Arlington Police: 71-Year-Old Charged After Attempted Robbery At Store

ARLINGTON, VA — A 71-year-old Arlington man was arrested Monday after police said he attempted to leave a store with unpaid merchandise before struggling with an employee who confronted him.

Arlington County police responded just before 8:30 a.m. Monday to the 2500 block of 9th Road South to investigate the report of a robbery.

According to police, the suspect entered the business, collected merchandise in a shopping cart and allegedly attempted to leave the store without paying. An employee confronted the man near the exit, and a struggle over the merchandise ensued. Police said the suspect ultimately fled on foot, leaving all of the merchandise behind.

Suspect Identified, Evaluated At Hospital

Investigators later identified the suspect and took him into custody. Before being taken to jail, he was transported to an area hospital for evaluation, police said. After being medically cleared, Charles Adams Jr., 71, of Arlington, was arrested.

Adams was charged with attempted robbery, according to Arlington County police.

Court records show Adams is charged with attempted robbery by threat, a Class 6 felony under Virginia law. He remains in custody, according to the Arlington General District Court case record.

An arraignment was held Tuesday, when the case was continued. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Aug. 27 in Arlington General District Court.

Adams is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

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