What an interesting week in Alexandria. Here’s the rundown.
World champion sprinter Noah Lyles brought home his bronze medal from the Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday. In a frank, TED Talk-like speech at Alexandria City High School, Lyles talked about the importance of mental health as he struggled to perform at the games.
A 30-year-old Alexandria man is being held without bond after allegedly committing sexual battery on a woman and following other women in the Landmark area on Thursday night.
Police responded to the 300 block of S. Reynolds Street at around 5:45 p.m. to investigate a report of a disorderly person, according to a release.
Alexandria Police say that a string of robberies from 7-Eleven convenience stores in the city and in Fairfax County are connected.
The most recent incident occurred just before midnight on August 19 at the 7-Eleven at 1025 W. Glebe Road. The clerk told police that the male suspect was buying a Black & Mild cigar. He handed over cash, but when the register opened he pushed the clerk away, “lunged” over the counter and stole about $30 in cash, police said in a search warrant.
Two men have been arrested after shooting at police from a vehicle at police in the Hume Springs neighborhood early Wednesday morning.
The identities of the suspects — 18-year-old Alexandria resident and 20-year-old non-city resident — have not yet been released, but they have been charged with shooting missiles at an occupied vehicle, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and illegal possession of a firearm.
Alexandria Police say they’re desperate for help from the City Council with compensation and hiring, and that out of every one new hire, three officers are leaving the department.
“That’s not sustainable,” said Lt. Marcus Downey, vice president of the International Union of Police Association’s (IUPA), Local 5. “In my 15 years with the department, I’ve never seen it this bad.”
There were no reported injuries after shots were fired in Old Town early on Sunday night (September 5).
The incident occurred in the 900 block of S. Alfred Street near Gibbon Street, which is a residential area full of town homes in the southern portion of Old Town.
Police assist in chase Friday night — “There is a heavy police presence in the area of North Latham Street and Taney Avenue due to a Virginia State Police pursuit that originated from out of the city. APD assisted and suspects have been taken into custody for non-violent offense(s).” [Twitter]
Alexandria Library eliminates fines for overdue items — “Here’s some great news for library patrons. Alexandria Library has decided to eliminate fines for overdue items. What is the reason for the change?” [Zebra]
Alexandria was spared from significant flooding this week after remnants of Hurricane Ida swept through the East Coast. The only flooding found was on lower King Street in Old Town, where businesses laid sandbags at windows and doorways.
“We’re open inside, but if you want to eat you’re probably going to have to come barefoot,” a hostess at Mai Thai told ALXnow on Wednesday.
A 31-year-old Fairfax County man was arrested for credit card theft and fraud last month after allegedly finding a wallet in the parking lot of the Bradlee Shopping Center and going on a spending spree.
On May 24, the male victim reported to police that he was the victim of fraud after losing his wallet in the parking lot. He said that someone made $423.99 and $1,097 purchases at a Target store in Falls Church, and then $314.96 at a T-Mobile store at 247 S. Van Dorn Street.
A 19-year-old Prince William County man was arrested after a brief chase near the 5200 block of Taney Avenue in the West End.
The incident occurred on Monday, August 9. An Alexandria Police officer was at a stationary traffic post in the 4800 block of Taney Avenue, when he tried to stop a black Ford sedan, according to a search warrant affidavit.
(Updated at 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, September 2) Alexandria Police are investigating the death of a man who was struck by a vehicle Wednesday morning (September 1) as he crossed the street in the West End.
The pedestrian has been identified as Simon Merino.
