A man shot by a Metro Transit Police officer on Friday has now been charged with a series of vehicle-related offenses in Rosslyn preceding the shooting.
Mark Anthony Johnson-Crestwell, 30, has been charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, resisting arrest, obstruction of justice and vehicle trespass.
Johnson-Crestwell remains hospitalized in stable condition, according to a press release from Arlington County Police issued on Saturday.
The incident unfolded at 11:30 a.m. on Friday when Johnson-Crestwell reportedly approached an occupied vehicle at 19th Street North and Fort Myer Drive and unsuccessfully attempted to open the vehicle’s door by pulling on the door handle before the driver drove away.
Johnson-Crestwell continued walking along Fort Myer Drive, approached a second, unrelated, occupied vehicle, opened the back door, entered the vehicle and began yelling at the driver who subsequently exited their vehicle.
A Metro Transit Police officer observed that incident and gave Johnson-Crestwell commands to exit the vehicle. After he exited, a struggle ensued as the officer attempted to take the suspect into custody, during which Johnson-Crestwell fled the scene on foot.
A foot pursuit was initiated, during which Metro Transit Police deployed pepper spray. Johnson-Crestwell continued to flee on foot and entered a running, unoccupied trash truck at North Kent Street and 19th Street North.
A Metro Transit Police officer gave Johnson-Crestwell commands to exit and the suspect remained inside the vehicle. The officer then discharged their firearm, striking the suspect.
Metro Transit Police immediately began lifesaving measures before medics transported Johnson-Crestwell to an area hospital.
This remains an active criminal investigation with police continuing to investigate the series of events that occurred. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Tip Line at 703-228-4180 or [email protected].
Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).