A townhouse fire on Lambsgate Lane shook the neighborhood late yesterday afternoon, Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, at 3:36 p.m., as units from Prince William County Fire and Rescue rushed to the scene following a distress call.
Battalion Chief Matt Smolksy reported that upon arrival, smoke was visible from the front of the structure, prompting a swift response from firefighters.
The occupants, returning home to their address in the 5000 block of Lambsgate Lane, were met with smoke permeating the residence. No injuries were reported as the fire was promptly extinguished by responding crews. However, the home sustained moderate damage, leading the Building Official to deem it unsafe for occupation.
According to the Fire Marshal’s Office, the blaze’s cause was the incorrect use of a battery charger. The misuse of this equipment serves as a reminder of the importance of following safety protocols and manufacturer guidelines when handling electronic devices.
Ibrahim Barrie Jr. [Photo: Prince William police]Police have apprehended a suspect believed to be responsible for a carjacking near Gar-Field Senior High School in Woodbridge.
On February 18 at 5:40 p.m., officers responding to an unrelated call for service spotted the suspect, and apprehended him after a foot pursuit.
Police said the carjacking occourred at 5:55 p.m. February 11. Officers responded to reports of a robbery in the 14200 block of Smoketown Road in Woodbridge. According to the initial report, the victim, an 18-year-old man, had been accosted by a group of individuals, one of whom was later as the suspect.
The victim had provided the suspect and others a ride, only to be targeted for robbery shortly thereafter, police said. The confrontation escalated when the suspect and another individual from the group pursued the victim to the median area of Smoketown Road, ultimately resulting in the victim being tackled and assaulted. During the altercation, the suspects forcibly took the victim’s phones, wallet, and keys.
A Good Samaritan intervened, preventing further harm to the victim. However, the suspects managed to escape in the victim’s vehicle, prompting a search by law enforcement. While the vehicle was later found abandoned near Westminister Lane in Lake Ridge, the suspects remained at large.
Ibrahim Barrie Jr., 18, of the 14615 Earlham Court in Dale City, faces charges of including carjacking, robbery, and fleeing from law enforcement. He is currently being held without bond, with a court date pending.
The investigation into this incident remains ongoing as authorities work to identify any additional suspects involved. In this case, the prompt action of law enforcement underscores their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the community, particularly near our schools.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact police to aid in the ongoing investigation.
More reports from Prince William police
Additional Arrest in Burglary While Armed
Incident:Kevin Vincent Brown, 25, was apprehended after a home invasion that happened in January.
Location: The burglary occurred in a residential area on Sudley Rd in Manassas, VA.
Charges: Brown is charged with burglary while armed, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, among other felonies. He is held without bond.
Shooting Investigations
Dale Blvd Shooting: A shooting was reported, with the victim sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.
Location: The incident took place on Dale Blvd near the intersection with Minnieville Road in Dale City.
Balls Ford Rd Shooting: Another shooting incident occurred, with the victim also resulted in a non-life threatening injury.
Location: This incident was reported on Balls Ford Rd near Ashton Ave, near Manassas.
Both shootings are under investigation with no suspects identified as of the report.
Police said the the incidents do not appear to be random and there is no threat to the community.
Strong-Armed Robbery and Domestic Assault
Robbery Incident: A strong-armed robbery was reported without specific charges or arrests mentioned.
Location: Occurred in a commercial area on Smoketown Road in Woodbridge.
Domestic Assault: A domestic assault case was reported, involving property destruction and physical altercation.
Location: This incident happened in a residential neighborhood on Bristow Road in Bristow
Attempted malicious wounding of a law enforcement officer
On Feb. 17, 2024, in Gainesville, a domestic dispute escalated when Jessy William Szypulski, 34, armed with a handgun and in conflict with family members, fired at police and relatives from his home’s upper floor, police said.
No injuries occurred as officers secured the scene, safely evacuating all, including four children. Szypulski was arrested, facing multiple charges, including attempted malicious wounding of a law enforcement officer and reckless handling of a firearm. He is held without bond, with a court date pending.
American Family Care at 4101 Cheshire Station Plaza, Dale City held a ribbon cutting ceremony on February 8, 2024. [Photo: Submitted]American Family Care (AFC), a leading provider of urgent care and occupational medicine services, has opened a new center in Dale City, expanding its national care network. The ribbon cutting ceremony for the latest AFC Urgent Care facility, located at 4101 Cheshire Station Plaza, Dale City, took place on February 8.
The new AFC Urgent Care center in Dale City offers a range of medical services aimed at providing efficient and cost-effective care for families. Staffed with skilled medical professionals, the center boasts an on-site laboratory capable of conducting various lab tests with rapid results. With extended hours of operation, AFC Dale City accommodates patients' schedules, opening from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
Robert Arrington and Simone Williams are the owners behind AFC Urgent Care in Dale City. Arrington expressed excitement about the new location, emphasizing its role in addressing the community's medical needs. He stated, "This new clinic will fill a significant void for medical needs and attention. We look forward to providing urgent care to families who live and work nearby."
After nearly a year of investigation, law enforcement officers have apprehended the suspect in connection to a stabbing incident that occurred in Dale City on March 4, 2023. Robert Dejell Rufus Jackson, 43, of 13206 Haddock Rd. in Dale City, was taken into custody by Alexandria City police on January 24, 2024.
The incident, which occurred at a residence in the 13700 block of Greenwood Drive near Minnieville Elementary School, left a 41-year-old man with multiple stab wounds. Authorities were alerted to the situation at 4:32 a.m. when a caller reported finding the front door of the residence ajar. Upon entering, they discovered the victim suffering from severe injuries.
Emergency services were immediately contacted, and the victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Thankfully, his injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening.
Jackson faces charges of malicious wounding and abduction in connection to the incident. Despite the passage of nearly a year since the attack, authorities continued to pursue leads diligently, ultimately leading to Jackson’s arrest.
A court date for Jackson is pending.
Strong-Arm Robbery
On February 14 at 7:43 p.m., authorities responded to a robbery near Miramar Dr. and Streamwalk Ln. in Manassas (20109). A 51-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man were approached by two unidentified men who demanded money. One suspect seized the woman’s purse before both fled. No injuries were reported.
Suspect Descriptions:
White male, approximately 5’10”, skinny build, dark brown hooded sweatshirt
White male, approximately 5’9”, skinny build, red hooded sweatshirt
Reckless Handling of a Firearm
On February 13 at 8:47 p.m, police were called to the 1500 block of Sandpiper Bay Lp. in Dumfries (22026) for reported gunshots. Shots were heard near the riverbank, followed by the rapid departure of two vehicles. No evidence of shooting, injuries, or property damage was found.
Commercial Burglaries
On February 14 at 9:16 a.m., authorities responded to Rahama African Market at 12778 Darby Brooke Ct. in Woodbridge (22192) for a burglary. Around 11:30 p.m. on February 13, an unknown individual smashed the front glass door to enter the business. Money was stolen from the cash register before the suspect fled. A neighboring business was also burglarized in a similar manner. No suspect description is available at this time.
Shooting on Same Street Where Woman Was Killed Last Week
Officers responded to a shooting incident on February 7 at 3:25 PM at Benita Fitzgerald Dr. and Brickwood Dr. in Woodbridge. They found a 17-year-old male juvenile with a gunshot wound inside a residence. The juvenile was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigation revealed the juvenile was walking in the area when multiple shots were fired, striking him. A four-door vehicle was seen fleeing the scene. No additional injuries or property damage were reported. The incident occurred on the same street where a North Carolina woman was shot and killed by a stray bullet on Feb. 2, 2024.
Road Rage Involving Gun on Route 234, Near Colgan High School
Police responded to a fight with weapons call on February 4 at 1:20 PM near Colgan High School. A 52-year-old man was involved in a road rage incident with another driver. During the altercation, the accused brandished a firearm and fired a round, striking a nearby vehicle. A brief struggle over the firearm ensued before the victim took possession of it. The accused, Timmy Mitchell DEANE, 57, was arrested and charged with attempted malicious wounding, shooting from a vehicle, and destruction of property.
Infant Found Sitting Alone on Stairs; Boy, 3, Also Found
Officers responded to a found child report on February 5 at 6:59 PM at High Pointe at Rippon Landing Condominiums. They found a 23-month-old boy sitting unsupervised on a stairwell and a 3-year-old boy asleep and unsupervised inside the residence. The father, identified as Ever PLEITEZ-MARTINEZ, returned to the residence intoxicated. He was arrested and charged with felony child neglect and DUI.
Shots Fired into Home
On February 6 at 9:27 PM, officers responded to shots fired at the Regency Apartments near Manassas. Multiple shots were fired, striking an apartment before a dark-colored van was seen leaving the area. No injuries or additional property damage were reported.
Potomac Mills Shopper Robbed Inside Store
A 17-year-old male juvenile was robbed inside Potomac Mills on February 6 at 5:21 PM. The victim was approached by an unknown male who demanded his clothing, implying he had a weapon. The suspect fled the store with the clothing. The suspect was described as a thin male wearing a black mask, a black jacket, and a grey hooded sweatshirt.
Officer Assaulted
On February 8 at 3:44 PM, officers responded to Somerset Point Apartments in Gainesville for a noise violation. While investigating, officers identified a man with active arrest warrants, identified as Joshua Chidi KING. When officers attempted to arrest him, he resisted and struck an officer. The officer was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. KING was arrested and charged with assault & battery on LEO and obstruction of justice.
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]On January 30 at 1:15 AM, crash investigators responded to Dale Boulevard near Queensdale Drive in Dale City to investigate a crash involving a pedestrian.
Prince William police said the investigation revealed that a 2013 Toyota Corolla driver was traveling northbound on Dale Boulevard, approaching the intersection, when the vehicle struck a pedestrian attempting to cross Dale Boulevard outside a crosswalk wearing dark-colored clothing.
The pedestrian was transported to an area hospital, where he later died. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and was not injured. Investigators determined that speed, alcohol, and drugs were not factors for the driver.
The investigation continues. The deceased pedestrian was identified as Daniel Kent Ryder, 37, of Woodbridge.
The driver of the 2013 Toyota Corolla was identified as a 37-year-old man from Woodbridge.
[Photo: Sheetz, Inc.]One of the first Sheetz gas stations in the region, located at 4021 Prince William Parkway in Dale City, is facing the prospect of demolition. Sheetz, known for its low-cost gas and made-to-order food, built its Dale City location a quarter-century ago and could be replaced with a modernized facility featuring a drive-through lane.
Sheetz, owned by STEICO Incorporated, is petitioning the Prince William Board of County Supervisors for a special use permit (SUP) that would permit the addition of a drive-through facility. If granted, the company plans to demolish the existing structure and construct a new Sheetz gas station with updated interior design features and a reinstated drive-through for the convenience store.
The permit request will be deliberated at the county Planning Commission meeting on February 7, 2024, at the McCoart Building in Woodbridge, starting at 7 p.m. The SUP request encompasses the demolition and rebuilding of the existing Sheetz, featuring 6,100 square feet of gross floor area, with a total of 12 gas pumps.
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]The suspect wanted in connection to the triple homicide and shooting that occurred in Dale City on May 26, 2023, has been taken into custody in El Salvador by the Special Forces of the National Civil Police. Prince William County police, working in collaboration with federal partners and authorities in El Salvador, are now taking steps to secure the suspect’s extradition to the United States for court proceedings.
The suspect, identified as Donald Antonio Barahona Quinonez, 28, of no fixed address, faces charges including three counts of murder, one count of aggravated malicious wounding, four counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and four counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling.
The incident, initially reported as a quadruple shooting on Birchdale Avenue, left three men dead and a fourth man seriously injured. The victims have been identified as Edwin Geovanny Salmeron, 37; Luis Alonzo Salgado-Rivas, 41; and Kevin Josue Vallencillo Mendoza, 23, all of Woodbridge.
Prince William police said that the suspect, armed with a firearm, began shooting during a gathering inside the home. Two victims died on the same day, and a third victim succumbed to injuries the following day. The surviving victim is expected to recover.
Prince William County police had previously identified Barahona Quinonez as the suspect and issued arrest warrants. The suspect had fled the scene immediately after the shooting, prompting a reward offer of up to $10,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
The recent development of the suspect’s arrest in El Salvador adds an international dimension to the case. Authorities are coordinating efforts to bring him back to the United States for legal proceedings.
Police will continue its investigation into the incident, seeking to determine the motives and events leading up to the shooting. Detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
