Arlington Police Officer Punched In Face | Patch PM

Stories to share this evening:

DC's Cherry Blossoms Are Going To Bloom Earlier And Earlier, Scientists Claim

The peak cherry blossom dates have been released, and not surprisingly — based on the insanely warm weather we've had in the District so far — they're going to be blooming earlier than ever in modern memory. The March 14-17 peak bloom period is earlier than any of the last 14 years of peak bloom dates in the nation's capital, and a full month earlier than it was in 2015, 2014 and 2013. But is global warming to blame for this?>>>Read more.

Man Punches Arlington Police Officer in the Face: Police

A man punched a police officer in the face as officers were trying to break up a fight on Columbia Pike in Arlington earlier this week, police say. "As officers were investigating the incident, a subject on scene became argumentative and aggressive towards an individual being interviewed by police," the report states. "As officers were attempting to escort the subject away from the scene, he allegedly began to physically resist the officers, swung his arm and struck an officer in the face.">>>Read more.

(Update) 2 Sets Of Human Remains In Park Linked To Gang Activity: Police Chief

The search of a local park led to the discovery of two bodies, and Fairfax County Police believe the homicides were related to gang activity, authorities said Friday morning. In a news conference at Holmes Run Park, near Bailey's Crossroads, Col. Edwin Roessler said that police detectives and a search team found the two sets of human remains Thursday night. "I can assure you this is gang activity," he said.>>>Read more.

More Virginia headlines:

• Man Arrested For Triple Stabbing in Sterling: Police
• Counterfeit Bills Used at Store in Sterling: Police
• Reston Town Center Won't Allow Anti-ParkRTC March, Route Will Go Around
• DC United Partners with Chef José Andrés, Promises 'World-Class' Food at Audi Field