Arlington burglar flees scene in taxi, police say

ARLINGTON, Va. - A burglar made his getaway from a scene in Arlington by hailing a taxi, according to officials.

The Arlington County Police Department said the burglar targeted a business in the 3100 block of Columbia Pike near the Westmont neighborhood at about 10:25 a.m. on Sunday.

The owner of Purple Lounge Ethiopian Cuisine confirmed to FOX 5's Matt Ackland that the suspect broke into his business. The owner was able to remotely observe the suspect breaking into his restaurant said he stole a laptop and alcohol. The suspect left the business, found a taxi, jumped in, fled the scene and was dropped off in the District, according to police.

Police said they identified the driver of the taxi and made contact with him, but the suspect had already exited his vehicle.

The suspect was described by officials as a man between the ages of 40 and 50, standing between 5-feet-10-inches and 6-feet-tall, weighing about 150 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes.

The owner told FOX 5 that he was able to get in touch with the suspect because he reportedly left his phone number with one of the waitresses at the restaurant before the burglary. The owner said the suspect left the items he stole in Maryland but when he went to collect them the laptop was broken.

Anyone with information that could aid detectives in their investigation was urged to call Arlington County Crime Solvers at (866) 411-8477.