An Auto Theft Unit detective from Arlington County Police Department was recognized by the Virginia State Police in the 2013 LEO Award competition at a ceremony during the annual meeting of the Virginia Chapter of the International Association of Special Investigation Units in Richmond on May 15.
The recipient of the first place award for Arlington County Police Department was Det. Scott Whalin. Investigating the theft of a Dodge Charger from Pentagon City mall, Whalin learned of the car’s whereabouts and had it processed for fingerprints. A positive identification of a fingerprint led to the arrest of a suspect, as well as the discovery of the suspect’s prints on numerous other vehicles, leading to the identity of a second suspect, who ultimately confessed. A combined 30 felony and misdemeanor charges were filed against both suspects, and a total of 65 cases were closed as a result of Whalin’s efforts.