The Arlington County Police Department released its daily crime report for August 27, 2025, detailing several incidents that occurred across the county. The report covers significant criminal events and is published every weekday except on county holidays. The department notes that the information is generally based on initial reports and may change as investigations continue.
On August 26 at approximately 2:20 p.m., police responded to a larceny in the 900 block of Army Navy Drive. Officers determined that a female suspect allegedly stole merchandise from a business and fled in a vehicle. A lookout was issued, and officers located the vehicle in the 3800 block of Richmond Highway with help from the Alexandria Police Department. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect was connected to two previous incidents involving the same business. On October 30, 2024, she allegedly concealed merchandise, brandished what appeared to be a knife, and left without paying. On August 22, 2025, she reportedly concealed items at another location in the 1500 block of Wilson Boulevard and displayed scissors after being confronted by an employee.
Rachel McDowell, age 53 of Washington D.C., was arrested and charged with two counts of robbery, grand larceny, two counts of shoplifting, and served with outstanding warrants from Fairfax County. She is being held without bond.
Other incidents reported include larcenies on various blocks such as 2nd Street S., Army Navy Drive, S. Hayes Street, N. Edgewood Street, Monroe Street, Troy Street, Lincoln Street; threats reported on Columbia Pike; fraud cases on Columbia Pike and N. Glebe Drive; recovered stolen vehicle at Shirlington Road; destruction of property on Yorktown Boulevard; suspicious circumstances on N. Wayne Street.
For more detailed information about crime in specific areas or for case status updates, residents are directed to visit Arlington County’s online Crime Data Hub or Virginia’s Judicial System website.
Arlington County Public Schools District enrolled over 27,500 students during the last school year according to state data (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home). Of these students, Washington Liberty High School had the highest enrollment among local schools (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home). White students represented about 41.9% of total enrollment while Hispanic students made up just over 30% (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home). Total student numbers declined slightly compared to the previous year (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home), with Montessori Public School of Arlington enrolling the largest number of pre-kindergarten students (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home).
The police remind residents that all individuals arrested or charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
