[Archived] UPDATE: Total Part 1 Crime Rises Slightly in 2007

ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT

MEDIA SERVICES UNIT

2003 MILL ROAD

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22314-4658

703-838-4636

MEDIA ADVISORY

MARCH 31, 2008 #08-014

12:00 P.M. HILDEBRANDT

UPDATE: Total Part 1 Crime Rises Slightly in 2007

As a result of original report reclassifications, the Alexandria Police Department has released amended final Part 1 crime statistics for calendar year 2007.

The Alexandria Police Department reports that total Part 1 crime increased by 29 offenses (0.8%) in calendar year 2007. This less than 1% increase was caused primarily by a rise in larcenies, particularly thefts from automobiles. Despite this increase, Alexandria continues to experience record lows in its overall Part 1 crime rate. Homicide and larceny increased in 2007, while rape, robbery, burglary, aggravated assault and auto theft fell below levels recorded in calendar year 2006.

Additionally, the number of homicides for 2007 increased by one. This is due to a medical examiner ruling in the October 17, 2007, death of Devin Bustamante, 2 months, of Alexandria. The child was brought to Alexandria Hospital by his parents and pronounced dead a short time later. The medical examiner’s initial ruling as to cause of death was inconclusive. Additional forensic testing was ordered.

On March 3, 2008, the medical examiner’s office ruled the child’s manner of death to be homicide. The cause of death was found to be a head injury. As a result of this ruling, the case has been reclassified from a Sudden Death to a Homicide.

Part 1 Crime Statistic (January 1 – December 31)

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