Two burglaries in the Spotsylvania Courthouse area were reported recently, leading to a suspect being charged after detectives executed a search warrant in the Spotslee Subdivision. James Edward Romick Jr., 47, faces multiple counts related to the burglaries at Spotsylvania Middle School and Revive Ministries, where stolen items, including a firearm, were recovered.

Press Release from Spotsylvania Police:

Two burglaries in the Spotsylvania Courthouse area were reported in the last week. Detectives quickly developed a suspect and made an arrest yesterday after a search warrant was executed at a home in the Spotslee Subdivision. The first burglary was reported on October 4th at Spotsylvania Middle School. Video surveillance showed the suspect entering the school just before 10PM. The suspect took several items belonging to teachers and the school. On October 9th, Revive Ministries located in the 9100 block of Old Battlefield Blvd reported a burglary to their church. The suspect took musical items and electronics. Detectives with the help of our Crime Analyst developed a suspect and a search warrant was executed at a home on Hampton Drive yesterday afternoon. Detectives located numerous stolen items from both burglaries along with a stolen gun that was reported in the Courthouse area. James Edward Romick Jr, 47 of Spotsylvania was arrested and charged with 2 counts of burglary with the intent to commit larceny, possession of a firearm by convicted felon and possession of a stolen firearm. He was incarcerated at the Rappahannock Regional Jail under NO bond.

Remember your phone call or Text-A-Tip can make a difference.
1-800-928-5822 or 1-540-582-5822
www.spotsylvaniacrimesolvers.org

A suspect was charged for a stabbing incident that occurred on September 9 in Woodbridge. The suspect faces charges of aggravated malicious wounding after a physical altercation with a man.

Press Release from Prince William Police Department:

Aggravated Malicious Wounding *ARREST – On October 15, the suspect, identified as Makahyla Lynn MUTZ, who was sought in connection to the stabbing that was reported to have occurred in 14500 block of Richmond Hwy. in Woodbridge (22191) on September 9, was arrested.

Arrested on October 15:
Makahyla Lynn MUTZ, 25, of no fixed address
Charged with aggravated malicious wounding
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable

Aggravated Malicious Wounding *SUSPECT IDENTIFIED [Previously Released] – On September 10, detectives identified the suspect believed to be involved in the stabbing that was reported to have occurred in the 14500 block of Richmond Hwy. in Woodbridge (22191) on September 9. Further investigation revealed the victim and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated when the accused struck, kicked, and then stabbed the victim before the parties separated. Following the investigation, detectives obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Makahyla Lynn MUTZ. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful.

Stabbing Investigation [Previously Released] – On September 9 at 5:05AM, officers responded to the 14500 block of Richmond Hwy. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a stabbing. The investigation revealed the victim, a 34-year-old man, was involved in an altercation during which he was stabbed and struck. The victim was located by an employee of nearby business who contacted the police. The victim was treated at an area hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Officers and a police K-9 searched the area for the suspect(s) who were not located. No additional injuries were reported.

On October 8, 2024, a suspect turned himself in to police in connection with residential shootings that occurred on April 7, 2023, in Dale City. The individual faces multiple charges related to the incidents, which were linked to gang activity, and the investigation is ongoing as detectives seek additional suspects.

Press Release from Prince William Police Department:

Shooting into Residential Dwellings *ARREST – While continuing the investigation into the residential shootings that were reported to have occurred on Kenmar Dr. and Lynhurst Dr. in [Dale City] on of [sic] April 7, 2023, detectives determined the shootings were connected. During the investigation, detectives identified and obtained arrest warrants for an individual involved in the incidents. The accused was determined to also be a member of the criminal street gang the Crips and the shooting was gang related. On October 8, 2024, the suspect, identified as Shaun Ross MINNIEFIELD, turned himself in to police without incident. The investigation continues as detectives attempt to identify other suspects involved in the incidents.

Arrested on October 8: [No Photo Available]
Shaun Ross MINNIEFIED, 26, of 3910 Townsquare Ct. #201, [near] Triangle
Charged with 2 counts of shooting into a residential dwelling, 2 counts of gang participation, and
2 counts of destruction of property
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

Shooting into a Residential Dwelling [Previously Released] – On April 7 at 9:07PM, officers
responded to a residence located in the 13000 block of Kenmar Dr. in [Dale City] (22192) to
investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed a light-colored SUV was driving on Kenmar
Dr. when it stopped near the residence. Two individuals then exited the vehicle and fired multiple
rounds, striking the residence before getting back into the vehicle and fleeing the area. No injuries
or additional property damage were reported.

Shooting into a Residential Dwelling [Previously Released] – On April 7 at 9:26PM, officers
responded to a residence located in the 13700 block of Lynhurst Dr. in [Dale City] (22193) to
investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed multiple male suspects were walking in the
above area when they stopped and fired several rounds towards the residence. The suspects then
ran to a vehicle before fleeing the area. No injuries were reported. While investigating the incident,
officers located a residence and an unoccupied vehicle that were struck by gunfire. Shell casings
were also located on the sidewalk.

The City of Fredericksburg Department of Public Works is completing a sewer main replacement project along Cowan Boulevard. Starting October 21, Cowan Boulevard will close for about three weeks to install the new sewer main, with a detour in place.

Press Release:

As reported in July, approximately 1,480 linear feet of sewer main is being replaced through the Belmont Apartments and under Cowan Boulevard, which includes the section that failed on New Year’s Eve 2023 and resulted in a Cowan Boulevard emergency closure in January of this year. The City’s Public Works Department and its contractor, W.C. Spratt, have been working to replace the sewer main since late winter. Replacement of this essential sewer infrastructure is now roughly 80% complete.

We are now heading into the last segment of this important project. Beginning Monday, October 21st, Cowan Boulevard will be closed to all traffic, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in both directions between Hospital Drive and Snowden Hills Boulevard. This temporary closure is for work to install the new sewer main crossing under Cowan Boulevard. There are a number of underground utilities that the contractor will need to cross while installing the new sewer main, which necessitates the road segment being closed for approximately 3 weeks. The traffic detour will utilize Hospital Drive, Mary Washington Boulevard, Fall Hill Avenue, and Carl D. Silver Parkway. Please be alert in these areas and watch for traffic detour signs.

Residents are encouraged to visit FredericksburgVA.gov for updated information, and subscribe to “Public Works Newsflash” to receive updates about this project by text and email.

Press Release from Prince William County Police:

Malicious Wounding (Domestic) – On October 7 at 12:01AM, officers responded to a residence located in the 4100 block of Hampstead Ln [near] Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a domestic dispute. The investigation revealed the victim, 31-year-old woman, and a family, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, t

he accused placed his hands around the victim’s neck and slapped her in the face. At one point, the accused pushed another family member, a 17-year-old female juvenile, causing her to strike a railing. Minor injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Rameshwar PANDAY, was arrested.

Arrested on October 7:
Rameshwar PANDAY, 39, of the 4100 block of Hampstead Ln [near] Woodbridge
Charged with 1 count of malicious wounding and 2 counts of domestic assault & battery
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable

Before, on October 6, two men were charged following a road rage incident in Woodbridge where one driver allegedly slashed the other with a pocketknife, causing a minor laceration, while a passenger brandished a firearm during the confrontation.

Press Release from Prince William County Police:

Malicious Wounding | Brandishing a Firearm (Road-Rage) – On October 6 at 8:40AM, officers responded to the area of Vinyard Way and Occoquan Rd in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a road rage incident. The investigation revealed both drivers were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, a passenger in one of the vehicles brandished a firearm from his waistband, while one of the drivers pulled out a small pocketknife and slashed towards the other driver, causing a minor laceration to his arm. No other injuries were reported. Following the investigation, one of the drivers, identified as Harry O’Conner CHESTER, and the passenger in the other vehicle, identified as Samuel BERRUM VALENCIA, were arrested.

Arrested on October 6:
Harry O’Conner CHESTER, 71, of 13128 Rock Ridge Ln in Woodbridge

Charged with malicious wounding
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable

Samuel BERRUM VALENCIA, 23, of 13721 Richmond Hwy, #2, in Woodbridge
Charged with brandishing a firearm
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable

Press Release from Prince William County Police:

Malicious Wounding (Domestic) – On October 5 at 3:18PM, officers responded to the Stoney Ridge Apartments located in the 4400 block of Worchester Dr in [Dale City] (22193) to investigate a domestic dispute. The investigation revealed the victim, 41-year-old man, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the accused used scissors and a screwdriver to assault the victim. Minor injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Ajua Kristina CLARK, was arrested.

Arrested on October 7:
Ajua Kristina CLARK, 28, of the 4400 block of Worchester Dr in [Dale City]
Charged with malicious wounding
Court Date: Pending | Bond: $6,000 secured

Press Release from Prince William County Police:

Malicious Wounding – On October 5 at 7:52AM, officers responded to investigate an assault that was reported to have occurred in the 2000 block of Daniel Stuart Sq in Woodbridge (22191) earlier that morning between 2:00AM and 3:00AM. The investigation revealed the victim, 23-year-old man, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the accused repeatedly struck the victim in the face causing him to fall to the ground and lose consciousness. The victim was treated at an area hospital for non-life threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported. The accused was located at his home and detained without incident. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as George Kwamina OGOE, was arrested.

Arrested on October 5:
George Kwamina OGOE, 28, of 5715 [Rhode] Island Dr in [Dale City]
Charged with malicious wounding
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

A man was sentenced to 70 years in prison, with 10 years suspended, for the May 2022 murders of two individuals in Woodbridge. A jury found him guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and gang participation involving a juvenile. The case stems from May 2022, when two people were found shot to death at Woodbridge Station Apartments after a resident noticed a bullet hole in his ceiling and reported it to the police. Officers discovered bullet fragments in the apartment below the victims’ residence, leading them to the tragic scene upstairs.

Press Release from The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney:

Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth announces the sentencing of Anthony Perkins, 27,  arising from the May 2022 murders of two Woodbridge men. On October 3, 2024, Mr. Perkins was sentenced by Judge Angela Horan of the Prince William County Circuit Court to 70 years in prison with 10 years suspended resulting in an active sentence of 60 years in prison to serve and a period of indefinite probation upon his release.

On June 14, 2024, a Prince William County jury found Mr. Perkins guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and gang participation involving a juvenile; on June 17, 2024, the same Prince William County jury recommended a sentence of 70 years in prison. The case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Kristina Robinson and Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Donald Goodman.

Press Release from Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office:

On October 04, 2024 at 1pm, a male suspect entered the Atlantic Union Bank in the 10100 block of Patriot Hwy in Cosner[‘s] Corner and provided the bank teller a note demanding money.  The suspect displayed a knife during the robbery attempt, but left on foot without obtaining any money.  Deputies quickly arrived and scoured the area looking for the suspect.  Just south of the bank, Fire Marshall J. Strang who was in the area spotted the suspect and assisted deputies with taking him into custody.

Detectives arrested and charged the suspect who was identified as Xavier Roberts, 43 years of age from Spotsylvania with entering a bank armed with the intent to commit larceny.  He was incarcerated in the Rappahannock Regional Jail under no bond.

October is Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Prince William Police Department is urging both pedestrians and drivers to prioritize safety on the roads. Drivers must stop for pedestrians in all crosswalks, while pedestrians are encouraged to use marked crosswalks and follow safety tips to avoid accidents.

Press Release from Prince William Police Department:

October is Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Prince William County Police Department joins the Department of Motor Vehicles and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration in reminding pedestrians and drivers to respect each other to stay safe on the roads.

Drivers must stop – not just yield – for pedestrians in all crosswalks in Virginia in any marked or unmarked intersection where the speed limit is 35 mph or less. They could face a fine of between $100 and $500 if they fail to do so. Drivers can proceed once the pedestrian has passed the lane in which the vehicle is stopped.

Pedestrians must do their parts as well. While it might be convenient to cross a roadway wherever they happen to be, those on foot should use marked crosswalks for increased safety. Following are some tips to be safe if you are walking by yourself or with others:

• Cross the street at the corner and use marked crosswalks when they are available. That’s where drivers are expecting to see you.
• Wait for the walk signal to cross the street.
• Watch for turning vehicles.
• Before crossing look left, right, and left again.
• Watch out for blind spots around trucks and buses.
• Avoid using your cell phone while you are crossing the street.
• On an off-street trail, obey all posted signage and approach intersections with caution.

FredericksburgFreePress.com: “The historic downtown Fredericksburg Square property has a new owner. Luigi Castiglia, the longtime owner of the William Street restaurant that still bears his name, bought the 19,000-square-foot building at 525 Caroline St. last week. The sales price for the 0.45-acre property was $1.9 million, according to Fitzhugh Johnson III, whose Johnson Realty Advisors firm had the listing.”