Shoplifting Suspect Arrested After Discharging Officer’s Firearm
Published on August 08, 2024
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Police Department is announcing the arrest of a shoplifting suspect who fought and disarmed an officer during his arrest. Gary McDonald, 50, of No Fixed Address is charged with Attempted Malicious Wounding of a Law Enforcement Officer, Disarm Law Enforcement Officer, Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm by Felon, Petit Larceny and Obstruction of Justice (x2). The suspect was also served with outstanding warrants out of Loudoun County, Virginia. He is being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.
At approximately 4:38 p.m. on August 7, police were dispatched to the 700 block of N. Glebe Road for the report of a larceny that had just occurred. The preliminary investigation indicates the suspect entered a business, concealed merchandise and exited without payment. The suspect was then confronted by loss prevention personnel and ran from the scene.
A lookout for the suspect was broadcast and a responding officer located him in the area of 7th Street N. and N. Vermont Street and gave him commands to stop. The suspect continued to run, and the officer initiated a foot pursuit. The suspect ran into the backyard of a residence in the 700 block of N. Vermont Street where the officer attempted to take him into custody. The suspect was non-compliant and actively fought the officer, during which he grabbed the officer’s firearm. A struggle for the firearm ensued and the suspect discharged a round from the weapon. The officer then regained control of his weapon and, with the assistance of additional arriving officers, took the suspect into custody without further incident.
No injuries were reported. As a precautionary measure, the officer and suspect were transported to an area hospital for medical evaluation and subsequently released.
“The officer demonstrated great bravery in the face of clear and present danger to himself and the community,” said Chief Andy Penn. “His quick actions to subdue the non-compliant suspect brought a safe resolution to an active threat. I am thankful the officer was not injured and that a dangerous individual is now in police custody to be held accountable for his actions.”
This remains an active investigation and anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Tip Line at 703-228-4180 or ACPDTipline@arlingtonva.us. Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
Booking photograph of Gary McDonald