In-Custody Death At Arlington County Jail Investigated

ARLINGTON, VA — The second death at the Arlington County Jail this year is under investigation. David Gerhard, 55, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, died early Tuesday, authorities said.

About 7:56 a.m. Tuesday, Arlington County Police and fire were dispatched to the jail for a report of cardiac arrest. Gerhard was found unresponsive in the medical unit within the Arlington County Detention Facility.

Arlington County Sheriff’s Office deputies and medical staff began immediate resuscitation efforts until the arrival of Arlington County Fire Department medics. He was taken to Virginia Hospital Center, where he was pronounced dead, according to a police news release.

Gerhard had been held in the jail since Nov. 20, 2023, on charges of failure to comply with support obligations and contempt of court.

An autopsy will be conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine cause of death.

On Aug. 27, Abonesh Woldegeorges, 73, was found unresponsive in her cell. Arlington Fire & Rescue units took Woldegeorges to Virginia Hospital Center, where she was later pronounced dead, police said.

Gerhard's death is the second death at the jail this year, according to ARLnow, and the ninth fatality there in the last eight years.

After Paul Thompson died on Feb. 1, 2022, at the jail, the Arlington County Sheriff's Office reportedly implemented health and medical care reforms to improve medical care, including medical devices to track heart rates and alert workstations.

Officials said Gerhard's death is an active criminal investigation and anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s tip line at 703-228-4180 or ACPDTipline@arlingtonva.us. Information may also be provided anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).