Location: 1100 block of N. Highland Street, Arlington VA
Time: June 5, 2026, approximately 8:43 p.m.
A suspected shoplifting incident turned violent when a store employee was assaulted while attempting to stop a man from leaving with unpaid merchandise.
Police responded to the 1100 block of North Highland Street shortly before 9 p.m. after receiving reports of an assault. Investigators determined that the suspect filled a shopping cart with merchandise and exited the business without paying.
When confronted by an employee, the suspect allegedly struck the worker before fleeing on foot.
A responding officer later located a man matching the suspect’s description near the Clarendon Metro Station. Authorities said the suspect ignored commands and attempted to strike the officer several times before being subdued with assistance from additional officers.
James McGill, 60, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with robbery, two counts of obstruction of justice, and public intoxication. He was held without bond.