Suspected Narcotics Seized Near Arlington Elementary School: Police

Officers detained a juvenile male suspect who was wearing a face mask near Drew Elementary School.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Police in Arlington, Virginia responded to a report of a burglary on Monday morning and ended up seizing a distribution amount of suspected narcotics and evidence of drug dealing near an elementary school. A juvenile male suspect was detained after a foot pursuit and charged with multiple offenses including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and selling drugs near school property.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about drug activity and crime occurring near schools, which can pose risks to student safety and the overall community. Arlington County has seen an increase in drug-related arrests and incidents in recent years, prompting greater scrutiny and enforcement efforts by local law enforcement.

The details

According to the police report, officers were called to the 3200 block of 24th Street South around 10:45 a.m. on Monday to investigate a reported burglary. When police arrived, they spotted several people exiting an apartment and fleeing the scene. After a brief foot pursuit, officers detained a juvenile male suspect who was wearing a face mask in the area near Drew Elementary School. During the investigation, police recovered distribution amounts of suspected narcotics as well as evidence that the suspect was involved in the sale of controlled substances. The juvenile suspect also provided officers with false identification information while in custody.

  • Police responded to the reported burglary around 10:45 a.m. on Monday, March 3, 2026.
  • The juvenile suspect was detained near Drew Elementary School following a brief foot pursuit.

The players

Drew Elementary School

An elementary school located in Arlington, Virginia where the juvenile suspect was detained by police.

Arlington County Police Department (ACPD)

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the reported burglary, detained the juvenile suspect, and seized suspected narcotics and evidence of drug dealing.

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What’s next

The juvenile suspect will face charges including unlawful entry, obstruction of justice, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, selling drugs near school property, providing false identification to police, and wearing a mask in a public place.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges communities face in addressing drug activity and crime near schools, which can jeopardize student safety and the overall wellbeing of the neighborhood. It highlights the need for continued vigilance, community engagement, and comprehensive strategies to tackle these complex issues.