'Combative' Suspect Tries To Disarm Officers : Arlington Police

ARLINGTON, VA — A 25-year-old Arlington man is facing multiple charges, including assault on police and attempting to disarm law enforcement officers, in connection to a fight that occurred Wednesday night at a county community center, according to authorities.

Around 8:42 p.m., Arlington County Police received a report of a fight taking place at the Langston-Brown Community Center, which is located at 2121 North Culpeper St.

An initial investigation revealed that two men were arguing. One of the men exited the community center and began striking the other man’s vehicle with unidentified objects, shattering both the front and back windows, according to police. When the victim approached the vehicle, authorities say the suspect threatened the other man, implied he had a firearm, and assaulted the victim, causing minor injuries.

When officers arrived on the scene, they located the suspect in the passenger seat of a parked vehicle. Issuing commands, the officers tried to take the suspect into custody, but he became combative, threatened them and tried to grab the stun guns from three officers, according to court records. With the help of additional officers, police were able to take the suspect into custody.’

“During the incident, the suspect assaulted five officers including kicking and spitting at them,” according to the incident report. “The five officers sustained minor injuries with one seeking medical treatment at an area hospital. The suspect was evaluated at an area hospital before being transported to the Arlington County Detention Facility.”

The officers arrested Jack Witherell of Arlington, charging him with five counts of assault on police, three counts of attempted disarming of a law enforcement officer of their stun gun, felony destruction of property and assault and battery. He is being held without bond.

Witherell was scheduled to be arraigned in Arlington General District Court on Thursday morning and has a preliminary hearing set for May 21, according to court records.

All of the charges Witherell is facing are Class 6 felonies, each carrying a potential penalty of one to five years in prison, or confinement in jail for not more than 12 months, and/or a possible fine of not more than $2,500, according to the Code of Virginia.

“The officers demonstrated great restraint in the face of danger while attempting to subdue a combative, non-compliant suspect who repeatedly reached for their firearms,” said ACPD Chief Andy Penn. “Their actions and the safe resolution of this incident highlights their unwavering commitment to the safety of the Arlington community and reinforces the significance of teamwork, strong training and professionalism.”

Anyone with information related to case is asked to contact ACPD Tip Line at 703-228-4180 or ACPDTipline@arlingtonva.us. Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).