Arlington County Police Department is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred on the evening of Aug. 11, 2023.
At approximately 9:44 p.m., police were dispatched to the 1900 block of Clarendon Boulevard for the report of a crash with injury. The preliminary investigation indicates the driver was travelling eastbound on Clarendon Boulevard on a moped at a high-rate of speed when the vehicle left the roadway and struck a utility pole.
The adult male driver was located unresponsive on the scene and was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The driver of the moped has been identified as 44-year-old Solomon Zeleke of Arlington.
According to Virginia code, "moped" does not include an electric power-assisted bicycle or a motorized skateboard or scooter.A moped is defined as a motorcycle when it is operated at speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact Detective S. Lafley at Slafley@arlingtonva.us or 703-228-4052. Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
Police Reports
ASSAULT ON POLICE, 2023-08110270, 2800 block of Columbia Pike. At approximately 10:04 p.m. on Aug. 11, police were dispatched to the report of a possible stabbing. The arriving officer located three male subjects matching the descriptions provided by the reporting party and gave them commands to stop in order to conduct their investigation. Subject One was detained without incident. Subject Two assaulted the officer by punching him and was taken into custody with the assistance of an additional arriving officer. Subject Three refused to comply with the officer’s commands and, following the deployment of a Taser by the officer, was detained. Subject Three was evaluated on scene by medics and, following the investigation, was released on scene. The investigation determined a dispute had taken place but no stabbing had occurred. Subject One, 23, of Arlington, was arrested and charged with Public Intoxication. Subject Two, 27, of Arlington, was arrested and charged with Assault on Police and Public Intoxication.
MALICIOUS WOUNDING, 2023-08130240, 900 block of S. Buchanan Street. At approximately 10:44 p.m. on Aug. 13, police were dispatched to the report of an assault with injury. Upon arrival, it was determined the male suspect and male victim, who are known to each other, were inside a residence when the suspect allegedly attempted to stab the victim, resulting in a laceration. The victim then left the apartment and called police. Officers located the suspect at the scene and took him into custody without incident. The victim sustained minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital. The suspect was evaluated on scene by medics and did not require medical attention. The suspect, 30 of Arlington, was arrested and charged with Malicious Wounding. He was held without bond.
INDECENT EXPOSURE, 2023-08110004, 5000 block of Wilson Boulevard. At approximately 12:26 a.m. on Aug. 11, police observed the male suspect exposing himself. During the investigation it was determined the suspect had also returned to a business he was previously banned from. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. The suspect, 46, of No Fixed Address, was arrested and charged with Indecent Exposure and Trespassing. He was held without bond.
ROBBERY, 2023-08110255, 1300 block of S. Joyce Street. At approximately 8:46 p.m. on Aug. 11, police were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined the male and female victims arranged to meet Suspect One, who is known to them, at this location. When the male victim and Suspect One made contact, Suspect Two exited the vehicle, brandished a firearm and struck the male victim with it before stealing the victims’ bags containing clothing, electronics and personal belongings. Suspect One then brandished a firearm and took the female victim’s purse from her possession. Both suspects then fled the scene in their vehicle with the victim’s stolen property. Officers canvassed the area for the suspects yielding negative results. Warrants were obtained for Robbery (x2) and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. The investigation is ongoing.
ROBBERY, 1700 block of 26th Street S. At approximately 6:31 a.m. on Aug. 12, police were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined the suspect was inside of a parked vehicle with the three male suspects when one suspect threatened the victim with a firearm and demanded his belongings. The suspects stole electronics, jewelry and a wallet containing credit cards, personal identification cards and an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene in the vehicle. The victim then requested assistance from the reporting party who called police. No injuries were reported. Officers canvassed the area for the suspect yielding negative results. The suspects are described as males and the suspect vehicle is described as a blue SUV. The investigation is ongoing.
PEEPING, 1300 block of S. Taylor Street. At approximately 3:03 a.m. on Aug. 13, police were dispatched to the report of a suspicious person. Upon arrival, it was determined the male victim observed the unknown male suspect looking into windows of the residential building and contacted police. Upon arrival, an officer observed an individual standing behind the building and gave him commands to stop. The suspect then ran from the scene and a canvass of the area for the suspect yielded negative results. The suspect is described as a heavy-set male, approximately 5’4”, 35-45 years old wearing a red shirt, blue jeans and a black hat. The investigation is ongoing.
ATTEMPTED ROBBERY, 2900 block of N. Sycamore Street. At approximately 8:42 p.m. on Aug. 11, police were dispatched to the late report of a robbery by force. Upon arrival, it was determined at approximately 7:05 p.m. on Aug. 10, two male suspects entered the business. Suspect Two began speaking to a store employee while Suspect One gained entry to a secured area of the store and stole packs of cigarettes before attempting to leave without payment. When the store employee confronted Suspect One, he struck the employee and a struggle ensued. The two suspects then fled the store on foot without the merchandise. Suspect One is described as approximately 5’11”-6’0”, 220-230 pounds with short hair and a goatee wearing a white t-shirt, black shorts, white sneakers and black sunglasses. Suspect Two is described as approximately 5’9”-5’11”, 200-210 pounds with afro-style hair wearing a white t-shirt, black pants and black shoes. The investigation is ongoing.