Man arrested for sexual assault at Springfield hotel

Franklin

Fairfax County Police charged a 24-year-old man with two counts of armed robbery and two counts of forcible rape following an incident at a hotel near Springfield Mall on New Year’s Day.

According to a news release from the Franconia Police District, a man brandishing a gun was reported at the Extended Stay Hotel, 6800 Metropolitan Center Drive, at around 6 p.m. Police arrested the suspect, Joshua T. Franklin, of 14743 Alabama Ave., Woodbridge, after he tried to run away. Franklin reportedly met up with two women ages 18 and 24 at the hotel after arranging the meeting through an online service. He allegedly produced a gun and ordered them to engage in sex acts. The women did not require medical attention.

Police are investigating whether similar cases in other jurisdictions might be linked. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers, 866/411-8477, or the police, 703/691-2131.