The Arlington County Police Department’s Cold Case Unit has announced the arrest of a suspect in a cold case rape series dating back to 1991.
Michael F. Thomson, 63, of Montross, VA, was arrested and charged with two counts of Rape, Abduction with the Intent to Defile, Forcible Sodomy and Use/Display of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony. Additional charges are anticipated.
Between January and December 1991, Arlington County Police investigated multiple reports of rapes and attempted rapes involving female victims walking from the East Falls Church Metro Station. In each reported incident, the victims were approached by an unknown male who displayed a firearm. Three cases were linked by DNA evidence with a fourth case being investigated as part of the series due to similarities with the other cases.
The DNA was resubmitted for additional analysis including phenotyping and genetic genealogy. The analysis resulted in additional information that led detectives to identify Thomson as a possible suspect. Forensic evidence combined with thorough investigative efforts linked the suspect to the 1991 incidents.
Thomson was taken into custody without incident at his residence on Tuesday. He is being held in the Arlington County Detention Facility without bond.
Evil eyes
He’s going to miss his daily alcohol intake.