Woodbridge, Va. — One man faces charges after police said he used Molotov cocktails to start a fire outside a middle school.
A police officer on routine patrol about 1 a.m. Saturday noticed a large fire and several people outside Rippon Middle School in Woodbridge on Blackburn Road.
The officer pulled up and the those near the fire scattered, said Prince William fire and rescue Battalion Chief Joseph Robertson.
The officer chased the fleeing suspects and was able to apprehend one of them, and then questioned him.
Other officers, as well as K9s, were called to search the school grounds but were not able to find anyone else who fled.
While the school was not damaged, police said two Molotov cocktails had been ignited that night, and that three other unused cocktails were found on school grounds. The additional cocktails were thrown away while people fled the scene of the fire as police showed up, added Robertson.
Police searched a nearby apartment home in the 1500 block of Sunny Ridge Court where they found additional pieces of evidence, police said.
Douglas Shea Whitmore, 19, of Sunny Ridge Drive, is charged with manufacture, possession, and use of a fire bomb, conspiracy to commit a felony, and with underage possession of alcohol, said Robertson. He is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 29.
Investigators are still seeking to apprehend those who fled the scene of the fire as police arrived.
Recent Stories
Police are investigating after an 18-year-old man was fatally struck by a train early Wednesday morning near Manassas Drive.
Potomac Local News is giving away free tickets to one of the most powerful shows of the summer—Next to Normal at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts—and entering is as simple as filling out a form.
This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom rambler in Fauquier County just saw a price reduction and is ready to welcome new owners looking for peaceful country living with modern comforts.
Fireworks will light up the sky over Garrison Park this Sunday as the Town of Dumfries hosts its annual Independence Fireworks Show.
The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Christmas in July
Volunteer Prince William will be holding a fun-filled Christmas in July event at Heritage Brewing Co on July 26th from 12pm until 6pm with all proceeds going to support the 2025 Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket Program. Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
