A 24-year-old Alexandria man was arrested last week and released on bond after allegedly beating his ex-girlfriend with a chain and his fists in Old Town North, according to court records.

Herman Stitt was arrested Aug. 20 and released on bond the same day after allegedly fighting with his ex-girlfriend at her home at Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority property in the 800 block of Montgomery Street in Old Town.

The incident occurred at around midnight on June 23, and police found the victim crying with injuries to her face and right eye, according to a search warrant affidavit.

The victim told police that Stitt pushed her to the ground, possibly knocking her unconscious.

“When she woke up, she stood up and Mr. Stitt proceeded to punch her in the face approximately 10 times with a closed fist,” police reported in the search warrant, adding that the victim claimed Still beat her with a broken-off metal chain from her purse strap. “(The victim’s) injuries included a burst blood vessel in her right eye, cuts on her lips and chin, an abrasion on her right knee and welts across her right shoulder and back, in the shape of a chain.”

Police said that Stitt, who has an extensive criminal record, is a known member of the Alexandria-based Mob 4 Life gang, which is responsible for area violence over the last several years.

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

It was a surprising week in Alexandria.

Our top story by far was on the venomous rattlesnake found in Old Town on Sunday. The timber snake, which also goes by the name American Viper, was discovered in the 400 block of Gibbon Street — a few blocks from the waterfront. It didn’t bite anyone, and was apprehended by the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s Animal Services team and later moved to a wildlife facility in Northern Virginia.

This Saturday, June 19,  is also Juneteenth, and the new federal holiday recognizes the end of slavery in the U.S. The City recognized Juneteenth on Friday, and most government offices and facilities were closed. This weekend, the Alexandria Black History Museum is partnering with Washington Revels Jubilee Voices — a group that preserves local Black traditions through a cappella music, dramatic performances and dance — for a virtual Juneteenth Celebration.

Meanwhile, in-person dramatic and musical performances are being planned for July. The Little Theatre of Alexandria is expanding capacity with their new lineup of shows, and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra will resume in-person performing in a reduced program at the City’s birthday celebration on the waterfront on July 10.

In other good news, a pair of T.C. Williams High School Titans raised more than $4,800 to attend the Outdoor Nationals at the University of Oregon on July 1.

In this week’s poll, we asked readers how they think the millions of first allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds should be spent, as City Council will conduct a public hearing on how to spend it on Saturday. After a rash of flooding incidents last year, a majority of the respondents want the funds prioritized for waterway maintenance.

This Sunday is also Father’s Day, and a number of Alexandria businesses are offering unique specials.

Important stories

• ACPS Superintendent Hutchings wins contract renewal with enthusiastic support from School Board
• No cut-through traffic relief in new Duke Street plan, but it could be addressed this fall
• Volunteer Alexandria contends with pandemic aftershock, needs help now more than ever
• Towering east Eisenhower development headed to Planning Commission next week
• UPDATE: Man found in West End after Alexandria Police issue Critical Missing Person Alert
• Local construction worker gets a second chance at professional baseball
• New flood mitigation committee sizes up deluge of city stormwater problems
• Alexandria Black History Museum secures grant to bring city’s civil rights history online
• Pedestrian struck by vehicle in Carlyle and taken to hospital
• Grocery delivery chain Foxtrot coming to Old Town
• Alexandria’s COVID-19 cases barely trickling in, 10 new cases reported last week

Top stories

1. JUST IN: Rarity as American Viper Rattlesnake found in Old Town
2. Captain Sean Casey wins Democratic primary and is running unopposed for Sheriff in November
3. Woman assaulted by mob and pepper-sprayed in Old Town North
4. Man dies of apparent overdose at coworking office in Old Town
5. T.C. Williams High School’s final graduating class walks the stage
6. Alexandria Fire Department rescues woman from stalled car, Flash Flood Watch in effect
7. City launches Duke Street transit overhaul process
8. For Taco Bamba owner, newly announced Landmark location is a homecoming
9. Shortened Alexandria Birthday celebration is still on for July 10
10. Here’s what to do when you find dead birds amid recent epidemic
11. Java Grill closed until further notice in Old Town

Have a safe weekend! 

Courtesy AWLA/Twitter 

A woman was beaten up by a mob and pepper-sprayed during the middle of the day in Old Town North on Sunday, June 6, according to the Alexandria Police Department.

The adult woman was assaulted in the 800 block of N. St. Asaph Street, and was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

A 911 call was made in response to the fight, which occurred near Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority properties, hotels, local businesses and the Harris Teeter grocery store.

The mob — more than five adults and teenagers — ran away as soon as police arrived. No suspects have been arrested, and the incident remains under investigation, police told ALXnow.

Courtesy Google Maps

An adult man was stabbed in Old Town late Monday morning.

The incident occurred at around 11:30 a.m. in the intersection of Wolfe Street and S. Alfred Streets in Old Town, which is just blocks from the Alexandria Courthouse and City Hall.

“It’s an active investigation,” Alexandria Police Senior Public Information Officer Amanda Paga told ALXnow. “A male victim was stabbed by the suspect and transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.”

Police said that nothing was stolen in the incident, and did not provide a suspect description.

Alexandria Police recently reported an increase in aggravated assaults.

UPDATE:: APD is investigating the felonious assault & robbery of a male victim at the intersection of Wolfe & S Alfred Streets just after 11:30 am. Victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The incident did not occur in the 400 block of S Washington St.

— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) April 12, 2021

Map via Google Maps

ALIVE! free food giveaway this Saturday — “On Sat, Apr 10, 8:30-10:30am, @ALIVE4AlexVA will distribute food in Cora Kelly Elem School parking lot and parking lot B-1 of NOVA-Alexandria Campus (map at http://alive-inc.org, if college closes due to weather, distribution cancelled).” [Twitter]

Sexual assault survivors making community quilt — “(T)he Sexual Assault Center is hosting the second of two art events to decorate denim squares for a community quilt to support survivors of sexual assault: April 6, 4-7 pm. The events will comply with state COVID-19 guidelines.” [Twitter]

Presto Valet turns 70 — “Alexandria institution at 1623 N. Quaker Lane, Presto Valet has been the primary dry cleaner for many local notables such as former Presidents Gerald Ford and Bill Clinton, and former Vice President Al Gore, and for cultural establishments such as The Kennedy Center, The Washington Opera, and Ford’s Theatre.” [Zebra]

Today’s weather — “Sunshine and clouds mixed. High around 75F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph… A few clouds from time to time. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 53F. Winds light and variable.” [Weather.com]

New job: Bartender at the Belle Haven Country Club — “The Bartender works a flexible schedule and embodies the service culture at Belle Haven. Bartenders understand the member service is every employee’s most basic job description.” [Indeed]

Updated at 3:20 p.m. — An adult woman suffered minor injuries after an altercation with another woman on the platform of the King Street-Old Town Metro station in Old Town on Friday.

Alexandria Police and the Metro Transit Police Department responded to the incident at around noon.

According to MTP, the victim was struck with a cane or a pole and was transported to the hospital.

The suspect was identified as 41-year-old Jessica Williamson, 41, of Round Rock, Texas. Police said she was carrying a round metal object when she was arrested, and was charged with assault and battery.

Verizon store crash suspect also suspected of crashing into D.C. apartment complex — “Following receipt of his emails, we immediately worked to increase security at the property. Unfortunately, he visited the office twice last Monday and the second visit is when he crashed his car into our lobby. After leaving The Drake, he visited a Verizon store in Virginia and crashed his car through their storefront as well.” [PoPville]

The Art League bringing back in-person classes this month — “In-person classes will start on Monday, April 5 with adherence to CDC, Alexandria Health Department and Virginia Department of Health guidelines. Over 40 classes will be offered, covering a range of art forms, including drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, metal jewelry design, stained glass, and steel furniture design and construction.” [Patch]

April is Sexual Assault Survivor’s Month — “In April, the City will recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month with a series of events, activities, workshops and displays to support survivors of sexual assault and engage the community in prevention efforts.” [City of Alexandria]

Today’s weather — “Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 48F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible… Clear skies. Widespread frost likely. Low around 30F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.” [Weather.com]

New job: Child care director — “Are you a natural leader who LOVES working with children? Are you passionate about working in child care and managing and inspiring a team? Are you ready to grow personally and professionally? We are seeking an awesome assistant director to join our child care team.” [Indeed]

Alexandria Police are investigating a number of crime events that occurred during late night hours over the weekend all over the city.

A man was seriously injured in a robbery in the 2500 block of North Van Dorn Street near Ft. Ward Park. The incident occurred at around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 27. A man was robbed and assaulted by gunpoint by an unknown man and woman. Personal items were taken, according to police.

The previous day, a man was seriously injured by several suspects in the 5400 block of Sheffield Court in the West End and was later transported to the hospital.

“We were very busy over the weekend responding to calls for service,” Alexandria Police spokesman Lt. Courtney Ballantine told ALXnow.

A man was also shot in a home invasion early on Sunday morning in Del Ray, and there were calls for shots fired in Old Town and the West End on Friday and Sunday evenings.

This week, police announced they will release year-to-date Part I crime data and information regarding the multiple calls for shots fired in recent months.

NOTIFICATION :: The Alexandria Police Department is investigating a felonious assault in the 5400 block of Sheffield Court. Expect police activity in the area.

— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) September 26, 2020

NOTIFICATION :: The Alexandria Police Department is investigating a robbery from person in the 2500 block of North Van Dorn Street. Expect police activity in the area.

— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) September 27, 2020

Sheffield Court and N. Van Dorn Street Maps via Google Maps

A pair of incidents — racist threats at a local martial arts champion and a man spitting at a local coffee house owner — were the prevailing stories Alexandria.

Alexandria Police told ALXnow that a suspect in the incident was found and taken into custody, but ultimately was not identified and “received services.”

Here are some of the top stories in Alexandria this week:

1. Customer Spits on Old Town Coffee Shop Owner and Vandalizes Store After Being Asked to Wear a Mask
2. Muay Thai Champ Gets Racist Threats at Jones Point Park
3. New Mixed-Use Development Sparks Frustration With Density in Parker-Gray Neighborhood
4. ACPS Has No Comment on Chief Operating Officer’s Vocal Departure
5. Man Charged With Multiple Misconduct Counts at Old Town Gas Station
6. Power Outage Covers Potomac Yard and Parts of Del Ray
7. Arlington-Based Fitness Studio Coming to Alexandria’s West End
8. Old Town Garden-Style Apartments to Be Replaced by Multifamily Apartment Complex
9. Here’s What’s Happening July 4 in Alexandria
10. Update: Alexandria Now Has 2,380 COVID-19 Cases, No New Deaths
11. Poor Business Revenue Amid Shutdown Leaves Alexandria Government With Empty Pockets

Photo via Abyssinia Market and Coffee House/Facebook

Alexandria Police are investigating an assault that put an Alexandria minor with non-life-threatening injuries on June 3 in the Del Ray/Rosemont area.

The incident, which was first reported by the Alexandria Times, occurred at around 10 p.m. in the area of Russell Road and Rosecrest Avenue. The victim was jumped by two suspects while walking home from a friend’s house, according to Alexandria Police spokesman Lt. Courtney Ballantine.

The victim is a member of the T.C. Williams High School varsity baseball team, according to The Times. He was reportedly driven to the hospital by his father.

The suspects did not have weapons and full descriptions of their appearances are not available. Nothing was stolen from the victim and the investigation is ongoing, Ballantine said.

File photo