Routine Traffic Stop Ends With Attack on Police Officer: Police

A routine traffic stop resulted in a man shoving a police officer to the ground over the weekend, police say.

Arlington police pulled over a vehicle in the 2400 block of S. 24th Road, just off Glebe Road near the on-ramp for I-395 at 10:42 p.m. April 23. Police were investigating a suspended license when things got heated with a passenger in the vehicle, according to a police report.

"During the stop, the passenger became combative, pushed an officer to the ground, and fled on foot," the report states.

Officers tracked down and arrested 31-year-old Justin Murray of Alexandria, who faces charges for assault on police, obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana (second offense) and failure to identify to law enforcement. He is currently being held without bond.

Earlier that day, police say another officer was assaulted in the heart of Ballston. Shortly before 7 a.m. April 23 in the 700 block of N. Tazewell Street, officers responded to a noise complaint "regarding an ongoing dispute between the time of deliveries," the report stated.

Someone was recording the incident when police say 41-year-old Roderick Watt of Wilkes Barre, Penn., struck the person holding the camera in the face, and then got combative with officers, according to the report. Watt was charged with two counts of assault on police, as well as obstruction of justice and assault and battery. He is currently being held on a secured bond.