Annandale Woman Arrested Following Investigation Of Incidents Involving The Destruction Of Several U.S. Flags

Juan Herrera
WMAL.com

WASHINGTON – The Fairfax County Police Department is searching for additional victims in connection to a case where several U.S. flags were destroyed in Annandale, Virginia.

According to police, Maria Arif, 39, of Annandale, was arrested on Aug. 26. following an investigation of the flag destruction incidents. Police said the incidents took place in several neighborhoods across Annandale.

“The victims started contacting the police after a large number of flags over the course of a few days were being vandalized in the neighborhood,” Fairfax County police spokesman Trevor Steranko said. “The neighborhood had come together and pretty much identified her and when police were in the neighborhood, the community was able to point her out.”

Arif was charged with two counts of destruction of property, larceny and two counts of mutilating a U.S. flag. Following her arrest, Arif was taken to the Fairfax Adult Detention Center. She has since posted bond.

The Fairfax County Police Department is asking additional potential victims to come forward and contact the department’s non-emergency line at 703-691-2131 to file a report.