Arlington Nightmare: 2 Stabbings in a Day – What We Know So Far

Arlington, Va. — October 8, 2025 - Arlington County police are probing two unrelated stabbing incidents that occurred within roughly 21 hours on Tuesday, leaving two adult males injured but in stable condition, authorities said Wednesday. The attacks, one in the Ballston area and the other near Arlington Mill, have prompted increased patrols in the affected neighborhoods as detectives seek suspects.

The first assault unfolded early Tuesday morning around 12:18 a.m. in the unit block of South Glebe Road, near the Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Ballston.Officers responded to reports of a stabbing and found an adult male victim suffering from a serious laceration. First responders administered aid on scene before transporting him to a local hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Witnesses described the suspect as a bald white male, approximately 65-70 years old, who approached the victim while he sat outside, yelled at him, and assaulted him with a sharp object before fleeing in a dark-colored sedan.No arrests have been made, and the Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation.

Later that evening, around 9:04 p.m., a second stabbing occurred in the 900 block of South Dinwiddie Street, near the Arlington Mill Community Center.Police arrived to find another adult male victim with lacerations, including a chest wound, deemed non-life-threatening. He received immediate aid from officers and was hospitalized in stable condition.

In this case, the suspect—an adult male—assaulted the victim outside with an apparent knife before fleeing on foot.A canvass of the area yielded no leads on the suspect, and the case remains active.

Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) spokesperson Ashley Savage confirmed the stabbings are not connected, with no evidence suggesting a broader pattern."We're treating these as isolated malicious woundings, but our detectives are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice," she said. In response, ACPD has boosted patrols in Ballston and Arlington Mill, areas known for their community centers and pedestrian traffic.

Arlington, with a population of about 235,000, has seen a 5% uptick in violent crimes this year, including 12 stabbings reported through September, per county data.Residents are urged to call 911 for emergencies or submit tips anonymously via the Arlington County Police app or 703-228-4737.

As investigations continue, community leaders emphasized safety: "These incidents remind us to stay vigilant, especially at night," said Ballston-Virginia Square Civic Association president John V. Myers. Updates are expected as more details emerge.