Woman Found Dead Inside Burning Dumpster In Arlington: Police

ARLINGTON, VA — A woman was found dead inside a dumpster that had caught fire in the Penrose neighborhood late Friday morning, according to the Arlington County Police Department.

At about 11:40 a.m., the Arlington County Fire Department responded to a report of a dumpster fire in the 200 block of S. Veitch Street, police said. After putting out the fire, an adult female was found dead in the dumpster, according to police, who said their investigation found no ongoing threat to the community.

ARLnow reported Friday afternoon that the woman is believed to have set the dumpster on fire and then jumped in.

The police said they are conducting a death investigation, while the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of the woman’s death.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact ACPD’s tip line at 703-228-4180, or by email at ACPDTipline@arlingtonva.us. The public can also anonymously report a tip through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

If you or someone you know is considering harming themselves, help is available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 800-273-8255. Immediate help is also available in an emergency by dialing 9-1-1.