shots fired in the 3200 block of 24th Street S.,” ACPD said in its initial press release. “Officers responded, established a perimeter and recovered evidence confirming multiple shots had been fired. The preliminary investigation has not confirmed any injuries related to this incident.”
The gunfire happened near the Shelton apartment building, the neighborhood’s still-under-construction “town square” park, and the grounds of Drew Elementary School.
In an update today the police department said the incident was, in fact, a shooting that stemmed from a dispute.
“During the course of the investigation, detectives determined a disagreement between parties preceded the incident and located a male victim who had suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound,” said ACPD. An arrest was made yesterday.
“A possible suspect description was developed based on the evidence and he was identified as Angelo Mobley, 29, of Arlington,” the police department said. “He was taken into custody on September 28, 2021 and charged with Malicious Wounding, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and Discharge of a Firearm within 1000 Feet of a School. He is being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.”
“This incident remains an active criminal investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact police at 703-228-4180 or [email protected],” police added. “Information may also be provided anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).”
A man was shot at a hotel in Crystal City early Saturday morning.
The shooting happened shortly after 1:30 a.m. Police say they initially responded to a hotel on the 1300 block of S. Eads Street for a report of gunshots heard, then found a man with a gunshot wound in the parking lot and evidence of shots being fired in a hotel hallway.
The victim is expected to survive.
On social media, a tipster described “a massive police/SWAT presence at the Embassy Suites this morning” around 4 a.m. No arrests were made, however, and police are still investigating the incident.
The hotel is across from the Amazon HQ2 construction site.
More from an ACPD press release:
The Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit is investigating a shooting that took place in a Crystal City hotel during the early morning hours of August 7, 2021.
At approximately 1:41 a.m., police were dispatched to the 1300 block of S. Eads Street for the report of shots heard. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male in the parking lot of a hotel suffering from a gunshot wound and immediately began performing emergency first aid until medics arrived. He was transported to an area hospital with injuries that are considered non-life threatening.
During the course of the investigation, officers located evidence in the hallway confirming multiple shots had been fired inside the hotel. Detectives interviewed several occupants of the hotel as they continue to work towards determining the events that preceded the shooting.
This remains an active criminal investigation and anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit 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 (8477).
Health Directors Urge Mask Wearing — “Today, all five Northern Virginia Health Directors issued a joint letter of interim recommendations for mask wearing in Northern Virginia. The letter was issued by Health Directors from the City of Alexandria, as well as Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties to Northern Virginia Mayors, Chairs and Chief Administrative Officers with the recommendation that individuals wear masks while indoors in government and other public settings, regardless of vaccination status.” [City of Alexandria, PDF]
Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Fallen Officer — From NBC 4’s Jackie Bensen: “Secretary of Defense orders Pentagon flags flown at half-mast to honor Pentagon Force Protection Agency officer killed in the line of duty this morning.” [Twitter]
Metro Changes for Pentagon Investigation — From WMATA: “Pentagon update for tomorrow (Aug 4): Pentagon Station expected to remain closed all day. Yellow & Blue line trains will bypass the station. All Metrobus service to/from Pentagon Transit Center will operate from Pentagon City (S Hayes near 12th St).” [Twitter, Twitter]
Delayed Request for Assistance at Pentagon — From local public safety watchdog Dave Statter: “Heard shots at approx 10:37 am. This video was at 10:38 am. I’d love to know why Pentagon Protection Force Agency waited until 10:50 to request @ArlingtonVaPD & @ArlingtonVaFD for an active shooter?” [Twitter, Twitter]
Training Exercise Today at Fort Myer — “Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall will hold a routine training event for its first responders Wednesday, Aug. 4, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Myer side of the base. Wright Gate, located at N. Meade Street and Marshall Drive in Arlington, will be closed from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m… Arlington County first responders will also participate in the training, so expect to see an increase in emergency response vehicles near the base. Neighboring communities may hear the base’s external ‘giant voice’ loudspeaker during the training.” [Press Release]
Former Red Top Cab Exec Dies — From the Washington Regional Alcohol Program: “Today, WRAP mourns the passing of former, longtime WRAP Director George Pakidis. The former VP of Red Top Cab in Arlington, George was a beloved member of WRAP’s Board for 14 years 12 of which he ably served as the nonprofit’s #SoberRide Committee Chair.” [Twitter]
Police and firefighters on scene of a violent incident outside the Pentagon (photo via Dave Statter/@STATter911)
Police and firefighters on scene of a violent incident outside the Pentagon (photo via Dave Statter/@STATter911)
Response to shooting at the Pentagon (staff photo by Matt Blitz)
Response to shooting at the Pentagon (staff photo by Matt Blitz)
Response to shooting at the Pentagon (staff photo by Matt Blitz)
Response to shooting at the Pentagon (staff photo by Matt Blitz)
Police blocking entrance to the Pentagon reservation (staff photo by Matt Blitz)
News crews gathered near the Pentagon and a police helicopter in the air (staff photo by Matt Blitz)
(Updated at 2:15 p.m. on 8/4/21) A police officer was attacked and killed Tuesday morning at the Pentagon bus platform, outside the Metro station, prompting a massive emergency response from Arlington and other local jurisdictions.
At least three people were initially reported to be hurt, two seriously, as shots rang out around 10:30 a.m. The incident was initially described as an active shooting, though the attack was later reported to have involved a knife in addition to gunfire.
One “person of interest” was sought by police in the wake of the deadly attack, leading to an extensive search, though reports of a suspect being on the run now appear to be based on erroneous witness reports.
Dave Statter, a nearby resident and public safety watchdog, said he heard “at least a dozen shots” and saw CPR being performed on two people who were lying on the ground. Video taken by Statter shortly after the shooting shows police covering a person lying in the street, near a Metrobus, with a white sheet. Officers with guns drawn surrounded another person.
Just before noon on Tuesday, Pentagon police said “the scene of the incident is secure” but “still an active crime scene.” Metro trains were halted while police continued to search the area, including the Metro tunnels.
The Pentagon remained “on lockdown” until just after noon, when the lockdown was lifted. The Metro station and bus platform remained closed as of Wednesday.
Police and firefighters from Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County and other jurisdictions, as well as the FBI, responded to the scene. The Fairfax County police helicopter was called in to assist with the search. Numerous news crews gathered in Pentagon City as the situation unfolded.
Congressman Don Beyer (D-Va.) tweeted that he is “closely following the situation.”
“As we await more details from authorities, I am thankful for the efforts of law enforcement to keep everyone safe,” Rep. Beyer said.
A large number of police officers gathered outside of GW Hospital Tuesday afternoon, where the seriously injured officer was rushed after the shooting. He later was pronounced dead, according to the Associated Press, which reported that the officer was stabbed and that the suspect was shot by police and died on scene.
During an afternoon press conference at the Pentagon, authorities declined to confirm or deny whether an officer was killed, how many people were injured, whether the suspect was shot, whether a suspect is in custody, and whether there is a second suspect, as some initial reports suggested.
Police would only say that “several” people were injured after an officer was “attacked” on the Metrobus platform. The scene at the Pentagon is now “secure and secure” and the incident “is over,” police said. The FBI leading what was described as an “active, ongoing investigation” that “continues to evolve.”
“We are not actively seeking another suspect at this time,” Pentagon Force Protection Agency Chief Woodrow Kusse said.
Authorities declined to provide other information in response to reporter questions, pledging to provide more details at a later time.
On Tuesday night the Associated Press, citing law enforcement sources, identified the shooter as 27-year-old Austin William Lanz, a Georgia resident who unsuccessfully tried to join the Marine Corps in 2012.
On Wednesday morning Pentagon police identified the fallen officer as George Gonzalez, a Brooklyn native, military veteran and a member of the agency since 2018.
A native of Brooklyn, New York, he was a die-hard Yankees fan. He was a graduate of New York City’s Canarsie High School. George Gonzalez joined the @PFPAOfficial as a police officer on July 22, 2018. 2/5
— Pentagon Force Protection Agency (Official) (@PFPAOfficial) August 4, 2021
The FBI’s Washington Field Office released further details Wednesday afternoon, revealing that the officer was stabbed and then shot by Lanz, who took Gonzalez’s gun during the sudden, unprovoked attack. Lanz subsequently shot himself and may have also been shot by police, the FBI said, adding that a bystander was injured during the chaos but is expected to be okay.
A struggle ensued, in which the subject mortally wounded Officer Gonzalez and then shot himself with the officer’s service weapon. Other PFPA officers engaged the subject, who ultimately died at the scene.
