A 53-year-old Arlington man is behind bars after a stabbing in Ballston last night.

Police were dispatched to a group home on the 1100 block of N. Stuart Street around 8:30 p.m. for a report of someone being stabbed by their roommate.

The victim had staggered away from the scene, leaving a blood trail behind from multiple upper body stab wounds. He was found at the intersection of Stuart and 11th Street N. and was provided immediate aid by police before being rushed to a local trauma center.

The suspect fled but later turned himself in at the magistrate’s office in Courthouse. The victim suffered serious injuries, according to police, but is expected to survive.

The stabbing happened at one of two group homes on the block for people in recovery from substance abuse. The homes have previously prompted complaints to the county from neighbors concerned about security incidents and a lack of oversight from the homes’ nonprofit operator.

In 2021, the same block of N. Stuart Street was the scene of a major incident involving pipe bombs found in a house.

More on Wednesday night’s stabbing, below, from Arlington County police.

AGGRAVATED MALICIOUS WOUNDING, 2026-03250236, 1100 block of N. Stuart Street. At approximately 8:32 p.m. on March 25, police were dispatched to the report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, it was determined the male victim and male suspect, who are known to each other, were inside a residence when they became involved in a verbal dispute. The suspect then allegedly brandished a knife and struck the victim with it several times. The victim then exited the home, ran from the scene and called police. Responding officers located the victim at N. Stuart Street and 11th Street N. suffering from lacerations and immediately rendered aid until the arrival of medics who transported him to an area hospital with serious injuries. The suspect initially fled the scene on foot and responding officers established a perimeter and conducted a canvass of the area yielding negative results. The suspect subsequently turned himself in at the Office of the Magistrate where officers took him into custody without incident. Kelly Holmes, 53, of Arlington, Va. was arrested and charged with Aggravated Malicious Wounding. He was held without bond.

Launched in January 2010, ARLnow.com is the place for the latest news, views and things to do around Arlington, Virginia. The ARLnow staff byline is used for the Morning Notes and reporting done by an editor or other member of our full-time staff.

Outdoor wellness event in Rosslyn featuring fitness, mindfulness, and healthy-living activities to help you recharge for spring. Ideal for anyone interested in health, movement, and community.