The Arlington County Police Department’s Robbery/Homicide Unit is investigating the early morning assault of a woman in the Lyon Village neighborhood of north Arlington. Detectives believe the suspect may have committed several similar assaults over the past two months.
The most recent assault occurred today in the 2600 block of Lee Highway at approximately 1:20 a.m. A woman who had recently arrived at her apartment heard a knock at the door. When she opened the door, a man lunged at her with a plastic bag. The woman was able to block the man’s attack and he fled on foot. After the woman called 911, numerous police officers set up a perimeter and a short time later a man meeting the general description of the suspect was stopped at a nearby location. The man was interviewed during the morning hours by detectives and subsequently released without being charged. Investigators in the case characterized the man as a “person of interest”.
There have been three other incidents along the Ballston-Rosslyn corridor in Arlington between April 16 and May 28 in which women walking alone at night have been attacked from behind by a man with a plastic bag. In each case, the woman was able to fight off the suspect and he fled on foot. The suspect is described as a black male, 20 to 35 years old, 5’10” to 6’ tall, with a medium build, light to medium complexion and a clean shaven face.
Police strongly encourage women to avoid walking alone after dark, to stay in well lit areas, and to be aware of their surroundings. After the latest incident, they also advise that people be very careful when deciding whether or not to answer a late-night knock at the door. Women who find themselves alone and confronted by a suspicious person are advised to draw attention to themselves by yelling or blowing a whistle and to run away if possible.
Anyone with information about these cases, or about similar attacks that may be related, is asked to contact Detective D.R. Cupka at (703) 228-4193. If callers wish to remain anonymous, they can call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Crime Solvers offers a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Callers to Crime Solvers do not have to give their names and do not need to testify in court.
