Remembering a hero and looking at crime in Arlington

Corporal Barry Foust spent over three decades keeping Arlington safe before retiring and later returning to policing after a stint managing airport security. His real legacy traces back to September 11, 2001 when he became the first voice reporting what turned out to be the Pentagon attack. For weeks after, he worked on-site during the dangerous recovery, an experience doctors now say led to the cancer that ended his life last year. Foust’s story shows how some frontline workers bear hidden costs from that day and raises questions about long-term support for emergency responders. Meanwhile, Arlington’s crime numbers tell a separate story of change in 2025. The county saw about a 10% drop in overall crime compared to 2024, especially in theft and break-ins. Officials credit better cooperation with stores and focused efforts after previous increases. Even with progress, police admit challenges remain, suggesting prevention needs to be consistent rather than temporary. Early June brought a closer-to-home crime wave when thieves hit 16 cars in one night near Potomac Avenue. Investigators suspect easy access due to unlocked doors and visible valuables. Police urge residents to remove items and lock vehicles, noting summer patterns in such thefts. Their “9 p. m. routine” reminds people to secure cars, homes, and garages just as they would during colder months.A violent incident at Pentagon City’s Nordstrom raised alarms when a shopper was attacked entering a restroom. The victim fought back and alerted others, leading police to quickly identify a suspect. Records later linked him to an earlier attempt, showing how fast crimes can escalate when unreported. Investigators still want anyone with details to come forward, signaling how community information helps prevent repeat offenses. In a quieter but persistent case, human remains found in a vacant Ballston house still lack identity after more than a year. Using facial reconstruction, detectives hope a family member will recognize the image. Without signs of violence so far, the focus is simply on closure—an important reminder that unidentified cases can linger indefinitely when leads run out. These varied developments reveal both the strength and strain in Arlington’s approach to safety. From honoring a fallen officer to reducing everyday crime, the county balances remembering its past with adjusting to new challenges. The public plays a role in each thread, whether through vigilance or speaking up when something feels wrong.