Man Breaks Into Arlington Business, Sets It On Fire: Police

ARLINGTON, VA — Police are asking for the public's assistance in locating a man accused of breaking into an Arlington business and setting it on fire last week.

Firefighters responded to the report of a fire at a business on Columbia Pike at about 4:14 a.m. April 13. The Fire Marshall requested the assistance of the Arlington County Police Department after extinguishing the fire.

Investigation revealed the suspect forced entry into the business at about 3:22 a.m. He stole merchandise before intentionally setting a fire and fleeing the area on foot, police said.

Surveillance video shows the man walking in the area of the business, located in the 2600 block of Columbia Pike.

Police describe the suspect as a heavy-set male, 30-40 years old, about 5’10” to 6’0” and weighs 300 pounds. He has a full beard and a bald spot. He was wearing glasses, a light shirt, dark colored jeans and a backpack at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information on the identity of the individual or details surrounding this incident is asked to contact Detective T. Parsons of the Arlington County Police Department’s Burglary/Larceny Unit at 703-228-4172 or tparsons@arlingtonva.us. To report information anonymously, contact the Arlington County Crime Solvers at 866.411.TIPS (8477).

Photos of suspect via Arlington County Police