A woman and a toddler are recovering from serious injuries after a frightening stabbing incident in Pentagon City, Arlington, Virginia, on Saturday night, police said.
According to the Arlington County Police Department, the attack happened around 9:45 p.m. on Army Navy Drive, just outside a Target store at the Westpost shopping center.
Police say Leonardo Reyes, 23, stabbed a woman who was holding a toddler on the sidewalk. Another young child was nearby but, thankfully, wasn’t hurt during the attack.
Investigators believe Reyes knew the victims, which is why police are reassuring the community that there is no ongoing threat.
After the attack, Reyes fled the scene. Officers quickly set up a perimeter around the area and spotted him entering a parking garage. In a dramatic search, police eventually found Reyes hiding underneath a parked car. He tried to resist arrest, but officers managed to capture him with the help of a police K9.
Both the woman and the toddler were rushed to the hospital. Police say the woman is in critical condition, while the toddler is stable.
Reyes is now being held at the Arlington County Detention Facility. He faces serious charges, including two counts of Aggravated Malicious Wounding, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Child, and Child Abuse.
Police are asking anyone who may have seen something or has helpful information to reach out. You can contact the Arlington County Police tip line at 703-228-4180 or email [email protected]. If you prefer to stay anonymous, you can also call the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
It’s a tragic and unsettling situation, but police are working hard to ensure justice for the victims.
