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Photo: Prince William Professional Firefighters

Rescue crews pulled a man from a manhole near a Safeway grocery store in Dale City on Sunday, July 28, 2024.

There is no word yet on how he wound up in the hole or the victim’s age. We await updated information from the Prince William County Fire and Rescue Department.

Prince William Professional Firefighters Union:

Late last night, Units from our Technical Rescue Division responded to the 4200 block of Cheshire Station Plaza for a person who had fallen down a manhole adjacent to a retention pond. Engine 26 arrived on scene first and reported a person, fifteen feet down a manhole with extensive lower body injuries. Crews began to arrive and prepared for a confined space entry. HAZMAT crews monitored the environment while rescues prepared for the rescue incident. Crews made initial contact with the patient from the surface at 10:40pm and had the victim and all rescues recovered at 11:13pm. The patient was evaluated and transported to a local hospital.

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Prince William County

Wilson

In March 2024, detectives launched an investigation into multiple sexual assaults in Woodbridge, Prince William County, involving a female victim under 18 and her acquaintance, Keith Richard Wilson, who allegedly assaulted her on several occasions, including in a commuter parking lot. Wilson, who had a supervisory role over the victim in the Civil Air Patrol, was charged with two counts of indecent liberties and turned himself in on July 22; his court date is pending, and he was released on a $25,000 unsecured bond.

Sexual Assault Investigation – On April 5 at 2:51PM, detectives began an investigation into sexual assaults that were reported to have occurred in the Woodbridge area of Prince Wiliam County in March 2024. The investigation revealed the female victim, who was under the age of 18 at the time of the offenses, was sexually assaulted by an acquaintance, identified as the accused, on more than one occasion. One incident occurred in a vehicle at the Occoquan Commuter Lot located near Gordon Blvd. and Old Bridge Rd., while a separate incident occurred in a parking lot located in the 5100 block of Dale Blvd. The victim later reported the incidents to a family member who contacted the police. The victim and accused were both members of the Civil Air Patrol at the time of the offenses where the accused had a supervisory role over the victim. Following the investigation, detectives obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Keith Richard WILSON, who turned himself in to police on July 22.

Arrested on July 22:
Keith Richard WILSON, 48, of 2919 Madeira Ct. in Woodbridge
Charged with 2 counts of indecent liberties by a person in a supervisory relationship Court Date: Pending | Bond: $25,000 Unsecured

On July 22, police were called to the Longview Condominiums in Woodbridge after a Good Samaritan found a 6-year-old girl unsupervised and poorly clothed. Following the investigation, the mother, Lidia Violeta Perez, returned home and was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor; she has been released on a court summons with a pending court date.

Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor – On July 22 at 5:42AM, officers responded to the Longview Condominium complex located in the 13600 block of Lynn St. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a found child. The investigation revealed a Good Samaritan located the victim, a 6-year-old girl, outside unsupervised wearing insufficient clothing. While investigating the incident, the mother of the child, identified as the accused, returned home. The child was unharmed and turned over to known parties. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Lidia Violeta PEREZ, was charged.

Charged on July 22: [No Photo Available]
Lidia Violeta PEREZ, 30, of the 13600 block of Lynn St. in Woodbridge
Charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor
Court Date: Pending | Status: Released on a Court Summons

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[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]
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Cops called to Target after woman feared she would be shot

On June 6th at approximately 4:40 a.m. Sergeant J.D. Hurt, Deputy D.A. Robertson, and Deputy P.J. Leon responded to Target, located at 25 South Gateway Drive [Stafford County], for a disturbance. The caller advised she was currently in the parking lot hiding from a male suspect who was threatening to shoot her. Due to the immediate danger, deputies quickly arrived. When they did, they observed the male suspect exiting his vehicle and aggressively approaching the victim who was crouched under a truck. The parties were separated as deputies attempted to learn what occurred.

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On June 3 at 10:41 AM, officers responded to Crystal Smoke and Vape in Woodbridge to investigate a robbery where an unknown man reached behind the counter, struck an employee, and stole vape products. The suspect, described as a black male around 5’9″ and 20-25 years old, was last seen wearing all black with a white Under Armor backpack.

More from Price William police:

Strong-Arm Robbery – On June 3 at 10:41AM, officers responded to Crystal Smoke and Vape located at 2680 Opitz Blvd. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed an unknown man reached behind the counter and opened the sliding door to retrieve merchandise. When the employee
attempted to intervene, the suspect struck the employee and took additional vape products before leaving the store. No injuries were reported.

Suspect Description:
A black male, approximately 5’9”, and possibly between 20-25 years old Last seen wearing all black clothing with a white Under Armor backpack

Reckless Handling of a Firearm – On June 2 at 7:46AM, officers responded to investigate found property that was located in the 15700 block of Forest Park Dr. in [Dale City] earlier that morning. The investigation revealed sometime between 11:00PM on June 1 and 12:01AM on June 2, residents heard
gunshots before finding shell casings in the neighborhood the following morning. No previous reports of gunfire were received in the area during the above timeframe, and no injuries or additional property damage were reported.

Alonso

Felony Child Neglect – On June 3 at 11:59AM, officers responded to the Bayvue Apartments located in the 1400 block of Bayside Ave. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a found child. The investigation revealed the victims, a 4-year-old girl and a 9-year-old girl, were left unattended for an extended period of time by their mother, identified as the accused. Officers responded to the apartment complex when a Good Samaritan located the 4-year-old girl outside unclothed and unsupervised. The caller contacted the police and officers located the 9-year-old other child. The children were assessed by fire & rescue
personnel and did not appear to be injured before being released to the custody of known parties. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Sara Carolina ALONSO, was arrested. Arrested on June 3:

Sara Carolina ALONSO, 24, of the 1400 block of Bayside Ave. in Woodbridge
Charged with 2 counts of felony child neglect
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

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Benavides

On May 19, 2024, Douglas Ernesto Benavides, 43, was arrested in Woodbridge for brandishing a machete-style knife during a road rage incident while intoxicated, with a 2-year-old in the vehicle, police said. Benavides faces multiple charges, including felony child neglect, brandishing a weapon, carrying a concealed weapon, DUI, and driving on a revoked license, and is being held without bond until his court date on July 18, 2024.

Felony Child Neglect | Brandishing of a Weapon – On May 19 at 6:57PM, officers responded to the area of Old Delaney Rd. near Quate Ln. in Woodbridge (22193) to
investigate a brandishing. The investigation revealed the victim, a 19-year-old man, was involved in a road rage incident with the driver of another vehicle, later identified as the accused. While both vehicles were stopped on Old Daleny Rd., the victim approached the other vehicle, where the accused brandished a machete-style knife before driving out of the area. Officers located the accused at a nearby residence where he was determined to be intoxicated. Further investigation revealed a 2-year-old girl was in the vehicle with the accused at the time of the encounter. No injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Douglas Ernesto BENAVIDES, was arrested.

Arrested on May 19:
Douglas Ernesto BENAVIDES, 43, of 13804 Meadowbrook Rd. in Woodbridge
Charged with felony child neglect, brandishing of a weapon, carrying a concealed weapon, DUI,
and driving on revoked license
Court Date: July 18, 2024 | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

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The Lane Ranger

Well, partner, if the weather holds up, there’s gonna be some northbound lane closures on I-95 this Friday night, May 17. If things don’t pan out, they’ll give it another go on Saturday night, May 18. This here’s happening ‘round mile marker 155, between the Dale City Truck-Only Safety Rest Area North and Cardinal Drive, all thanks to some work on the Powells Creek bridge, according to the folks at the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Here’s how it’s gonna shake out (one lane’ll always be open, so don’t fret too much):

– From 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, May 17, they’re closin’ down one lane.
– Then from 11 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday, May 18th, it’ll be down to two lanes closed.
– Come 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. Saturday, it’ll go back to one lane closed.

If they need more time:
– On Saturday, May 18, from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., one lane’ll be closed.
– From 11 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday, May 19, two lanes’ll be closed.
– Finally, from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday, May 19, one lane’ll be closed again.

Once they’re all done, the northbound lanes will be shifted left along the bridge over Powells Creek until summer rolls around.

Folks should be ready for delays and might want to think about takin’ another route.

These closures are for the last bit of millin’ and pavin’, plus puttin’ down permanent stripes on the northbound lanes as part of the I-95 over Powells Creek Bridge Rehabilitation Project. This here project is all about makin’ things safer and stretchin’ the life of the northbound and southbound lanes over Powells Creek. Those bridges were first built way back in 1963, fixed up in 1976, and widened in 1981 and 1996.

They’re mendin’ steel beams, concrete abutments and piers, replacin’ bearings, closin’ deck joints, and givin’ the bridges a fresh coat of paint. Plus, they’re resurfacin’ the deck of the northbound lanes bridge. They aim to wrap this up by summer.

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[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]
Prince William police: Shooting Investigation – On May 12 at 7:18 p.m., officers responded to investigate a shooting that was reported to have occurred in the 15300 block of Bronco Way in Dale City earlier that evening. The investigation revealed the victim, a 25-year-old man, and an acquaintance were sitting inside a vehicle in the above area when they were approached by an unknown man. During the encounter, multiple rounds were fired, striking the victim and his vehicle. The acquaintance got out of the vehicle and left on foot with the shooter. The victim was treated at an area hospital for non-life threatening injuries where police were contacted. No additional injuries or property damage were reported.

Suspect Descriptions: A Hispanic male last seen wearing a black t-shirt and black jeans. A Hispanic or black male last seen wearing a blue/grey shirt, tan colored pants, and carrying a firearm inside of a shirt

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The U.S. Department of Education has recognized Dale City and Mullen Elementary Schools as 2024 Green Ribbon Schools, making them the only two schools in Virginia to receive the honor.

"We are immensely proud of Dale City and Mullen elementary schools’ achievements in being named 2024 Green Ribbon Schools. This prestigious honor reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and the well-being of our students. By fostering a culture of eco-consciousness, we empower our young learners to become responsible global citizens. Congratulations to both school communities," said Prince William County School Board Chairman At-Large Dr. Babur Lateef.

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Prince William County’s Board of Supervisors easily approved the fiscal year 2025 budget with a few changes on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, to take effect on July 1.

Following the April 16 budget markup meeting, the supervisors unanimously approved almost everything on the docket. Notably, the board set the real estate tax rate at 92 cents per $100 assessed value. Multiple supervisors stated that this decision was made to balance the tax burden on residents with data centers.

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