Neighborhood watch
We finally found out what happened with that hostage situation last week on the next block over. Here is the police press release (thanks to Tim for forwarding it to us):
ARLINGTON, Va. - A three hour standoff between police and a burglary suspect in the Aurora Highlands neighborhood of Arlington ended when SWAT team members stormed the home and took the suspect into custody. The suspect had broken into the home the night before and sexually assaulted the resident.
The incident began the night of Thursday, September 21 when Melvyn Eugene Merchant, 42, of Vienna, broke into a home in the 800 block of South 20th Street. He assaulted the female resident of that home, with whom he had a prior relationship, and forced her to stay in the house against her will.
Tonight at approximately 6:35 pm, the victim was able to escape from Merchant. Police officers responded, located the woman, and quickly set up a perimeter around her home. The victim was taken to a local hospital with minor cuts and bruises.
Negotiators were able to establish contact with Merchant inside the home, but they were unable to persuade him to give himself up. At 9:44 pm the SWAT team made entry and Merchant was captured without incident. Police have obtained warrants for Burglary and Rape against Merchant and detectives from the Special Victims Unit will investigate and determine whether any additional charges will be placed.
Merchant was also taken to a local hospital to be checked out but did not appear to be seriously injured. He will be held without bond.
Poor woman. I don't know her, but I hope she's OK. The odd thing is, I looked and looked for a story on this in the paper somewhere, but I didn't see one, and neither did Chris. Are you telling me that SWAT team action has become commonplace in Washington DC? Not reassuring. Especially since we live in what has become a very expensive, upwardly yuppifying neighborhood. I guess they had too many yuppie SWAT incidents to report that weekend, and so ours didn't make the cut.
ARLINGTON, Va. - A three hour standoff between police and a burglary suspect in the Aurora Highlands neighborhood of Arlington ended when SWAT team members stormed the home and took the suspect into custody. The suspect had broken into the home the night before and sexually assaulted the resident.
The incident began the night of Thursday, September 21 when Melvyn Eugene Merchant, 42, of Vienna, broke into a home in the 800 block of South 20th Street. He assaulted the female resident of that home, with whom he had a prior relationship, and forced her to stay in the house against her will.
Tonight at approximately 6:35 pm, the victim was able to escape from Merchant. Police officers responded, located the woman, and quickly set up a perimeter around her home. The victim was taken to a local hospital with minor cuts and bruises.
Negotiators were able to establish contact with Merchant inside the home, but they were unable to persuade him to give himself up. At 9:44 pm the SWAT team made entry and Merchant was captured without incident. Police have obtained warrants for Burglary and Rape against Merchant and detectives from the Special Victims Unit will investigate and determine whether any additional charges will be placed.
Merchant was also taken to a local hospital to be checked out but did not appear to be seriously injured. He will be held without bond.
Poor woman. I don't know her, but I hope she's OK. The odd thing is, I looked and looked for a story on this in the paper somewhere, but I didn't see one, and neither did Chris. Are you telling me that SWAT team action has become commonplace in Washington DC? Not reassuring. Especially since we live in what has become a very expensive, upwardly yuppifying neighborhood. I guess they had too many yuppie SWAT incidents to report that weekend, and so ours didn't make the cut.