Police Say Man Struck Arlington Officer Before Running Away

ARLINGTON, VA — An Arlington man was charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer after police said he struck an officer and fled early Sunday in Clarendon.

An officer assigned to the nightlife detail saw several people yelling at one another in the roadway near Wilson Boulevard and North Fillmore Street around 2 a.m. Sunday, according to the Arlington County Police Department.

Police said the officer directed the group to leave the street. When Fernando J. Vasquez, 35, approached another man, the officer intervened and ordered Vasquez to step away, according to authorities.

Vasquez disregarded the commands, struck the officer and ran from the scene, police said. Responding officers found him near Clarendon Boulevard and North Garfield Street and took him into custody. No injuries were reported.

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Arlington General District Court records show Vasquez was charged with felony assault on a law enforcement officer and misdemeanor fleeing from law enforcement. Police described the second charge in their report as obstruction of justice.

Vasquez was released on his own recognizance, according to court records. His arraignment is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, in Arlington General District Court.

The charges are allegations, and Vasquez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.