Location: Arlington VA
Time: Investigation announced June 2026
Two Northern Virginia men are facing criminal charges following an investigation into the illegal discharge of gasoline and motor oil into Arlington County’s stormwater system.
According to the Arlington County Office of the Fire Marshal, 33-year-old Ahmad Adawi of Fairfax was charged with Violation of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code, Conspiracy to Discharge Oil into Waters, and Knowingly and Willfully Discharging Oil into Waters. Suhib Derbas, 31, of Alexandria, was charged with Conspiracy to Discharge Oil into Waters and Knowingly and Willfully Discharging Oil into Waters.
Authorities said the charges stem from the intentional dumping of substantial quantities of gasoline and motor oil into a storm drain. Officials noted that petroleum-based products entering stormwater systems pose significant threats to public health, public safety, and the environment.
Gasoline and motor oil are classified as hazardous materials due to their toxic and highly flammable properties. Environmental officials warn that improper disposal can contaminate waterways, harm wildlife, and create long-term environmental damage.
The Arlington County Office of the Fire Marshal conducted the investigation in coordination with local and regional partner agencies. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident and later released pending further court proceedings.
“This enforcement action reflects our ongoing commitment to uphold the law and protect the public and environment from hazardous and unlawful conduct,” said Chief Fire Marshal Matthew Cobb. “The Office of the Fire Marshal, in coordination with our partner agencies, is engaged in a focused and sustained effort to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for illegal dumping activities. These actions pose serious risks to public safety and environmental integrity, and they will not be tolerated in Arlington County.”
County officials are reminding residents and businesses that the improper disposal of hazardous materials is a criminal offense and that petroleum products must be disposed of through approved methods and facilities.
Anyone with information regarding illegal dumping or hazardous materials violations is encouraged to contact the Arlington County Office of the Fire Marshal.