Dozens of car windows shot out with BB gun in Arlington

The question about her car from a police officer came as a shock to Arlington, Virginia, resident Ellen Bartlett: “Did you know the window’s been smashed in?”

Clearly, Bartlett didn’t. Arlington County police say between Tuesday night and Thursday morning, 54 vehicles have been damaged by someone shooting a BB gun.



“Joy riding, and joy shooting,” Bartlett told WTOP’s news partners at NBC Washington. “And just shot out car windows, all around the neighborhood.

Six cars were damaged near the intersection of North 9th Street and North Daniel Street, and police believe the shootings are connected with earlier reports of destruction of property.

“It’s quite a shock, really, because it seems like quite a safe place,” Josh Ainley told NBC Washington, his roommates were victims of vandalism a few weeks ago. “Especially seeing it being a recurrent incident.”

Watch video from WTOP’s news partners at NBC Washington for more on the vandalism. 

Bartlett agrees. “It’s ridiculous, and it’s certainly stressful. I went out for an appointment, and there was still glass around the corner.”

Police are asking neighbors to review their home security cameras for any footage that may help in the investigation.

Information can be reported to the Arlington County Police Department’s tip line, at 703-228-4180 or emailed to ACPDTipline@arlingtonva.us.

Neal Augenstein

Neal Augenstein has been a general assignment reporter with WTOP since 1997. He says he looks forward to coming to work every day, even though that means waking up at 3:30 a.m.

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