Shooting Incident in Woodbridge

On February 15 at 8:05PM, police responded to a residence on Scotch Ct. in Woodbridge following reports of shots fired. Investigation revealed two unidentified males fired rounds at a home before fleeing. No injuries were reported. Suspects described as black males, one wearing a white jacket and the other dressed in all black.

Assault with an Axe near Manassas

At 10:45PM on February 15, officers arrived at the Days Inn on New Market Ct. in Manassas to investigate an assault. A 35-year-old man was assaulted by two unknown individuals, with one wielding an axe and damaging the victim’s vehicle. Minor injuries were reported.

Commercial Burglary in Woodbridge

Police responded to a burglary at Smoketown Tobacco on Smoketown Rd. in Woodbridge on February 15 at 10:27AM. Entry was forced through a damaged glass door, and an undisclosed sum of money and vape products were reported missing.

Road Rage Incident Leads to Arrest

A road rage incident on Mulcaster Ter. in Dumfries on February 15 resulted in the arrest of Juana Adriana FLORES-MONTERO. The 73-year-old victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being struck by FLORES-MONTERO’s vehicle. Charges include malicious wounding, felony hit and run, and hit and run.

Domestic Dispute Ends in Arrest

Following a domestic dispute at Woodbridge Forest Apartments on Tyler Cl. in Woodbridge, Rudy Brandon RODRIGUEZ PIEROLA was arrested on February 15. Charges against RODRIGUEZ PIEROLA include strangulation, abduction, preventing the summoning of law enforcement, and domestic assault & battery.

Assault on Law Enforcement Officer

Jose Danilo PORTILLO, 32, of Woodbridge, was arrested on February 15 in Manassas for assaulting a law enforcement officer. PORTILLO resisted arrest and grabbed an officer after being treated for intoxication. Charges include assault & battery on LEO, obstruction of justice, and being intoxicated in public.

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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.

The Prince William County Animal Shelter has issued a vital warning to residents and visitors of Dumfries following the confirmation of a rabid cat sighting in the area. The grey male cat, found near 17440 Fraley Boulevard, has tested positive for rabies, prompting urgent action from health officials.

Individuals who were in the vicinity of 17440 Fraley Blvd. in Dumfries between February 1st and February 12th are urged to exercise caution if they come into contact with the infected cat. Immediate action is necessary to prevent the spread of rabies and ensure proper medical evaluation and treatment if needed.

Rabies, a potentially fatal viral disease, remains a concern across the U.S., with approximately 55,000 people exposed to the virus each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While human fatalities are rare, the disease poses a serious threat if left untreated.

Residents and visitors who believe they may have been exposed to the rabid cat are encouraged to contact the Prince William County Animal Shelter by calling 703-792-6465 or via email at [email protected].

In light of this incident, health officials emphasize the importance of preventive measures against rabies. Vaccination of pets, including cats and dogs, is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of transmission. Additionally, individuals are advised to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals and seek medical attention promptly in the event of an animal bite or scratch.

Dumfries Town Council approved the amended proffer agreement and memorandum of understanding between the town and Churchill Downs, owner and operator of The Rose Gaming Resort, which is under construction, six to one.

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“A few moments ago, the Town of Dumfries Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the proposed amendments to the proffer related to The Rose. The vote was 4-0. The amendments and other commitments, as outlined below, will go before the Town Council for its consideration on Tuesday evening,” said Michael Kelly, spokesman for The Rose, on Monday night, Feb. 12, 2024.

Tonight, the Dumfries Town Council convenes to deliberate on pivotal proffer amendments concerning The Rose Gaming Resort. These amendments were recently greenlit by the Planning Commission, marking a significant step forward for the proposed expansion.

Outlined in the proposed amendments are various commitments and changes that could shape the future of The Rose Gaming Resort. Among these adjustments are provisions related to traffic mitigation, environmental impact, and community benefits.

According to the details provided, the proffer amendments encompass a range of key aspects. These include alterations to traffic management strategies, environmental safeguards, and community investment initiatives. Provision concerning public infrastructure enhancements and economic development opportunities is also up for discussion. If approved, the development will go forward despite the delay of a promised public park next to the resort, atop of old landfill on which The Rose is built.

For further details on the proposed proffer amendments and ongoing developments regarding The Rose Gaming Resort, you can read Potomac Local Dumfries Reporter Sarah Romero’s coverage: The Rose Seeks Gaming Expansion Amid Delay in Dumfries Park Project Approval.

The project’s original opening date was late 2023, but it has been delayed at least six months. Churchill Downs, the operators of The Rose, have not said why the project is behind schedule.

The soon-to-open The Rose gaming resort operators are about to ask the Dumfries Town Council for permission to install more gaming machines than planned, even if the greenspace they promised residents as part of the development won’t be built yet.

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In Dumfries, fire and rescue units responded to a call reporting smoke at a townhouse in the 17000 block of Denali Place.

Crews arrived to find flames on the home’s front. The fire was controlled with hose lines. Only one occupant was present and evacuated safely. No injuries were reported.

The structure sustained damage, leading to two adults and three children being displaced. The Fire Marshal’s Office determined the cause to be a burning candle near combustibles.

The Fire Marshal’s Office advises against candle use, but if used, caution is necessary. Smoke detectors in the home alerted the occupants, allowing for safe evacuation. Smoke detectors are essential and should be tested regularly. In the event of an alarm, evacuate and call 9-1-1.

Dumfries turns 275 years old this year, and the town council got an update on a planned three-day event to commemorate the milestone.

Carrie Smith, a town resident on Mayor Derrick Wood's 275th anniversary committee, said The event is structured as a three-day celebration from May 10 through 12, 2024.

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Manassas City Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger is attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) 92nd Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. The three-day conference brings together over 250 mayors nationwide to discuss challenges, share best practices, and engage with federal officials.

Davis-Younger, a first-time attendee, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to network and participate in informative sessions addressing various concerns, from poverty and homelessness to AI. The meeting includes conversations with national leaders, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Davis-Younger will also visit the White House on January 19.

Davis-Younger, a Democrat, is up for re-election this year and will finish her first mayoral term on December 31, 2024. No one has announced a campaign to unseat her, though it’s still early in the local election cycle.

Democrats Mark Wolfe, Pamela Sebesky, and Tom Osina are also up for re-election this November.

In Dumfries, Vice Mayor Monaé Nickerson has been appointed to lead the National League of Cities (NLC) 2024 Small Cities Council. This is her second one-year term in this role. The appointment was announced by NLC President Mayor-Elect David Sander of Rancho Cordova, CA.

As a member of NLC’s Small Cities Council, Vice Mayor Nickerson will work with local leaders to encourage collaboration, networking, and the development of resources and programs beneficial to communities with similar demographics, sizes, or locations. The council aims to ensure that cities, towns, and villages across the country have access to ideas and resources to thrive.

The leadership of this year’s council includes Chair Jan Arbuckle, Vice Mayor of Grass Valley, Calif.; Vice Chair Mary Sarver, Mayor Pro Tem of Grandview, Texas; and Vice Chair Gabrielle Nelson, Councilwoman of Port Wentworth, Ga.

Nickerson is serving her second term on the town council.