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Update 7:50 p.m. — Prince William County police have identified Michael David Burke, 58, as the man who died in an officer-involved shooting on December 5 in Woodbridge.

Police did not say where the man was from.

Prince William police:

Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation *DECEASED IDENTIFIED – Prince William County police have identified the man who died during an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the 5000 block of Davis Ford Rd in Woodbridge (22192) on December 5. The deceased was identified as Michael David BURKE, 58. The investigation into the encounter between the officer and the deceased before the shooting remains active and led by the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.

 

Update 12:45 p.m — Prince William County Police Chief Peter Newsham held a press conference today following a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred near the Central District Police Station in Woodbridge. Chief Newsham expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and outlined preliminary details of the incident.

“This morning, an adult white male, believed to be in his 50s, arrived at the joint fire and police department complex. He entered the rear parking lot of the fire station, armed with a knife,” Newsham said. “One of our officers, who was at a nearby gas pump, was alerted to the man’s presence and responded to the scene.”

The armed individual confronted the officer and advanced toward him. Despite commands to drop the knife, the subject continued moving forward, prompting the officer to discharge his firearm. The man was struck, and officers attempted to render aid before he was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His identity has not yet been confirmed.

Investigation Underway

Prince William County’s Critical Incident Response Team is handling the investigation, which will be reviewed by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Afterward, the department will conduct an administrative review to determine whether the use of force complied with department policies.

Body camera footage of the incident exists but will not be released until the investigation is complete. Surveillance footage from the area is also being reviewed.

Officer’s Status

The officer involved is a two-year veteran of the force. “This incident is very impactful for the officer, who is understandably shaken but physically uninjured. He will receive support at our resiliency center,” Newsham added.

Witness Accounts and Questions

According to Chief Newsham, a witness observed the man in the fire station parking lot and alerted the officer. The suspect’s motives for being at the complex remain unclear. Investigators are exploring whether the individual was experiencing a mental health crisis, as initial evidence suggests.

When asked if less-lethal force, such as a Taser, could have been used, Chief Newsham stated that it remains unclear whether the officer was equipped with such a device at the time. The timeline of events, from the officer being alerted to the confrontation, was described as very brief, with the situation escalating rapidly.

Community Impact

The shooting occurred during a shift change for fire department personnel. “The fire chief expressed gratitude that the officer placed himself between the individual and the firefighters, ensuring their safety,” said Chief Newsham.

The investigation will continue, with updates provided as more details are confirmed. Authorities emphasized the importance of patience as the process unfolds.

Below is the full transcript of Prince William County Police Chief Peter Newsham’s remarks following an officer-involved shooting near the Central District Police Station:

Chief Peter Newsham:
Good morning, everyone. I’m Pete Newsham, Chief of Police here in Prince William County. I’m here to speak about a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred this morning.

First, I want to express my condolences to the family of the decedent. In policing, when we come to work, our goal is to help people. Unfortunately, there are times when we are forced to use force, and in some instances, that force results in the loss of life. That’s what happened here this morning.

The information I have right now is preliminary because this just occurred a few hours ago, and more details will emerge as the investigation progresses. Here’s what we know so far:

An adult white male, appearing to be in his 50s, arrived at this joint fire and police department complex. He entered the rear parking lot of the fire department. One of our officers, who was at a nearby gas pump, was alerted to the man’s presence and the fact that he was armed with a knife.

The officer approached the man, who confronted the officer with the knife. The man advanced toward the officer, prompting the officer to discharge his firearm, striking the individual. Officers immediately attempted to render aid, but the individual was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

We have not yet identified the individual. Once we confirm their identity, we will release that information.

Investigation Process:
The investigation is being handled by the Critical Incident Response Team, which will present its findings to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. The Commonwealth’s Attorney will determine if there is any prosecutorial merit to the case. Afterward, the Police Department will conduct an administrative investigation to determine whether the officer’s actions were consistent with department policies.

Questions from the Press:

Reporter: Was the man observed by someone at the fire station?
Chief Newsham: Yes, a witness in the area alerted the officer to the man’s presence and his possession of a knife.

Reporter: Is this individual known to your department?
Chief Newsham: Until we have a full identification, I don’t want to speculate.

Reporter: Could this person have been suffering from a mental health crisis?
Chief Newsham: That is one of the things we will investigate. Initial information suggests that the individual may have been in crisis.

Reporter: Was there any de-escalation or commands given?
Chief Newsham: The officer retreated and gave commands for the man to drop the knife.

Reporter: Was there body camera footage?
Chief Newsham: Yes, there is body camera footage. We will determine whether to release it after the investigation is completed.

Reporter: Could less-lethal force, such as a Taser, have been used?
Chief Newsham: I don’t know at this point whether the officer was equipped with a Taser. That will be part of the investigation.

Reporter: What do we know about the officer?
Chief Newsham: The officer is a two-year veteran, a male, who will be placed on leave and will receive support at our resiliency center. He is understandably shaken but physically unharmed.

Reporter: Was the area well-lit?
Chief Newsham: The area has lighting. I wouldn’t characterize it as dark.

Reporter: How quickly did this situation unfold?
Chief Newsham: It happened very quickly, in less than 10 minutes.

Reporter: Was there a threat made toward law enforcement?
Chief Newsham: If someone advances toward an officer with a knife, that is considered a threat.

Reporter: How close was the individual to the fire station?
Chief Newsham: He was in the back parking lot, close to the fire station.

Reporter: How many shots were fired?
Chief Newsham: That will be part of the investigation.

Original Post 8:40 a.m. — On December 5, a Prince William County police officer fatally shot a man who advanced toward them with a knife at the Department of Fire & Rescue Station 26 and Central District Police Station in Woodbridge. The man, who ignored commands to drop the knife, was transported to a hospital, where he died; no officers or others were injured, and the Critical Incident Response Team is investigating.

From Prince William police:

Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation – On December 5 at 5:06AM, a Prince William County police officer was involved in an officer-involved shooting on the grounds of the Department of Fire & Rescue Station 26 and the Central District Police Station located in the 5000 block of Davis Ford Rd in Woodbridge (22192) during an encounter with a man on the property.

Preliminarily, a uniformed police officer was completing their work shift when the officer received information about a man in the rear parking lot of the fire station. As the officer made contact with the man, a knife was seen in the man’s hand. The man began approaching the officer, waving the knife in front of him and towards the officer. The officer gave several commands to the man to drop the knife. The man did not comply and continued advancing towards the officer.

At one point, the officer discharged their service weapon, striking the man in the upper body. Additional officers arrived on the scene soon after, and immediate first-aid was administered by officers and fire & rescue personnel from the nearby fire station. The man was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries. No officers, fire & rescue personnel, or other community members were injured during the incident, which remains contained to the grounds of the property.

There is no active threat to the surrounding community. The identity of the deceased, preliminarily identified as an adult man, is pending and will be released once confirmed and a next of kin is notified.

The Prince William County Police Department, at the request of Chief Peter Newsham, has requested the regional Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) to oversee the investigation as an independent body.

The involved officer will be placed on routine administrative leave. More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.

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From Prince William fire and rescue:

House Fire

Thursday, December 5, 2024

3:28 AM

Earlier this morning units were dispatched to the 9900 blk of Suheil Road (Buckhall) for a reported fire near a home. Crews arrived on the scene with the fire quickly spreading throughout the home. The amount of fire and windy conditions prompted a second alarm to assist. All occupants were safely out of the home. No injuries were reported. The single-family home sustained extensive damage. The Building Official declared the structure unsafe to occupy. Three (3) adults were displaced. The Fire Marshal’s Office is on the scene looking into the cause of the blaze.

Photos from Prince William fire and rescue.

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Get ready for a sharp drop in temperatures and gusty winds as a strong cold front moves through the region tonight into Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecast Overview

Thursday Morning: A mix of rain and snow showers may persist until 10 a.m., transitioning to snow in some areas briefly before tapering off. Temperatures will fall to around 33°F by late afternoon. Strong west winds at 16-20 mph could gust as high as 46 mph—precipitation chance: 40%.

Thursday Night: Skies will clear, but it will remain cold with lows around 29°F. Winds will continue from the west at 14 mph, with gusts up to 23 mph.

What to Expect

The powerful cold front will bring:

  • Windy Conditions: Gusts could reach up to 46 mph, with the potential to cause isolated power outages and downed tree limbs.
  • Chilly Temperatures: Wind chills will make temperatures feel much colder, especially on Thursday night when it could feel like the teens or single digits in some areas.
  • Precipitation: A mix of rain and snow may lead to slick spots during the morning commute, especially in higher elevations and areas northwest of the immediate area.

Potential Impacts

  • Power Outages: High winds may result in minor power disruptions, so residents should charge devices and prepare for outages.
  • Travel Safety: Due to dangerous conditions, including whiteouts and reduced visibility, drivers in the mountains or other high elevations are advised to avoid non-essential travel.

The cold snap is expected to continue through Friday, but high pressure moving in will bring a gradual warming trend over the weekend. By early next week, another weather system could increase the chance of rain in the area.

Residents are encouraged to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and advisories. Those in higher-risk areas should prepare for rapidly changing conditions and consider limiting travel during peak wind and snow times.

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Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express trains serve the Fredericksburg train station.

Fredericksburg Police tell us: 

On November 30, 2024, at approximately 4:25 p.m., the Fredericksburg Police Department E-911 Center received a call about a pedestrian near the train tracks in the 200 block of Lafayette Boulevard. Upon arrival, Fredericksburg Police Officers discovered a male who had been fatally struck by a train. The on-call detective and Amtrak Police were notified and responded to the scene.

The next of kin has been notified. This investigation is ongoing, and no further information will be released at this time.

More as we have it.

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The latest: We’re working on bringing you more details on a person who was struck by a train at the Fredericksburg station.

Kick Off December with Holiday Cheer: December is here, and the holiday spirit is in full swing. Start the month with these exciting local events happening on December 1, 2024.

Winter Reading Kick-Off
Prince William Ice Center
5180 Dale Blvd, Woodbridge, VA 22193
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Dive into winter reading with fun activities for the whole family. Grab your library card and get ready to enjoy a frosty afternoon at the rink.

A Chanticleer Christmas
Hylton Performing Arts Center
10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA 20110
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Experience the magic of the holiday season with the Grammy-winning Chanticleer ensemble. This breathtaking performance will feature classic carols and timeless Christmas melodies.

Heritage Brewing Company Winter Market
Heritage Brewing Co.
9436 Center Point Lane, Manassas, VA
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Browse over 20 local vendors offering handcrafted gifts and enjoy festive treats like mulled wine, hot chocolate, and Duck Donuts. Don’t forget to sip on your favorite Heritage beer while soaking in the holiday cheer.

The Kitchen of Don Alfredo Food Truck
The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm
15850 Sunshine Ridge Ln, Gainesville, VA
7:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Start your day with a delicious breakfast or brunch from The Kitchen of Don Alfredo. Enjoy the stunning vineyard views while indulging in comforting dishes.

Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibit
George Washington’s Ferry Farm
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Enjoy the whimsical sights and delicious smells of gingerbread creations at the 38th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibit. This year’s theme is Holidays: Past, Present, and Future. Categories include children, families, and professionals. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 6 to 17. Children under 5 are free.

Post your events FREE to our calendar.

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Moore [Photo from Fredericksburg police]
Press release:

On November 27, 2024, the Fredericksburg Police Department (FPD) executed a search warrant and arrested a suspect wanted for multiple offenses, including his connection to a homicide that occurred in Caroline County on November 18, 2024.

The FPD had an open warrant for Jamale Antonio Moore for contempt of court, while Caroline County Sheriff’s Office also had a warrant for his involvement in the November 18th homicide. Fredericksburg Police Officers received a tip regarding the apartment complex where Moore could be located and Officer Bach was able to confirm the information received.

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The Stafford County Christmas Tree lighting ceremony

Stafford County is gearing up for a magical evening to kick off the holiday season with its annual Tree Lighting Event, scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Stafford County Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road. Beginning at 6 p.m., the event promises various performances, activities, and surprises for the whole family.

Attendees will be treated to holiday music from local choirs and bands, showcasing the talents of Stafford's youth and community groups. For art enthusiasts, artisans and crafters will offer unique holiday-themed creations.

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