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Fugitive Set Seat Belt On Fire Inside Police Cruiser Following Arrest In Virginia: Officials

A firebug in Virginia wanted by federal authorities did not go down quietly when police officers in Arlington attempted to arrest him for shoplifting from several area businesses, according to officials.

Derrick Giles

Derrick Giles

Photo Credit: Arlington County Police Department

Derrick Giles, 30, a fugitive from justice, is back behind bars following an explosive incident with officers on Tuesday afternoon on South Hayes Street, police say.

Officers from the Arlington County Police Department were called shortly before 11 a.m. on Feb. 6 to the 1200 block of South Hayes Street to investigate a reported larceny in progress. 

It is alleged that Giles walked into one business, pocketed some merchandise, and exited without paying before doing the same at another nearby business. 

Police say that responding officers were able to apprehend Giles outside of the second business, where they recovered the stolen items, though the suspect initially offered a false ID and was non-compliant, assaulting one officer in the process, causing a minor injury.

Giles was just getting started.

According to the department, Giles was placed into a parked police cruiser, where he broke out a concealed lighter and set his seat belt on fire, which was quickly extinguished by officers.

He was uninjured, though Giles was taken to an area hospital for evaluation, where it was later determined that he was wanted by the US Marshal's Service.

Giles, who has no fixed address, was charged with: 

  • Assault on police;
  • Identity theft;
  • Two counts of petit larceny;
  • Arson;
  • Fugitive from justice;
  • Obstruction of justice.

He is being held behind bars without bond.

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