Police Announce Arrest in Vehicle-Related Property Crimes Case; Share

Published on October 13, 2020

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Arlington County Police Department's Property Crimes Unit is announcing the arrest of two suspects in a vehicle-related property crimes case. Nickquan Bodie, 21, of Washington D.C. was arrested and charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Eluding and Receiving Stolen Property. Christopher Taylor, 20, of Washington D.C. was arrested and charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Eluding, Forgery and False ID to Law Enforcement. Both were held on a secured bond.

At approximately 5:30 a.m. on October 12, police were dispatched to the area of 27^th Street N. and N. George Mason Drive for the report of a suspicious vehicle. The reporting party observed a vehicle driving through the neighborhood with two subjects walking alongside it and appearing to look into parked vehicles. A lookout for the vehicle was broadcast and officers located it in the area of Wilson Boulevard and 10th Street North. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop for law enforcement. The vehicle eventually became inoperable at 10^th Street N. and N. Irving Street and the four occupants fled the scene on foot. Following a brief foot pursuit, two of the vehicle's occupants were located and taken into police custody. Two subjects remain outstanding and there are no descriptions of the subjects. The investigation determined that both the vehicle and the temporary license plate on the vehicle were reported stolen.

Method of Theft

Vehicle-related property crimes such as motor vehicle theft, larcenies from auto and vehicle tampering are often crimes of opportunity. Thieves are looking for easy, low effort opportunities to steal from hardworking members of the public and target vehicles with unsecured doors and windows.

The method of theft in this incident is consistent with other vehicle-related property crimes reported in Arlington. Several suspects, often riding in a stolen vehicle, drive through Arlington neighborhoods looking for crimes of opportunity. As the driver proceeds slowly down the street, several accomplices exit the vehicle and check door handles of vehicles parked in the area. The suspects enter vehicles that are found to be unlocked with the goal of stealing valuables and those vehicles with keys left inside. These incidents typically occur during overnight or early morning hours.

Take Action with these Crime Prevention Tips

No matter where you live, follow these crime prevention tips to help reduce the likelihood for criminal activity. Never assume your home or neighborhood is immune from criminal activity as criminals will purposely seek out homes or neighborhoods that they believe present easy targets.

• Be aware of your surroundings.


• Park in well-lit areas and activate exterior lights at your home.


• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park. Double click the lock button on the key fob to receive a confirmation beep/chirp or pull on the door handle to verify it's locked.


• Take all valuables out of your vehicle.


• Never leave your keys, key fobs, or valet keys in your vehicle. This includes keys to a secondary vehicle.


• Keep your garage door closed and locked. If a thief can get into a vehicle, they can have access to a garage door opener and can gain access to your home.


• Never leave the area while your vehicle is running — even for a short duration of time.


• Consider installing effective home surveillance cameras. Be mindful that if a home surveillance system captures a larceny from auto in progress, they do not always provide the overwhelming evidence needed to prosecute a case.


• Participate in the 9 P.M. Routine and encourage your family, friends and neighbors to do so too.

Report Suspicious Activity to Police for Investigation

Arlington County Police officers proactively patrol Arlington's neighborhoods to identify and prevent criminal activity. The department's efforts are enhanced by the active involvement of residents and this investigation began when an observant individual called the Emergency Communications Center to report suspicious activity. These efforts by the public not only aid the police but help make our neighborhoods a safer place to live and work.

Suspicious activity is an occurrence that is out of place in your neighborhood. Common suspicious activity factors in vehicle-related property crimes cases include observing individual(s) looking into your or your neighbors' cars, individual(s) walking down the street and trying multiple vehicle door handles, and vehicles with open doors with the interior dome lights on.

Factors such as race, ethnicity, national origin, or religious affiliation alone are not suspicious. The public should report only suspicious behavior and situations rather than beliefs, thoughts, ideas or expressions.

Residents observing suspicious activity should contact the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222. If you see a suspect in your vehicle, do not approach them and dial 9-1-1 immediately.

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