Officer Saw Suspect Strangling Victim During Arlington Robbery Attempt: Police

ARLINGTON, VA — An Arlington police officer interrupted an strangulation and attempted robbery early Monday near the courthouse, according to authorities.

Officers were dispatched around 12:30 a.m. to 15th Street North and North Courthouse Road for to invest the report of an assault. Police said a man was outside when another man approached and asked him for money.

After the victim handed over an undisclosed amount of cash, the man demanded more money and tried to steal the victim’s bag, according to police. During the struggle, the assailant pulled the bag’s strap against the victim’s neck, making it difficult for him to breathe, police said.

A responding officer saw the assault, ordered the assailant to stop and took him into custody, according to police.

The victim suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening and later went to a hospital on his own, police said.

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Police identified the suspect as Zachary Thomas, 37, of an undetermined address. He was charged with malicious wounding, attempted robbery and strangulation and was held without bond. All three charges are felonies.

Thomas remained in custody Monday, and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Sept. 29 at 11:30 a.m, court documents say.

The court records describe the attempted robbery charge as involving serious bodily injury. The strangulation charge is classified as a Class 6 felony, while the malicious assault charge is listed as a Class 2 felony and the attempted robbery charge as a Class 4 felony.

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