Man Robbed in Arlington, Forced to Swim to D.C.

Robbers with a gun confronted a man on the Arlington side of the Potomac River, took his cell phone and wallet and forced him to jump into the river and swim to the D.C. side, according to the U.S. Park Police.

The Aug. 18 incident took place between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. near Scenic Overlook One (between Key Bridge and Chain Bridge) along the George Washington Memorial Parkway, the USPP said.

According to the Washington Post, “the victim came ashore near Fletcher’s Boathouse in Northwest Washington and alerted police, who began searching the area for the group.”

The crime remains under investigation. Sgt. Anna Rose of the U.S. Park Police released the following statement to the press:

The United States Park Police is investigating an armed robbery that occurred last night near the first scenic overlook on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The victim was relieved of his wallet and cell phone before being forced to enter the Potomac River and told to swim across.

After reaching shore on the D.C. side of the river, the victim alerted police who immediately began a search of the area. Two suspects were detained and eventually released without charges as they could not be positively identified as the attackers.

During the course of the search, a USPP officer suffered heat-related distress and was transported by helicopter to a local hospital. The officer was later released without incident.

There is no further information at this time. If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact our detectives at 202-610-8730.