Alexandria Police have connected two suspects in a West End armed robbery with multiple incidents where victims were robbed after arranging meetups on Facebook Marketplace.

One of the incidents occurred in Alexandria on Dec. 20, 2022, inside the McDonald’s at 3510 Duke Street — just a block away from the Alexandria Police Department headquarters — according to a recently released search warrant affidavit.

A juvenile suspect allegedly met with the victim to buy a laptop computer inside the restaurant, and then “(d)uring the transaction, the suspect removed a firearm from his waistband and struck (the victim) in the head,” police said in the search warrant affidavit. “(The victim) turned over his wallet. The suspect picked it up and took off running towards the back of the McDonald’s out of view.”

The incident was recorded on a security camera. Police believe the suspects allegedly fled the area in a gray Kia Optima.

The suspects allegedly used the false names Oliver Crown and Steven Walston on Facebook Messenger to “lure victims to a meeting location to rob them,” police said in a search warrant affidavit.

Following the incident, APD was contacted by a detective with the Anne Arundel County Police Department. APD was told that the incident could be connected with multiple incidents dating back to November in Anne Arundel County and Montgomery County. In each instance, the suspect allegedly arranged to buy an item on Facebook Messenger by using a false name.

On Dec. 21, at around 6:30 p.m., the owner of an iPad arranged its sale on Facebook Messenger and was allegedly robbed in their home by one of the suspects. The incident occurred in the 2300 block of Terrapin Road in Jessup, Maryland. The victim was allegedly pistol-whipped and the suspects fled with a getaway driver in a gray Kia Optima, according to AACPD. Prior to the incident that same day, the juvenile suspect allegedly went to the wrong home and his face was captured on a front door Ring camera. He was also allegedly wearing similar clothing as in the incident that occurred the day before in Alexandria.

On Dec. 30, at around 7:30 p.m., two suspects in a gray car met with a victim in Anne Arundel County regarding the sale of an item on Facebook Messenger, according to the search warrant affidavit.

“During this robbery, the victim reported a second suspect… exited the gray car and produced a black handgun and put it to the victim’s head,” according to the police search warrant affidavit.

On Jan. 5, two suspects, one of them a juvenile, were arrested in relation to an armed carjacking by the Montgomery County Police Department. No information was available on the juvenile suspect.

A 20-year-old suspect, Martir Mejia, of Washington, D.C., was charged with carjacking, armed carjacking, armed robbery, assault in the first and second degree, firearm use in commission of a felony, handgun in vehicle, handgun on person, con-armed carjacking (a carjacking without a weapon) and con-armed robbery (a robbery without a weapon).

Mejia’s phone allegedly “revealed a Facebook account that was linked to other Facebook Marketplace inquiries through Facebook Messenger,” police said in the search warrant affidavit.

Mejia goes to court on April 12.

A man suffered non-life-threatening injuries when he was attacked by group of men in Arlandria on Monday morning, according to police.

Police were dispatched to the intersection of W. Glebe Road and Mount Vernon Avenue on Monday at around 2:30 a.m.

The man suffered lacerations to his head and told police that he was attacked by three males.

No one was arrested in connection to this incident. Anyone with information can call the APD non-emergency number at 703-746-4444. Callers can remain anonymous.

Map via Google Maps

A 38-year-old woman suffered minor injuries after being robbed of cash near the Braddock Road Metro station on Dec. 19, according to Alexandria police.

The incident occurred just before 11 p.m. in 700 block of N. West Street.

The victim was knocked down by a female suspect, who did not use a weapon. It was reported that the victim was hit by the suspect and that she did not to the hospital.

No arrests have been made and police did not provide a suspect description.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Alexandria Police Department non-emergency number at 703-746-4444. Callers can remain anonymous.

Via Google Maps

(Updated at 5 p.m.) Police responded to “student altercations” today at Alexandria City High School’s Minnie Howard campus but the incidents did not result in a lockdown, the school’s principal wrote in an email to parents on Monday afternoon.

Three juveniles were arrested for obstruction of justice. No students went to the hospital or were reported injured, police said.

Principal Peter Balas said that the regular school schedule was interrupted as police and school administrators “assured the safety of all students and staff in the building after the events.”

“This afternoon, there was additional police presence at the Alexandria City High School Minnie Howard campus resulting from student altercations,” Balas wrote. “The campus resumed a regular schedule at 1:15 p.m. once the situation was addressed.”

Balas continued, “As a precaution, the Alexandria Police Department (APD) was called for assistance in the event that additional support might be needed. Just to clarify, the building was not placed on lockdown or secure the building status which some members of the school community mistakenly posted on social media channels.”

ACHS is the largest high school in Virginia and began this year with new security upgrades for students and staff. There were 82 incidents in the 2021-2022 year at the school that required a police response, and 14 students were arrested.

Last month, after a visit to the school from Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, Mayor Justin Wilson and School Board Chair Jacinta Greene affirmed in a letter the “close partnership between our school division, Alexandria Police Department and other agencies that promote the well-being of children.”

(Updated at 5:15 p.m.) A West End man was arrested and charged with a parole violation, on Sunday (Nov. 13).

The 44-year-old man, a violent felon, was arrested after an incident at around 1 p.m. in an apartment in the 6300 block of Stevenson Avenue in the Landmark area. An allegation of sexual assault against the suspect is ongoing, according to police.

The adult female victim did not go to the hospital, and reported that no weapon was used.

The man posted a $1,000 bond the next day (Nov. 14).

The Alexandria Sexual Assault Center and Domestic Violence Program is available 24/7 to listen and help at 703-746-4911.

“If you are a neighbor and know that an abusive incident is occurring, call the police immediately,” the city said. “Calling the police is simply the most effective way to protect the victim and children from immediate harm.”

There are a number of ways to volunteer in Alexandria this fall.

Art lovers can get their fix by volunteering as gallery guides at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, and sports enthusiasts can become volunteer sport coaches. The Carlyle House also needs a volunteer tour guide.

There are also a number of tutoring and mentoring positions available, in addition to available food distributor and donation sorting positions.

“We need hundreds of people per week,” Volunteer Alexandria Executive Director Marion Brunken told ALXnow. “More people are in need now than ever.”

Here’s a list of Volunteer Alexandria’s new and upcoming opportunities.

• Teach Kids to Read — “Wright to Read is a literacy tutoring-mentoring program that works to match volunteer tutor-mentors with Alexandria City Public School students who need extra support in their literacy skills. Our goal is not only to help give this child support along their reading journey (including access to books, resources, and a larger reading community), but also a mentor through elementary school and beyond.”
• Distribute Food With ALIVE! — “Volunteers are needed to assist with multiple programs relating to their Food Program, ALIVE! House, and Alexandria Eviction Prevention Partnership Program will distribute food at Mobile Pop-ups and Truck to Trunk events, etc.”
• More opportunities at ALIVE! — The nonprofit also needs drivers, a furniture moving attendant, and warehouse volunteers.
• Theater group needs support — Momentum Collective is looking for a new board member, a costume designer and a set builder.
• Youth Sport Coaches — Preside over team activities including all scheduled practices and games. Adhere to RPCA policies, rules and objectives Responsible for maintaining care of all RPCA Sports equipment. Lead by example among team parents to support the responsibilities of the referee and league leadership. Coach an assigned group of children and focus on skill development, safety, fair, play, sportsmanship and fun.”
• 4-H Youth Development Club Volunteers — “We are currently looking for volunteers that would like to build clubs on any topic of interest, such as, dogs, sewing, robotics, or sports.”
• Food Rescuer — “Food rescuers pick up surplus food from food donors in Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia (businesses, restaurants and grocers) and deliver it directly to receiving agencies (community kitchens, food pantries, etc.) that feed our hungry neighbors. In your own vehicle and on your own time, it usually takes only 30 to 60 minutes to complete this incredibly rewarding and essential mission. Get started on the website and app to see the complete schedule of local food rescue opportunities.”
• Arise outreach volunteer — “ARISE is a new guaranteed income pilot program that plans to give $500 a month to 170 City of Alexandria residents for two years. A research team will evaluate the ARISE program outcomes which will inform future efforts and policy decisions.”
• Sexual Assault Center Hotline Advocate — “Volunteers staff the 24-hour hotline on evenings and weekends. Volunteers provide accompaniment, emotional support, crisis intervention, advocacy, and referrals to empower survivors of sexual violence in person at the hospital/police department or over the phone. Volunteers must attend a 40-hour training.”
• Shelter Supervisors with Alexandria Domestic Violence Program — “As a program that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, volunteers play a key role in providing services to those affected by domestic violence. Volunteers with our program interact personally with individuals in need–an opportunity that many find extremely fulfilling.”
• Alexandria Library opportunities — The Alexandria Library needs a volunteer to run a games program for seniors, a volunteer with the Trash Trekkers program, a Knit Night volunteer, a computer class volunteer, and gardening support.
• Tour Guide at Carlyle House Historic Park — “Looking for a fun and relaxing volunteer opportunity? Carlyle House Historic Park, a colonial house museum in Old Town Alexandria, seeks volunteer docents to give public tours of this historic building. Carlyle House, built in 1753, interprets the home and family of John Carlyle, a merchant and town founder.”
• Sixth Annual Spooky Science Expo — “The Watergate at Landmark Youth Committee will be holding its sixth annual science event (Spooky Mad Science Expo) for kids and teens (October 15). The event will celebrate science and Halloween… As in every year, we are looking for volunteers to help us plan and run the event.”
• Casa Chirilagua Volunteers — Casa Chirilagua is looking for one-on-one mentoring, their kids club, a volunteer to oversee the teen study hall, help with the high school program, a volunteer for teen bible study, and assistance with their middle school program.
• Dog adoption event needs volunteers — “Lucky Dog Animal Rescue has an adoption event the FIRST Sunday of every month at the Potomac Yard PetSmart – 3351 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22305. Come spend the afternoon with a Lucky Dog!”
• Torpedo Factory Gallery Guide — “Gallery Guides must feel comfortable interacting with the public about the work at the exhibition with potentially sensitive content and handling artwork sale inquiries. Gallery Guides must be at least 18 years of age or older.”
• Food and grocery volunteer — “For over 15+ years, as part of its Outreach Ministry, the Meade Memorial Episcopal Church has been committed to the Emergency Food Assistance Ministry, to help transform our community, our neighbors, and ourselves. The church provides lunches to residents from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. We need help to setup tables and distribute lunches every weekday, except on certain holidays. We are asking all volunteers to arrive at 11: 15 a.m.”

A 37-year-old Maryland man is being held without bond after allegedly sexually assaulting a girl younger than 13 years old in the Braddock area.

The incident occurred at around 9 p.m. on May 9 near Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority properties in the 1300 block of Madison Street, which is close to the Braddock Road Metro station.

Police found the suspect, Damien Curtis Talbert, of Prince George’s County, unconscious but breathing as he was pinned to the ground by multiple witnesses.

The witnesses told police they stopped him from allegedly sexually assaulting the juvenile girl, and that a gun fell out of Talbert’s clothing during the incident, according to a search warrant affidavit. A Taurus G3C 9mm pistol was found on the ground about five feet from the suspect.

The juvenile victim did not seek medical attention, police said.

About 20 minutes before the incident, police were alerted of a fight between two men a short distance away at 1000 Colonial Avenue. Before the fight, one of the men involved admitted to handing his gun to Talbert.

Talbert was charged with possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, sexual battery of a victim under the age of 13 and assault and battery. He goes to court for the offenses on June 1.

The Alexandria Sexual Assault Center and Domestic Violence Program is available 24/7 to listen and help at 703-746-4911.

“If you are a neighbor and know that an abusive incident is occurring, call the police immediately,” the city said. “Calling the police is simply the most effective way to protect the victim and children from immediate harm.”

Via Google Maps

Alexandria’s Part 1 crime rate is up, and it’s mostly due to an increase in larcenies and thefts from cars.

Police released the city’s Part 1 crime statistics for 2022 on Tuesday, and included are the reported numbers of homicides, rapes, robberies, grand larcenies from vehicles, and aggravated assaults.

Overall, crimes against people and property in the city are up 7%, when compared to the first five months of last year.

There has been one homicide in 2022 — a 25-year-old man who was found dead on the sidewalk in the West End in March. There were two homicides in the city in 2021 and four homicides in 2020.

Below are Part 1 crimes for the period of January 1 – May 11 for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022:

Crime Type	2020	2021	2022
Homicide	0	0	1
Rape	5	2	1
Robbery	32	34	34
Aggravated Assault	73	76	63
Burglary	46	81	54
Larceny	791	753	845
Grand Larceny from Auto	91	77	98
Total	1,038	1,023	1,096

A woman was injured and an Alexandria man faces multiple charges after an violent domestic dispute in Old Town, according to the Alexandria Police Department.

APD was alerted of people fighting in an apartment in the 1400 block of Princess Street in Old Town at around 3:30 on May 3 (Monday). A 33-year-old female victim suffered a non-life threatening injury after being struck and was transported to the hospital, APD told ALXnow.

The 30-year-old suspect was arrested shortly after midnight on May 3 (Tuesday) and released that same day.

The suspect was charged with malicious wounding, domestic assault and battery, destruction of property worth less than $1,000, resisting arrest and intentionally damaging a phone line to prevent the summoning of law enforcement.

The malicious wounding charge is a felony, which carries the minimum penalty of five years in prison. The remaining charges are misdemeanors, each punishable by up to a year in jail and $2,500 fine.

The suspect goes to court on May 13.

The Alexandria Sexual Assault Center and Domestic Violence Program is available 24/7 to listen and help at 703-746-4911.

“If you are a neighbor and know that an abusive incident is occurring, call the police immediately,” the city said. “Calling the police is simply the most effective way to protect the victim and children from immediate harm.”

Via Google Maps

Alexandria Police are investigating an aggravated assault that occurred in the Landmark area of the West End on Sunday night (April 17).

The 32-year-old victim was did not seek medical attention and there have been no arrests, police said. The incident occurred at around 3 a.m. in the 500 block of S. Van Dorn Street.

Police said that the incident began inside an apartment building and then ended outside.

No suspect information was available, and the investigation is ongoing, according to police.

Anyone with information is urged to call APD Officer Philip Hetzner at 703-746-6809. Callers can remain anonymous.

Via Google Maps