The Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit is investigating four recent armed robbery incidents, which occurred in garages in the Pentagon City neighborhood. During three of the incidents, the victims’ vehicle was stolen and two of the vehicles have subsequently been recovered in Washington D.C. All four cases remain ongoing investigations and detectives are actively working to determine if the cases are related and if there are any links to cases reported in the region.
Summary of Armed Robbery Incidents
ARMED ROBBERY, 2020-01190177, 800 block of Army Navy Drive. At approximately 5:25 p.m. on January 19 an officer on patrol was flagged down by a citizen requesting assistance in the 800 block of Army Navy Drive. The investigation determined that between 5:05 p.m. and 5:20 p.m., the female victim was sitting inside her parked vehicle when an unknown suspect approached her, brandished a firearm and demanded her cell phone. The suspect fled the scene on foot after stealing the cell phone. The suspect is described as a black male, late teens to early 20’s, wearing a dark colored sweater, a hoodie pulled over his head and dark pants.
CARJACKING, 2020-01230144, 1100 block of S. Hayes Street. At approximately 1:50 p.m. on January 23, police were dispatched to the report of an armed carjacking. Upon arrival, it was determined the male victim parked and exited his vehicle when he was approached by an unknown suspect. The suspect brandished a firearm, demanded the victim’s keys and fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle. The suspect is described as a black male, skinny build, approximately 6’06” tall wearing a dark jacket and dark pants. The victim’s vehicle was subsequently recovered in Washington, D.C.
CARJACKING, 2020-01300253, 800 block of Army Navy Drive. At approximately 10:15 p.m. on January 30, police were dispatched to the report of an armed carjacking. Upon arrival, it was determined that as the victim arrived at her vehicle, the suspect approached her from behind and demanded her keys. The suspect brandished a firearm, stole the keys and fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle prior to police arrival. The suspect is described as a black male, skinny build, approximately 5’10”-6’0”, wearing a black sweatshirt. The victim’s vehicle was subsequently recovered in Washington, D.C.
CARJACKING, 2020-02040265, 1100 block of S. Joyce Street At approximately 11:35 p.m. on February 4, police were dispatched to the report of an armed carjacking. Upon arrival, it was determined that approximately 20 minutes prior, the male suspect approached the victim as he exited his vehicle, brandished a firearm and demanded his keys and personal belongings. The suspect fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle prior to police arrival. The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 6’0”, 20-30 years old, with a thin build, dark complexion, low voice and wearing a black coat. The victim’s vehicle is described as a Blue Honda Accord with Virginia license plate UYN7195.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Detective S. King of the Homicide/Robbery Unit at 703-228-4243 or seking@arlingtonva.us . Information may also be provided anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
Safety Tips and Crime Prevention Measures
The Department is conducting extra patrols in the garages and the public can expect to see an increased visible law enforcement presence throughout the Pentagon City area.
Police are reminding the public to follow these safety tips:
Exit your vehicle and continue to your destination promptly after parking
Park in well-lit, high traffic areas.
Be aware of your surroundings when entering and exiting your vehicle
Limit your use of devices that may distract you, such as cell phones and headphones
Don’t leave items unattended or visible in your vehicle
Read More: Additional Crime Prevention Tips
The Department’s efforts to prevent crime in Arlington County are enhanced by the active involvement of the public. If you observe suspicious activity or are the victim of a crime, contact police immediately by calling the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222 or 911 in an emergency.