Report: Leering Man in White Car Alarms Parents in Arlington

Arlington County Police have notified departments in neighboring jurisdictions about an older man who was spotted multiple times leering at young children while driving slowly by in a white sedan, according to ARLnow.

The incidents, usually defined as "creepy" behavior, have been documented on many listservs in the region.

According to the ARLnow report:

Arlington County Police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck said police know who the man is, have spoken to him, and have notified other police departments about the situation. They have not, however, been able to link the man to any crime.

“Our detectives have reached out to neighboring jurisdictions to see if he has committed a crime in those areas,” Sternbeck said. He encouraged residents to immediately notify police of any suspicious activity.

In April, parents in the Del Ray-Arlandria area hit the listservs with reports of a heavy-set, older white man driving a white sedan asking children if they wanted rides. He was also seen photographing children.

Lt. Mark Bergin of the Alexandria Police Department said the city is not currently experiencing an uptick or seeing “a pattern or common location" in reports of suspicious persons relating to children.

Bergin urges anyone with concerns about the actions of others to call the police immediately so they can investigate.  

“Information or reports of suspicious activity that we receive by phone days later, or emails to us that may not be read immediately, are of very little use,” Bergin wrote in an email. 

The Alexandria Police Department’s non-emergency number is 703-746-4444. Emergencies and crimes in progress should be reported by calling 911.