Shot Fired in Check Cashing Store, Arlington Police Seek Robbery Suspect

Saturday, August 22 2009 10:24:28 AM

suspect ARLINGTON, VA. - The Arlington County Police Department's Robbery Unit is seeking the public's help to identify a man who attempted to rob a check cashing store on August 21, 2009, and may be linked to additional incidents in the area.

At approximately 5 p.m. an unknown man entered a check cashing store in the 2600 block of Columbia Pike. The suspect displayed a handgun and passed a note to the clerk demanding money. One shot was discharged during the exchange. The suspect fled the store after the shot was fired. No one was injured.

Surveillance images show that shortly before the robbery in Arlington County, a person believed to be the same suspect also entered a bank in the 5700 block of Seminary Road in Fairfax County. In that incident, the man approached the counter and appeared to write a demand note for the teller, but for unknown reasons, fled the bank.

The suspect is a male with a dark complexion in his 30's, 6' tall with a thin build. Witnesses state that he spoke with a heavy accent. At the time of the robbery, he was wearing a dark colored business suit and tie, sunglasses, and a dark wig.

If you see the suspect, exercise extreme caution and do not try to apprehend him yourself. Call 9-1-1 immediately. He should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information that may be relevant to this investigation is asked to call the Arlington County Police Department Tip Line at (703) 228-4242, or Detective D.R. Cupka at (703) 228-4193. Det. Cupka can also be reached by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Witnesses can also call Arlington County Crime Solvers at 866-411-TIPS (8477). Crime Solvers offers a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest. Callers to Crime Solvers do not have to give their names and do not need to testify in court.