Handcuffs used during police arrest.
Handcuffs used during police arrest.

Suspect arrested after stabbing woman and toddler outside Pentagon City mall

ARLINGTON, Va. – A 23-year-old man was arrested Saturday night after allegedly stabbing a woman and her toddler outside the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City in Arlington, leaving the victims hospitalized and the suspect found hiding under a parked car.

The attack occurred around 9:45 p.m. on the sidewalk in the 900 block of Army Navy Drive. According to Arlington County Police, the woman was holding her baby girl in her arms when the suspect, identified as Leonardo Reyes, stabbed both victims before fleeing the scene on foot.

Officers quickly established a perimeter and found Reyes hiding under a parked car in a nearby garage. He was arrested and charged with multiple counts of aggravated malicious wounding, child abuse, and contributing to the delinquency of a child.

The woman remains in critical but stable condition, while her baby girl is also in stable condition. Another child with the woman at the time of the attack was unharmed but witnessed the incident. Police have not disclosed a motive or the relationship, if any, between Reyes and the victims.

Reyes is being held without bond at the Arlington Detention Facility as police continue their investigation.

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News