A Prince William police officer and his K9 partner have both received a special honor.
Officer Bill VanAntwerp and Hawkeye were honored by the United States Police Canine Association Region 3 with the Case of the Year Award.
The case they were recognized for happened on December 15.
Both VanAntwerp and Hawkeye were called to a home where a man armed with an AK-47 assault rifle was threatening to kill himself, according to the canine association.
Negotiators worked for six hours with the man to convince him to surrender.
But the man on several occasions walked outside of the house in plain view of police with two handguns tucked into his waistband, and had the assault rifle in hand, the association reports.
The man walked back inside his home, and police tossed gas canisters into the house forcing the man back outside.
The man walked toward police and ignored their commands, and was later wrestled to the ground by Hawkeye. Police also used a taser weapon on the man, according to the canine association.
While the transmitters on the taser broke rendering the weapon useless, VanAntwerp was later able to move in and place the man into restraints and make an arrest.
“K9 Hawkeye’s performance under stress enabled an armed and suicidal subject to be safely taken into custody without injury to the officers involved,” stated a press release from the canine association.
Officials said the dog was not affected by the gas or the taser.
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Yang, a charming adult female lop-eared rabbit, is seeking a new home through the Prince William County Animal Shelter. With her soft white fur and sweet demeanor, Yang is ready to hop into the hearts of her new family.
At 1-3 years old and weighing around 15 pounds, Yang was surrendered by her previous owner and now needs a loving family to provide her with the care and companionship she deserves. Her short coat is easy to maintain, making her an ideal companion for anyone looking to add a furry friend to their life.
The Prince William County Animal Shelter is located at 14807 Bristow Road, near Manassas. Suppose you’re interested in adopting Yang or learning more about her. In that case, you can reach out to the shelter at (703) 792-6465 or visit their website at Prince William County Animal Shelter for additional details.
A Prince William County resident, Bethany Selvage, has her car back nearly two months after an unlicensed tow operator stole it, according to police. On January 2, 2025, Manassas City Police located Selvage’s 2018 Nissan Sentra.
Police have since charged Michael Tillman, owner of Tillman’s Auto Salon in Manassas, with a third felony offense related to illegal towing and demanding exorbitant fees for vehicle release. This charge represents the third vehicle Tillman is accused of stealing, and authorities say more charges are likely as they uncover years of him towing without a license.
In the most recent case, police say Tillman took a 2018 Toyota Yaris from the Raising Cane’s parking lot on Liberia Avenue just outside Manassas under false pretenses. The Yaris owners had contacted their insurance company, which arranged for a tow truck. Police said Tillman arrived before the legitimate tow company, misrepresented himself as the insurance company’s provider, and obtained the vehicle.
Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson delivered her annual State of the County address during the board’s organizational meeting on January 14, 2025. Jefferson reflected on the board’s achievements in 2024 and outlined priorities for the coming year, emphasizing collaboration, financial stewardship, and community investment.
Achievements in 2024
Jefferson highlighted the board’s bipartisan collaboration, leading to several major accomplishments:
Tax Reforms: A reduction in the real estate tax rate, offset by an increase in the business computer and peripheral (data center) tax rate to $3.70, the highest allowable rate. The board also extended the car tax deadline by 60 days to provide temporary relief to taxpayers.
Education Investments: A historic $105.1 million increase in contributions to Prince William County Schools, marking the largest year-over-year increase in the county’s history.
Public Safety Enhancements: Funding for additional police officers and medics, and the ratification of collective bargaining agreements with public safety personnel to improve recruitment and retention.
Preserving Fiscal Health: Maintaining the county’s AAA bond rating, a distinction held by only 53 counties nationwide and 12 in Virginia.
Two recent house fires in Prince William County displaced multiple families and highlighted the importance of fire safety measures. On January 14, a fire in Woodbridge damaged a home on Boatswain Circle, displacing five adults and three children. One adult was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Working smoke detectors and a closed bedroom door limited the fire’s spread and ensured the occupants’ safe evacuation.
On January 10, a fire on Harvey Road in Manassas destroyed a home while the occupants were away, displacing four adults. Firefighters battled challenging weather conditions to extinguish the flames. Both fires are under investigation, and the Red Cross is assisting the affected families. Fire officials emphasized the importance of maintaining working smoke detectors and practicing fire safety.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
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Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
