Fight Over Cellphone In Crystal City Leads To Assault Charge: Police

ARLINGTON, VA — A 26-year-old man is facing an assault and battery charge after fighting with an another whose cellphone he tried to steal on Tuesday night in Crystal City, according to Arlington County Police.

Officers responded around 7:56 p.m. for the report of a robbery by force in the 2600 block of Crystal Drive. A preliminary investigation revealed a man approached another man and asked if he could borrow his cellphone. When the man declined, the other man tried to grab the cellphone, which caused it to drop to the ground, according to police. The two men began fighting.

A man driving by witnessed the altercation, got out of his vehicle and helped the victim restrain the suspect until police arrived, according to police. The two victims received minor injuries in the scuffle.

The suspect, whom police identified as Jaylen Williams of Arlington, was taken to the hospital to be medically evaluated. Once Williams was cleared, he was arrested and charged with attempted robbery and assault and battery, according to ACPD. Williams was then held without bond.

Williams was scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday morning, as well as have a bond hearing, in Arlington General District Court, according to court records. His case will be reviewed on Tuesday morning and his preliminary hearing is set for July 9.

The robbery by force charge is a Class 6 felony, which carries a potential sentence of one to five years in prison, according to the Code of Virginia. However, the court may decide to impose a sentence of up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500.

The assault & battery charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 12 months in jaiil and a fine of up to $2,500, according to the Code of Virginia.

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