It’s been quite a week, Alexandria. Here’s a look at ALXnow’s top stories.
The top story this week was on the resignation of all the commissioners overseeing the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board. The crisis began in August when ALXnow first reported that then-ARHA CEO Erik Johnson was living in an ARHA-managed public housing unit. The ARHA board published a statement acknowledging the situation, demanded that he vacate the property, and then terminated his employment in September. In a special meeting on Wednesday, the City Council appointed six new ARHA board members.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins wrote that the Council no longer had confidence in the former board.
“In recent months, it has become clear that the Board has neglected its duties and has been ineffective in leading this critical organization,” Gaskins wrote. “This is apparent by the contingent of residents voicing serious, ongoing, and unaddressed maintenance issues affecting their health, welfare, and safety, as well as a continuing lack of responsiveness to remedy these issues by the Board and ARHA staff.”
Council appointed Mark Jinks, the former city manager, and Darnella Nelson to terms expiring Oct. 15, 2029; Nate Macek and Theresa Peterson to terms expiring Oct. 15, 2028; and Justin Jackson and Kristen Weber to terms expiring Oct. 15, 2027.
ALXnow’s second most-read story this week is on a robbery at a West End convenience store on Sunday.
No injuries were reported after a male with a knife robbed the 7-Eleven store at 6120 Linconia Road at around 5:30 a.m., according to Alexandria Police Department radio dispatches. The suspect, who fled the scene on foot, is described as a Black male wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, and black shoes.
APD confirmed that a robbery took place and canvassed the area for an hour before resuming normal operations, according to the APD scanner. Anyone with information can contact the APD non-emergency number at 703-746-4444. Callers can remain anonymous.
This week’s third top story is on the search for three costumed individuals who allegedly threatened a family and attempted to break into their home near Duke and South Jordan streets on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
The incident occurred between 9:30-9:50 p.m. when three people in Halloween masks and costumes approached the residence and knocked on the door, Police Chief Tarrick McGuire said during a virtual press conference Thursday afternoon. No one was physically injured.
“They began to act as if they were engaging in a prank,” McGuire said. “That prank that was alleged to have happened later turned serious as they began to make threatening and alarming comments to the family.”
The suspects told the family, “If you do not come out, we will come in,” and threatened to kill them, McGuire said.
Alexandria police officers immediately responded to a 911 call and canvassed the area. Detectives located footage on the roadway showing a group of individuals appearing to come from behind the residence, removing their Halloween masks and getting into a vehicle, McGuire said.
As Halloween approaches, McGuire urged residents to be aware of their surroundings. Anyone with information can contact APD Detective Gibson at 571-388-7615.
From outdoor film screenings to ribbon cuttings, plenty is going on this weekend in Alexandria. Have some fun, and find out what’s happening in ALXnow’s comprehensive listing of weekend events.
The most-read stories this week were:
- Eight Alexandria housing commissioners resign after Mayor, City Council demand their departure (23076 views)
- Suspect with knife steals cigarettes from West End convenience store (8028 views)
- Police investigate after masked trio threatens, attempts to break into Alexandria home (7731 views)
- Banned book speakeasy returning to Morrison House in Old Town (5639 views)
- Police investigate $5,500 theft from Old Town Lululemon (4583 views)
- Driver rescued after crashing into parked tractor-trailer in Alexandria’s West End (3598 views)
- Swedish company to demo flying electric ferry on Potomac River (3204 views)
Have a safe weekend!
