Location: Multiple locations in North Arlington, VA
Time: November 6, 2026, at approximately 11:58 p.m. through the early morning of November 7
A 39-year-old Arlington man has been arrested in connection with a series of shots fired incidents reported across North Arlington during the late evening of November 6 and early morning of November 7, 2026.
The Arlington County Police Department identified the suspect as Eric Schaefer, 39, of Arlington. He faces three counts of Reckless Handling of a Firearm and three counts of Discharging a Firearm in a Public Place. Schaefer is being held without bond at the Arlington County Detention Facility.
Police initially responded at approximately 11:58 p.m. on November 6 to the intersection of Military Road and 31st Street North after receiving a report of gunshots. Additional calls reporting shots fired at other locations in North Arlington followed.
Officers searched the affected areas and recovered evidence of gunfire at four locations:
- 5500 block of 15th Street North
- 2400 block of North Quebec Street
- 1100 block of North Vermont Street
- Military Road at 31st Street North
No injuries were reported in connection with the incidents.
Detectives with the department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit began investigating and developed a suspect description using evidence recovered at the scenes and information gathered from witnesses.
On the afternoon of November 7, officers located Schaefer and took him into custody during a traffic stop near Military Road and 24th Street North.
According to police, the preliminary investigation suggests the incidents are connected to an ongoing dispute between the suspect and someone known to him. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances leading up to the gunfire.
Authorities believe the incidents were isolated and said their investigation has not identified an ongoing threat to the community.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information or video footage related to the incidents is encouraged to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Tip Line at 703-228-4180.
The charges are allegations, and Schaefer is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.