The Virginia State Police HEAT program awarded five police departments and seventeen individuals for efforts in reducing vehicle theft across the Commonwealth during an event on August 26. Notably, the Prince William County Police Department won the top award for departments serving populations over 100,000, highlighting its significant contributions to auto theft enforcement.
Press Release from Virginia State Police:
The Virginia State Police (VSP) Help Eliminate Auto Theft (HEAT) program presented awards to five Virginia police departments and seventeen individuals to recognize their efforts in reducing vehicle theft and theft of vehicle parts across the Commonwealth. The awards ceremony took place on August 26 during the annual conference of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police & Foundation held in Roanoke.
The following awards were presented by First Sergeant Peter Lazear, HEAT Program Coordinator:
The Prince William County Police Department was the agency winner for departments serving a population of more than 100,000, and the Henrico County Police Division and Newport News Police Department were finalists in the same category. The Salem Police Department took the top prize for departments serving a population from 20,001 to 100,000, and the Town of Hillsville Police Department received a certificate of merit.
Detective Scott Letteer, Henrico County Police Division, was an individual winner for departments serving a population of more than 100,000, and Trooper Garrison Wright and Senior Special Agent Heather Marshall, Virginia State Police, were winners across the Commonwealth.
Individual finalists for departments serving populations of more than 100,000 were Senior Officer Ralph Adams, Patrol Officer Matthew Cayne, and Patrol Officer Daniel Crosby, Henrico County Police Division. Sergeant Michael Roser and Trooper Eli Thies, Virginia State Police, were finalists across the Commonwealth.
Certificates of merit were presented to Patrol Officer Hunter Mitchell, Henrico County Police Division, for departments serving a population of over 100,000 and Trooper Alijia Annon and Trooper Jordan Corvin, Virginia State Police, for across the Commonwealth.
Special Agent Christopher Scherer, National Insurance Crime Bureau, received a certificate of merit in the public outreach category. Detective Sang Lee, Patrol Officer Julio Torres-Telez, Detective Hao Truong, Mr. William Reese, and Ms. Anna Whalen, Newport News Police Department, received certificates of merit in the same category.
The HEAT Awards program is open to all Virginia law enforcement entities and employees who work in auto theft enforcement and prevention. “We are grateful to law enforcement agencies and officers from throughout Virginia who join with the Virginia State Police in fighting vehicle theft,” Lazear said. “These annual awards are an opportunity to recognize outstanding efforts.”
“Virginia citizens also have an important role to play in preventing auto theft,” said First Sgt. Lazear. “By following a few common-sense tips, they can protect their vehicles.” The HEAT program recommends the following:
Take your keys and lock your doors every time you leave your vehicle.
Never leave valuables in plain sight in your vehicle. Place them in the trunk or somewhere out of sight.
On October 26, a 16-year-old male juvenile from Woodbridge was charged in connection to an armed robbery at a 7-Eleven in Montclair on March 5. In addition, on November 1, a different suspect committed two other armed robberies in Woodbridge and was later identified driving a stolen truck, with the investigation ongoing.
Press Releases from Prince William police:
Armed Robbery *SUSPECT IDENTIFIED | ARREST – On October 26, detectives identified and arrested a 16-year-old male juvenile in connection to the armed robbery that was reported to have occurred at the 7-Eleven located at 16170 Country Club Dr. in Dumfries (22025) on March 5.
Arrested on October 26: [Juvenile]
A 16-year-old male juvenile of Woodbridge
Charged with robbery, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and underage possession of a firearm
Court Date: Pending | Status: Held at the Juvenile Detention Center
Armed Robbery [Previously Released] – On March 5 at 5:16AM, officers responded to investigate a robbery that was reported to have occurred at the 7-Eleven located at 16170 Country Club Dr. in Dumfries (22025) at approximately 4:28AM. The investigation revealed an unknown man brandished a firearm towards the employee and demanded money and tobacco products. The suspect fled the store with an undisclosed amount of money and tobacco products. No shots were fired, and no injuries reported. The suspect was described as wearing a black ski-style mask and a black jacket.
Additionally, another armed robbery occurred, this one more recently:
Armed Robberies – On November 1 at 2:30PM, officers responded to Todos Supermarket located at 13905 Richmond Hwy. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victims, a 29-year-old woman and a 49-year-old man, were approached by an unknown man in the parking lot. During the encounter, the suspect opened the driver’s door before brandishing a firearm and demanding property. The suspect took the male victim’s wallet and phone before leaving in a light-colored F-150 truck. While investigating the incident, a second armed robbery was reported in the 14400 block of Gemstone Dr. where the suspect of similar description brandished a firearm towards a 61-year-old woman and a 29-year-old woman. The suspect took an undisclosed amount of money before leaving in a vehicle matching the previous robbery. As officers were checking the area, the suspect vehicle was located unoccupied in the commuter lot off Prince William Pkwy near I-95. Officers also located some of the stolen property and determined the truck was previously reported stolen. No injuries were reported. The investigation continues as officers attempt to identify the suspect(s) involved in the investigation.
Suspect Description:
A Hispanic male, 40’s, approximately 5’5”, with a thin build and a mustache
No reported clothing description
[Image: Pixabay]The Prince William County Police Department collected 393 pounds of unused and expired prescription drugs and vaping devices during the DEA’s national Drug Take-Back event on October 26, 2024. This initiative allows individuals to safely dispose of medications, helping to prevent drug abuse and protect community health.
Press Release from Prince William Police:
The Prince William County Police Department collected 393 pounds of unused and/or expired prescription drugs as well as e-cigarette and vaping devices as part of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) national Drug Take-Back event held on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
The DEA joins federal, state, and local agencies twice a year to host prescription drug take-back collection sites in U.S. communities.
This initiative offers individuals a safe and convenient method to remove opioids and other prescription medications from their homes, preventing them from being stolen or abused. According to the DEA, the national prescription drug take-back events address a crucial public safety and public health issue.
The DEA notes that most abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends – often from the home medicine cabinet. These events provide an opportunity for County residents to help prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.
The partner agencies involved wish to thank the public for their participation in continuing to keep our communities safe and healthy. By turning in these unwanted prescription drugs – rather than throwing them away or flushing them down a sink or toilet – they are kept out of the landfill and our water supply.
For more information, please call the Crime Prevention Unit at (703) 792-7270.
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library will hold the eighth annual Rappahannock Writers’ Conference on November 9, featuring keynote speeches from Laura Di Franco and John Gilstrap. The conference is open to adults and teens at all writing levels, with classes covering various writing topics.
The conference will feature keynote speeches from Laura Di Franco, author and CEO of Brave Healer Productions, and New York Times-bestselling author John Gilstrap.
The conference is aimed at adults and teens at all writing levels, from those who are considering writing a book for the first time to experienced authors with many books already published. It includes relevant information for authors of all genres of fiction and nonfiction.
Saturday’s attendance is capped at 160 in person and virtual at 250. There are also special in-person-only evening workshops on Friday, November 8, at Howell Branch. While the Friday and Saturday in-person sessions are full, people may join the waitlists and sign up to attend virtually. Virtual attendees will receive a link by email to connect to select streaming sessions, as well as the featured speaker presentations. See the list of streaming sessions here.
In-person check-in on Saturday, November 9, begins at 8:15 a.m., and the conference begins at 8:45, with a keynote speech by Laura Di Franco, to be followed by classes, lunch, and a 1:00 keynote speech by John Gilstrap. After book signings and speaker meet-and-greets, there will be two more class sessions, running until 4:15.
Class topics include: the writing craft for both fiction and nonfiction, screenwriting, developing minor characters, poetry, creating audiobooks, blogging, querying an agent, writing for children, and many more.
On October 30, multiple suspects were arrested in connection with the murder of a 43-year-old man identified as Jason Thomas Blake, who was found deceased in a vehicle on October 27. The investigation revealed that the victim had been shot after an altercation during a drug-related meeting, and the suspects were involved in his abduction and murder.
Press Release from Prince William County Police Department:
Murder Investigation *ARRESTS | VICTIM IDENTIFIED – On October 30, detectives obtained arrest warrants and later apprehended multiple suspects in connection to the murder of a 43-year-old man who was found deceased in the 18500 block of Triangle Street in Triangle (22172) on October 27. The victim was handcuffed and located by an acquaintance in the backseat of his vehicle that was parked in the above area. The victim had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation revealed on October 25, the victim met with multiple acquaintances, identified as the accused men below, at a home on Cherry Hill Rd in Dumfries to purchase narcotics and sell a firearm. During the encounter, an altercation ensued, and the victim was handcuffed and forcibly abducted from the residence against his will. The victim was eventually taken to a secluded area along Triangle St where he was shot and killed. As the investigation progressed, the three accused men were subsequently identified as being present at the time of the abduction or were present or directly involved in the victim’s murder. Following the investigation, the below listed suspects were arrested. Anyone with information that can aid in the investigation is asked to contact the police.
Identified:
The deceased was identified as Jason Thomas BLAKE, 43, of Woodbridge
Homicide Investigation [Previously Released] – On October 27 at 10:34AM, officers responded to a residence located at the 18500 block of Triangle Street in Triangle (22172) for a report of an injured adult male found inside a vehicle. The investigation revealed the victim was found by an acquaintance with life-threatening injuries and later pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s injuries were determined to be suspicious in nature and not self-inflicted. Detectives are actively investigating the incident and are seeking to speak with anyone who has information to aid in the investigation. Preliminarily, this incident does not appear to be random. The identity of the deceased, a 43-year-old male, will be released pending notifications of a next-of-kin. More information will be released as it becomes available. The investigation continues.
Arrested between October 30-31:
Jerrome Thomas BARNES, 40, of 3200 Jasper Hill Ct [near] Dumfries
Charged with murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, abduction, and conspiracy to commit a felony
Jackson Arthur CRISLER, 30, of 14029 Matthews Dr in Woodbridge
Charged with murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, abduction, conspiracy to commit a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Tryevon Elgha DAVIS, 31, of 2158 Cherry Hill Rd [near] Dumfries
Charged with 1 count of accessory before the fact in commission of a felony, 1 count of conspiracy to commit a felony, 2 counts of use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and 1 count of abduction
On October 29, a suspect was arrested in connection with a murder that occurred on February 2 in Dale City, following a previous arrest of another individual on October 15. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking information from the public regarding the case.
Press Release from Prince William Police Department:
Murder Investigation *ADDITIONAL ARREST – On October 29, the suspect sought in connection to the ongoing investigation into the murder of a 23-year-old woman killed in a shooting that occurred in the area of Bronson Ct. and Brickwood Dr. in [Dale City] (22193) on February 2, was arrested. The accused, identified as Denzel Scott WADE, was located at a home on Michelle Ct in the Manassas area of Prince Wiliam County where he was taken into custody without incident. Another suspect was previously arrested in connection to this investigation on October 15. Additional charges against other involved parties are pending. Anyone with information that can aid in the investigation is asked to contact the police. More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.
Wade, D. S.
Arrested on October 29:
Denzel Scott WADE, 30, of 2960 Penbury Ct, #203, in Woodbridge
Charged with conspiracy to commit a felony
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable
Identified:
The deceased was identified as Egypt Zapporah CARTER, 23, of Burlington, NC
On October 31, officers responded to a robbery investigation near Manassas involving a victim who arranged to sell his vehicle through Facebook Marketplace. The suspect brandished a firearm, demanded the victim’s phone, and drove off with the vehicle, but later returned it before fleeing on foot; all property was recovered.
Press Release from Prince William County Police:
Carjacking – On October 31 at 8:16PM, officers responded to the 12800 block of Galveston Ct [near] Manassas (20112) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 44-year-old man, arranged to sell his vehicle to unknown party over Facebook Marketplace. The victim met with the other man in the above area to test drive the vehicle. While both men were in the vehicle, the suspect brandished a firearm and demanded the victim’s phone before telling the victim to exit the vehicle. The suspect then drove off in the victim’s vehicle. No injuries were reported. The victim went to a nearby business to contact police. Before officers arrived on scene, the suspect returned the vehicle and left on foot. All property was recovered. A police K-9 searched the area for the suspect who was not located.
Suspect Description:
Black male, mid-20’s, 5’8” with a thin build, black hair, and unshaven face
Last seen wearing a dark-colored shirt and tan pants
On October 29, a stabbing was reported on Stream Walk Lane. A 41-year-old man was cut multiple times during a verbal argument with a 28-year-old suspect, who is now wanted for aggravated malicious wounding. The victim was treated for serious injuries, and efforts to find the suspect have not been successful.
Press Release from Prince William Police Department:
Aggravated Malicious Wounding – On October 29 at 10:26PM, officers responded to the 8000 block of Stream Walk Ln. [near] Manassas (20109) to investigate a stabbing. The investigation revealed the victim, a 41-year-old man, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the accused cut the victim multiple times before the parties separated and the accused left the area. The victim was treated at an area hospital for serious, non-life threatening injuries. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Rene DELCID ROMERO. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful.
Declid Romero, R.
Wanted: [Photo from July 2023]
Rene DELCID ROMERO, 28, of the 8200 block of Community Dr. [near] Manassas
Described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5’5”, 165lbs., with black hair and brown eyes
Wanted for aggravated malicious wounding
On November 5, 2024, all Stafford offices and courts will be closed for Election Day. However, the R-Board/Regional Landfills will be open, and emergency services along with outdoor parks will still operate as usual.
Press Release:
Stafford offices, departments, facilities, and all courts will be closed on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for Election Day.
Both locations of the R-Board/Regional Landfill (Eskimo Hill and Belman Road) will be open on Election Day.
The following offices and facilities will remain open:
Fire and Rescue Information (540) 658-7200
Emergency 911
Sheriff’s Office Information (540) 658-4400
Emergency 911
Magistrate (540) 659-2968
All outdoor parks are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
