News

UPDATED: Man arrested after pepper-spraying incident at Covanta Waste-to-Energy Facility in the West End

By James Cullum
The Covanta Waste-to-Energy Facility at 5301 Eisenhower Avenue. (staff photo by James Cullum)

(Updated at 4:15 p.m.) A man was arrested this morning after a fight at the Covanta Waste-to-Energy Facility that resulted in a handgun allegedly brandished and man getting pepper-sprayed.

The incident occurred at around 8:15 a.m., according to Alexandria Police Department dispatches. An employee of the facility at 53001 Eisenhower Avenue reported to APD that trash truck drivers were arguing with each other, and that one sprayed the victim with pepper spray and that another suspect brandished a handgun.

Three suspects were located nearby in a trash truck, held at gunpoint and then apprehended, according to dispatch.

APD said that one man, Chaka Cook, was arrested and charged with felony assault with a caustic substance. No weapons charge was made.

The victim refused medical attention, according to dispatch reports.

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.