18-year-old arrested for Alexandria attempted robbery, sexual battery

WASHINGTON — Police arrested an 18-year-old man they believe was involved in a robbery attempt and sexual battery in Alexandria earlier this month.

On Aug. 16, Alexandria police arrested Joshua Sprinkle, 18, after they say he attempted to rob a woman and groped another woman on Aug. 14, police said Tuesday.

Around 3:30 p.m., a suspect grabbed a victim from behind on the bike trail near Holmes Run Parkway and demanded money. The victim struggled with the suspect, who then ran away, according to police.

Less than an hour later, a suspect matching the same description as the attempted robbery grabbed the buttocks of a woman walking up the stairs inside an apartment building in the 500 block of N. Jordan Street. The victim screamed, which sent the suspect running, police said.

The suspect in both incidents was described as a tall, slim black man with short hair. Police identified the suspect as Sprinkle, an Alexandria City resident.

Sprinkle is charged with attempted robbery and abduction as well as sexual battery. He is being held without bond.

Police say Sprinkle may have assaulted other women. Anyone with information about this incident or others can call police at 703-746-6858.

Sarah Beth Hensley

Sarah Beth Hensley is the Digital News Director at WTOP. She has worked several different roles since she began with WTOP in 2013 and has contributed to award-winning stories and coverage on the website.

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