<sh>SunTrust Bank Robbed
<bt>Shortly after 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, the SunTrust Bank at 515 Maple Ave., E., was robbed by a lone suspect, said Vienna Police Capt. Mike Miller. The man approached a teller and announced his intention to take money. The teller handed over an undisclosed amount of cash. The robber then left the bank on foot.
"He didn't draw a lot of attention to himself," said Miller. "Our investigators, along with FBI investigators, are looking into it." The robber was described as a white male, about 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing about 170 pounds, with a medium build and blond hair.
Fairfax County has seen a spike in bank robberies in the last year. "They kind of run with the economic tide," said Miller, explaining that in times of widespread prosperity, bank robberies become rare. He said this marked the town's 14th bank robbery since 2002. During that time, there was one year in which there were eight bank robberies in the Town of Vienna and another year in which there were none.
<sh>Two Men Robbed at ATM
<bt>At 2:30 a.m. on Friday, July 21, two men were at a bank ATM on the 8200 block Lee Highway in the Merrifield area. One of the men was tapped on the shoulder by someone who had walked up behind him. When he turned around, a man holding a gun demanded money from him. Both victims handed over money, and the suspect fled across the street and entered a vehicle, which sped away. The victims, 26 and 27, were not injured. The suspect was described as a black male in his 20s. He was about 5 feet 10 inches tall. He wore a blue bandanna, black ball cap and black T-shirt. The vehicle was described as a dark Cadillac or Oldsmobile. Anyone with information about this incident or this suspect is asked to call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.
<sh>Registration Open for Senior Olympics
<bt>Registration forms are available for seniors to enter the 2006 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics, to be held Sept. 16-28. The registration deadline is Sept. 1. Participants must be 50 years of age by Dec. 31, 2006 and live in a sponsoring jurisdiction. In addition to traditional Olympic events such as track and field and swimming, other events include activities such as cards and board games, tennis, bowling, golf and more. More than 20 events are scheduled at various venues throughout Northern Virginia. Registration fee is $10, which includes one event; additional events are $1. For more information or for a registration form, call 703-228-3600, ext. 9996 or visit www.novaseniorolympics.com. Volunteers are welcome to offer assistance.
<sh>Red Cross Reports Shortage
<bt>The Greater Chesapeake and Potomac blood services region of the American Red Cross is reporting dangerously low inventory of types O and B blood, causing the organization to issue an urgent plea to blood donors throughout the region to schedule an immediate appointment to donate. Donors are urged to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE immediately to schedule a donation appointment.
Type O blood, considered to be the “universal” type, can be used in transfusion for more patients than any other blood type. Type B blood is prevalent in this region, and therefore in high demand by hospitals. For information visit www.my-redcross.org or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.
<sh>Vendors Sought for Harvest Bazaar
<bt>The Vienna Women's Club is seeking craft vendors for its 46th annual Harvest Bazaar and Fall Festival, to be held Saturday, Nov. 11. The event features local crafters, a bake sale and children's activities. Proceeds will benefit a scholarship fund. For information or an application, contact Jan Smith at 703-319-0860 or jansmith@erols.com.