Man Charged With Trying To Break Into Arlington School During Lockdown

Arlington VA

14 June, 2022

10:56 AM

Description

ARLINGTON, VA — An Alexandria man was arrested after damaging property in an attempt to get inside Thomas Jefferson Middle School during a school lockdown last Friday afternoon, according to the Arlington County Police Department. Alexander Sentayhu, 25, was charged with destruction of public property and turned himself into police last Friday evening. He was subsequently released on an unsecured bond. Sentayhu received text messages from a relative inside the school, stating they were in lockdown, according to police. He then went to Thomas Jefferson Middle School, believing that he could help the students and staff inside the school. The incident at the middle school originated when Arlington County Police were dispatched to a 7-Eleven on nearby S. Glebe Road for the report of an assault involving a weapon. The suspect at the 7-Eleven struck a glass display case with a hammer, causing it to break. Brian Driver, 44, was arrested on several charges in that case. In the interest of public safety, Arlington County Police officers requested Thomas Jefferson Middle School be placed on lockdown due to its proximity to the 7-Eleven, police said. Shortly after learning about the lockdown at the middle school, Sentayhu arrived at the school to pick up his relatives who are students at the school. Upon finding the school locked, Sentayhu called Arlington County's emergency communications center indicating he was armed and requested access to the school, police said. At about 12:50 p.m., Stentayhu kicked a door at the middle school, breaking the glass, and continued to try to force the door open. He was unsuccessful in gaining entry and left the scene prior to the arrival of officers, according to police. In their investigation, Arlington County Police identified Sentayhu and called him. He explained to the police about why he attempted to enter the school and then turned himself into police later Friday. Arlington County Police said the incident remains an active criminal investigation and anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department's Homicide/Robbery Unit at 703-228-4180 or [email protected]. Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).