Arlington Police Charge Suspect After Alleged Attack, Robbery of Elderly Man

The Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit has charged a suspect with robbery after he allegedly attacked and robbed an elderly man in broad daylight, according to a news release from the Arlington County Police Department.

On Saturday, at approximately 4:50 p.m., an 87 year-old Arlington resident was grabbed by the neck and thrown to the ground during a robbery in the 3800 block of N. 9th Street. As the suspect forcefully held the victim on the ground, he grabbed his wallet from his pocket. The suspect fled the scene on foot with the elderly victim’s cash.

A witness immediately came to the assistance of the victim and contacted police, providing a detailed description of the assailant. The victim sustained minor injuries and was treated by medics on scene. At approximately 5 p.m., an officer located and detained the suspect on the platform of the Ballston Metro Station.

Melvin Baxter, 57, of Capitol Heights, Md., was arrested and charged with robbery. He was held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.