Ax-wielding suspect arrested after chase in Ballston

A man armed with an ax attempted to rob a business in Ballston before leading police on a foot chase, according to ACPD.

The incident began shortly before 5:30 p.m. Saturday in the 4200 block of Fairfax Drive at the Cigars Unlimited store. The man allegedly broke a window before fleeing the store.

Officers located the suspect nearby and pursued him, taking him into custody in the 900 block of N. Stuart Street in the Ballston Exchange office complex approximately 20 minutes after the initial robbery attempt.

The 18-year-old suspect had already been banned from the store and charged with petit larceny several days before his arrest Saturday, according to Arlington County police and court records. He was released on summons following the incident and was due back in court for an arraignment on July 18.

The police response during the case was filmed and posted to social media, below, by local public safety observers Dave Statter and Matthew Young.

Here is the video of @ArlingtonVaPD a chase in Ballston about an hour ago. More details of @matthewyoung31 in the attached post . @ARLnowDOTcom @HCBright10 #security #crime #arlington #police #hunting #Ballston pic.twitter.com/utLzqL1dko

-Dave Statter (@STATter911) June 1, 2024

The suspect now faces four additional charges and is being held without bail, police said.

More information, below, from an ACPD crime report.

ATTEMPTED THEFT, 2024-06010196, 4200 block of Fairfax Drive. At approximately 5:25 p.m. on June 1, police were dispatched to a report of destruction of property. Upon arrival, it was determined that the suspect had entered a business that had previously been banned from him and went behind the counter, during which an employee called the police. The suspect then walked towards the exit, took out an ax hidden in a backpack and struck a window, causing damage. The suspect then fled on foot. Officers issued an alert and observed the suspect running in the area. Following a foot pursuit, the suspect was taken into custody in the 900 block of N. Stuart Street. The ax was recovered by officers. [The suspect], 18, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with attempted theft, destruction of property, possession of burglary tools and trespassing. He is being held without bail.