VA Man Cited On Weapon, Drug Charges In Ballston: Police

ARLINGTON, VA — A 26-year-old Gainesville man is facing and drug and weapon charges after he was arrested by Arlington police as he was returning to a stolen vehicle parked near Ballston early Wednesday, according to authorities.

Around 1 a.m., an officer on patrol noticed an unoccupied vehicle parked on the sidewalk in the 900 block of North Jackson Street, according to the incident report.

Upon further investigation, the officer determined that not only was the vehicle reported stolen, its Vehicle Identification Number had been altered, according to the report. When the suspect returned the vehicle, he was taken into custody.

During the investigation, police recovered a firearm and suspected narcotics from the vehicle,

Atmal Hamidi of Gainesville was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon, possession of Schedule I/II controlled substance, possession of a firearm while in possession of drugs, possession of a vehicle with an altered serial number, and unauthorized use of a vehicle, according to police. He was then held without bond.

Also See ...

• Falls Church Man Arrested On Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
• Arlington Lists Permanent Drug Take-Back Sites Ahead Of DEA Disposal Day
• Indecent Exposure Arrest At Arlington Metro Station

Hamidi was arraigned Thursday morning in Arlington General District Court and a bond hearing was scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday, according to court records. As of 2 p.m., he was still listed as in custody. A preliminary hearing was set for 11:30 a.m. on June 24.

The most serious charge Hamidi is facing is possession of Schedule I or II substance, which is a Class 5 felony. If he is convicted on this charge, he faces a possible sentence of one to 10 years in prison or up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500, under the Code of Virginia.