A 34-year-old Arlington man is being held without bond after allegedly robbing his girlfriend’s ex of his clothes and other items at gunpoint.

The suspect was arrested for armed robbery on Sept. 14, nearly two months after the July 18 incident.

The victim reported to police that, on July 17, he had a phone argument with his child’s mother and her boyfriend. The following day, while sitting outside in front of the Popeyes at 3402 Mount Vernon Avenue, the victim observed the suspect and an unknown driver pull up in a white Kia Optima, according to a recently released search warrant affidavit.

The victim told police that he approached the suspect on foot after the suspect got out of the vehicle and approached him.

The victim said that the suspect then stepped back, took a handgun from his waistband and pointed it at him. The victim reported that the suspect stole his clothes and other items, and that the suspect then posted a video on Instagram of the victim sitting on a crate, according to the search warrant affidavit.

Police took the suspect’s iPhone into possession and described the video in the affidavit.

The suspect goes to court on Oct. 5.

The city’s Sexual Assault Center and Domestic Violence Program is open, and hotlines are available 24/7 at 703-684-7273 [Sexual Assault Hotline] or 703-746-4911 [Domestic Violence Hotline]. Online support is also available with The National Sexual Assault Online Hotline.

A 41-year-old Alexandria man is being held without bond after allegedly throwing away a handgun on Interstate 395 while eluding police.

The victim’s girlfriend called police on May 5 and reported that she was the victim of domestic assault and battery at her home in the 700 block of N. Ripley Street, according to a search warrant affidavit. The woman told police that her boyfriend threatened her and that he was known to carry a firearm.

Police found the suspect in his car and ordered him to stop, but the suspect “backed over a median and fled northbound on N. Van Dorn Street at a high rate of speed,” police said in the search warrant affidavit.

Police chased the suspect seven miles, through Arlington and then back into Alexandria on I-395. The suspect’s car then started to have mechanical problems, and police saw the suspect “throw a handgun style firearm out of the driver’s side window,” according to the search warrant affidavit.

The suspect was arrested on I-395 just before the exit for Washington Boulevard in Arlington. Police also recovered a Jimenez Arms J.A. 380 on the side of the road.

The suspect was then charged with assault and battery, abduction by force/intimidation, carrying a concealed weapon, driving on a revoked/suspended license, possession of Schedule I and II drugs, reckless driving, eluding police and discharging missiles at a train/car.

All the charges were dismissed in court on June 21 except eluding police and being a nonviolent felon in possession of a firearm, both of which were transferred to the Circuit Court for a grand jury trial. The trial date has not yet been set.

Alexandria’s Sexual Assault Center and Domestic Violence Program is open, and hotlines are available 24/7 at 703-684-7273 [Sexual Assault Hotline] or 703-746-4911 [Domestic Violence Hotline].

Image via Google Maps

A 37-year-old Maryland man suspected in a domestic assault was arrested Saturday night after being bitten by an Alexandria Police Department K-9 officer in Old Town.

The incident occurred at around 9 p.m. in the 300 block of N. West Street. The suspect allegedly brandished a weapon and pointed it at an unknown age female and male, threw the woman to the ground and punched the male in the face before driving off in a black SUV.

The suspect was later arrested at the entrance to the ramp for Interstate 495 near S. Patrick Street. The suspect was bitten by a K-9 officer, according to dispatch reports, was treated at the hospital and then arrested for pointing/brandishing a firearm, resisting arrest and assault and battery

The suspect’s arraignment is on July 26.

Anyone with information on this incident can call the APD non-emergency number at 703-746-4444. Callers can remain anonymous.

The city’s Sexual Assault Center and Domestic Violence Program is open, and hotlines are available 24/7 at 703-684-7273 [Sexual Assault Hotline] or 703-746-4911 [Domestic Violence Hotline]. Online support is also available with The National Sexual Assault Online Hotline.

Image via Google Maps

(Updated 7/14) More details have been released regarding last month’s shooting of a 30-year-old woman in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria.

The woman was severely injured when she was allegedly shot in the leg by the 45-year-old father of her child, who afterward drove her to Inova Alexandria Hospital and wheeled her into the emergency room in a wheelchair, according to a recently released search warrant affidavit.

“The wound to (the victim’s) leg is significant and medical personnel advised she may lose the limb as a result,” police said in the search warrant affidavit. The investigation started after APD was notified by the hospital.

The incident occurred on June 20 at around 2:15 p.m. inside a two-level house where the suspect, Jovan Saunders, lived in the 300 block of East Raymond Avenue. Police found blood trails near the front door of the home, as well as a spent shotgun cartridge and more blood and evidence inside the home, according to the search warrant affidavit.

The woman initially told police that she was shot attempting to buy narcotics in an alley next to the Braddock Road Metro Station, but later changed her story, according to the search warrant affidavit. On June 21, she told police that she met with the suspect at his home, got into an argument with him and that he allegedly pointed a shotgun barrel at her chest.

“At some point during this argument, Jovan Saunders produced a shotgun and pointed it at (the victim), who was inside the bathroom on the main level,” police said in the search warrant affidavit. “(The victim) stated she pushed the barrel of the shotgun away from her chest when Jovan Saunders then fired the weapon, striking (her) in the lower left leg.”

The victim then convinced the suspect to drive her to the hospital, police said in the search warrant affidavit.

Saunders was arrested in Prince George’s County and is being held without bond. He has been charged with aggravated malicious wounding, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He remains in Maryland pending the outcome of a fugitive from justice trial on July 28.

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.”

Map via Google Maps

A 41-year-old Alexandria man is being held without bond on multiple charges after allegedly shooting a gun at a vehicle while driving, strangling a former girlfriend, eluding police and discarding a handgun on Interstate 395.

The victim called police at around 11:15 p.m. on Friday night (May 5) and reported that the suspect allegedly fired several shots at other vehicles in the area of E. Raymond Avenue and Dewitt Avenue, according to dispatch reports.

Scanner traffic shows that the suspect was driving in an older model white Chrysler, which was located just before midnight going north on N. Van Dorn Street near Kenmore Avenue. Police chased the Chrysler at speeds up to 90 miles per hour before the suspect drove onto I-395 northbound near Glebe Road and allegedly threw a handgun out the driver’s side window, prompting police to section off a portion of the highway. The Chrysler broke down minutes later on I-395 near the Washington Boulevard exit.

The suspect was charged with strangling, abduction by force, malicious shooting at a train/car, firearm possession by a nonviolent felon, assault and battery, driving on a revoked/suspended license, shooting in a public place and eluding police. He goes to court on June 21.

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.”

An arrest has been made after an Alexandria man was shot in the neck while returning home to pick up clothes after a domestic dispute, police said in a recently released search warrant affidavit.

The incident occurred Saturday, March 18, near an apartment that the male victim shared with his child’s mother and child in the 400 block of N. Armistead Street. Prior to the shooting, police mediated a domestic assault complaint between the victim and his child’s mother in an apartment. The victim told police that he agreed to leave the apartment and made an arrangement to return to pick up clothes.

“The victim had reportedly arranged to return to the residence to retrieve clothing, when he was confronted at gunpoint by an unknown masked male, who he saw coming from the direction of his residence,” police said in the search warrant affidavit. “The victim reported that the masked male was intently focused on him immediately prior to the encounter and made the statement: ‘Don’t try anything stupid,’ as he pulled out the pistol and aimed it at the victim.”

The victim told police that he didn’t believe the man would pull the trigger, and moved. The victim told police that four shots rang out and that he got shot in the neck. A witness told police that the victim screamed, “She set me up! She set me up!” according to the search warrant affidavit.

The suspect fled the area in a white Honda with Virginia plates, which were tracked to a 24-year-old Alexandria man. The suspect was arrested on April 17, and is being held without bond. He was charged with malicious wounding and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.

The suspect goes to court on May 31.

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.”

News Release:: At approximately 10:26 a.m. on Saturday, March 18, 2023, the Alexandria Police Department responded to a call for shots fired in the 400 block of North Armistead Street.

Read more: https://t.co/LUNbbwGJTK pic.twitter.com/cl6N1NM78c

— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) March 19, 2023

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A 47-year-old Alexandria man is out on bond after allegedly strangling his ex-girlfriend in her apartment last month, according to police.

The incident allegedly occurred at the victim’s apartment on Sunday, Feb. 12, according to a recently released search warrant affidavit. The victim reported that the suspect allegedly strangled her inside of her apartment.

The victim then reportedly left her apartment for a number of days for her safety, and when she returned she found a number of items were missing from her apartment suspect and his new girlfriend were allegedly found more than $1,200 worth of items missing from the apartment, according to the search warrant affidavit. No charges were filed for the alleged theft.

The suspect was arrested on Wednesday, March 1, after he got out of his truck. He was charged with domestic assault and battery and impeding blood circulation or respiration of a family/household member. The suspect was released on March 9 on a $3,000 unsecured bond.

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.”

A 24-year-old Fairfax County man faces assault and battery charges after allegedly breaking into an apartment near Fort Ward early Monday morning, according to Alexandria Police.

The incident, which police describe as domestic in nature, occurred at around 12:30 a.m. in an apartment in the 2500 block of N. Van Dorn Street.  The suspect allegedly breached the apartment and assaulted the victim, who did not go to the hospital. Police did not say what was stolen from the apartment.

The suspect was arrested a few blocks from the scene and later released that same day on a $3,000 unsecured bond. He goes to court on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Anyone experiencing domestic violence can call the Alexandria Sexual Assault Center and Domestic Violence Program 24/7 at 703-746-4911.

Notification:: There is a moderate police presence in the 2500 block of North Van Dorn Street. This is in response to a residential burglary. The suspect is in custody. pic.twitter.com/T5Z59uYpox

— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) January 9, 2023

Map via Google Maps

(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.”