Police Searching For Suspect In Sexual Assault, Robbery In Arlington

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington County police are investigating a sexual assault and robbery that took place in Crystal City Saturday night.

A woman was walking in the Crystal City Shops in the 1900 block of S. Bell Street on Saturday around 8:25 p.m. when a man approached her with a box cutter, demanded money and stole her cell phone, police said.

The suspect then took the victim to a secluded area where he sexually assaulted her and slashed her with the box cutter, according to police. The woman was able to leave the Crystal City Shops and get help from people above ground in the 1900 block of Richmond Highway, who contacted police.

The woman was taken to an area hospital for treatment of injuries considered non-life threatening, according to police.

Officers established a perimeter and canvassed the area for the suspect but were unable to find him.

The suspect is described as a Black male in his mid-20s with dark hair and a beard. He was wearing a gray t-shirt, black shorts with gray leggings underneath and carrying a green duffle bag.

Anyone with information about the incident can contact ACPD Detective Maldonado at 703-228-4194 or mmmaldonado@arlingtonva.us. Information may also be provided anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).