ARREST: Police Seek Public's Assistance Identifying Ballston Abd

Published on November 18, 2020

UPDATE (11/20/20) — At approximately 1:12 p.m. on November 20, police were dispatched to the 4200 block of Wilson Boulevard for the report of a suspicious person matching the description of the suspect in the November 17 incident. Responding officers located the individual and took him into custody without incident. Based on the follow-up investigation by detectives, Demetrius Spencer-Coates, 30, of No Fixed Address was arrested and charged with Abduction with Intent to Defile and Sexual Battery. He is being held in the Arlington County Detention Facility without bond.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Arlington County Police Department's Special Victims Unit is seeking the public's assistance identifying an abduction with intent to defile and sexual battery suspect captured in surveillance images.

At approximately 10:32 a.m. on November 17, police were dispatched to the 4200 block of Wilson Boulevard for the report of an assault just occurred. Upon arrival, it was determined that at approximately 9:47 a.m., the victim was cleaning a bathroom inside of a business when the male suspect approached her and requested to use it. As the victim attempted to move away from the stall, the suspect blocked her path, began to push her inside and slapped her buttocks. The victim resisted and attempted to call for help, at which point the suspect backed off and left the area on foot.

At approximately 10:13 a.m., the victim was at a nearby closet when she heard noise in the area of the bathroom. As the victim went to investigate, she observed the suspect in the bathroom again. The suspect blocked her path, pushed her back towards the closet, and again slapped her buttocks. He then pushed her further into the closet, grabbed her neck, and attempted to close the door to the closet behind them. The victim resisted and began to call for help, at which point the suspect fled.

Arriving officers canvased the area with negative results. The suspect is described as a Black male in his 20's, approximately 5'10"-6'2", and 170-190 lbs., with a full beard, wearing a white hat, blue jeans, gray winter coat, and white sneakers.

This remains an active criminal investigation and anyone with information regarding the suspect's identity or whereabouts is asked to contact Detective H. Molina of the Arlington County Police Department's Special Victims Unit at hmolina@arlingtonva.us or 703-228-4208. Information may also be provided to the Arlington County Police Tip Line at ACPDTipline@arlingtonva.us, or the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).