Arlington Man, 3 Juveniles Detained Stolen Vehicle Investigation In Courthouse Area

COURTHOUSE, VA — Arlington County Police apprehended four suspects Tuesday, including three juveniles, wanted in connection with a vehicle being stolen earlier in the week from the Colonial Village neighborhood, according to the daily crime report.

Officers responded around 7:55 a.m. on Monday for the report of a stolen vehicle in the 2100 block of 18th Street North. During their investigation, police determined that the victim's vehicle had been stolen sometime between 7:30 p.m. on Sunday and 7:30 a.m. on Monday.

Around 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, an officer on patrol spotted the stolen vehicle with four people inside in the Wilson Boulevard and North Rhodes Street area. The stolen vehicle appeared to have significant cosmetic damage, according to police.

As the officer approached the vehicle, the four suspects tried to run away. Following a brief chase, the officer was able to apprehend one of the four without incident. The remaining three were picked up in the Langston Boulevard and North Quinn Street area by other officers who had arrived on the scene.

Police charged 18-year-old Berket Wube of Arlington with grand larceny: motor vehicle theft and for not having a drivers license. The three juveniles were released to their guardians.

Nearly halfway through the month of December, ACPD reported that it has already investigated five vehicle theft cases in which the owner had left the vehicle's engine running. Police advised residents they should never leave their vehicle with the engine running or with the keys inside, even for a short period of time.

ACPD released the following recommendations to help prevent vehicle thefts:

• Remain aware of your surroundings and park in well-lit areas.
• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park. Double click the lock button on the key fob to receive a confirmation beep/chirp or pull on the door handle to verify it’s locked.
• Do not leave your keys, key fobs, or valet keys in your vehicle. This includes keys to a secondary vehicle.
• Ensure that your vehicle is turned OFF when leaving it unattended. Vehicles with keyless ignition systems can be driven for extended periods of time even if the key fob is not inside the car. Be sure to read your owner’s manual carefully and familiarize yourself with how to operate your vehicle’s keyless ignition system properly.
• Keep information, such as the make, model, model year, license plate and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) easily accessible in the event your vehicle is stolen.

Community members are also encouraged to report any suspected criminal activities to the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222. If someone is observed inside your vehicle, residents are advised not to approach the suspect. Instead, call 9-1-1 immediately.