Location: 1400 block of S. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA
Time: 8:26 p.m., October 2, 2025
A routine traffic stop on the 1400 block of S. Glebe Road led to a major drug bust and the arrest of an Arlington man on multiple felony charges.
An officer with the Arlington Police Department initiated the stop just after 8:00 p.m. on October 2 after observing a traffic violation. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer noticed an open container of alcohol in plain view. The driver, identified as 57-year-old Charles Neal of Arlington, VA, was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence.
As officers prepared the vehicle for towing, they conducted a standard inventory search. That search revealed a distribution-level amount of cocaine and prescription pills, along with packaging materials and a large amount of cash. Further investigation led officers to execute a search warrant at a residence, where they recovered even more cocaine, additional packaging materials, a scale, and a substantial amount of cash.
Neal now faces two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule I/II Controlled Substance, as well as Driving Under the Influence. He is currently being held without bond.
Authorities say the arrest highlights the importance of proactive enforcement efforts that often uncover larger criminal activity beyond initial violations.