Police Arrest Courthouse Metro Sexual Assault Suspect

Published on July 18, 2023

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Police Department has arrested a suspect following a sexual assault in the Courthouse Metro Station. Justice Bilaal Hatcher, 29, of Washington D.C., has been charged with Rape, Forcible Sodomy, Sexual Battery and Obstruction of Justice (x2). He is being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.

At approximately 10:48 p.m. on July 17, police were dispatched to the report of a suspicious person in the 2100 block of Wilson Boulevard. The investigation determined a witness called police when they observed the male suspect grab and inappropriately touch the female victim in the Metro. Responding officers located the suspect sexually assaulting the victim in the Metro, during which both parties separated and began to leave the area. Officers gave the suspect commands and attempted to take him into custody during which he resisted arrest. With the assistance of additional arriving officers, the suspect was taken into custody.

Yesterday’s quick apprehension was aided by the proactive involvement of community members who immediately reported the suspect’s suspicious behavior by calling 911.This remains an active criminal investigation. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s tip line at 703-228-4180 or ACPDTipline@arlingtonva.us. Information may also be provided anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

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