Here is information about the upcoming National Night Out events in our region. The annual event is tomorrow, August 6, 2024, except Stafford County, which holds its event later in the year.

Manassas Park

Manassas Park and its Police Department invite all community members to join the National Night Out 2024 event on Tuesday, August 6. The event promises an evening of fun, food, and community engagement from 5 to 8 p.m. at Signal Hill Park, 9300 Signal View Drive.

The event will also include free admission to the waterpark from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., courtesy of Manassas Park Parks & Recreation. This makes it a perfect outing for families looking to enjoy a summer evening. Civic outreach programs will be part of the activities, providing valuable information and resources to the attendees.

Manassas

The Manassas City Police Department is set to host the annual National Night Out event, which provides a unique opportunity for community engagement and fun in a family-friendly atmosphere. This year’s event is scheduled for Tuesday, August 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Manassas Museum, located at 9101 Prince William Street.

Spotsylvania County 

The Spotsylvania Sherriff’s Office will hold its event at Spotsylvania Towne Center mall.

Stafford County

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office will host its annual National Night Out event on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 5 to 8 p.m. The event is the largest of its kind in the region and will take place at Stafford Marketplace, 1220 Stafford Market Place in North Stafford, in front of the Target store.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg police are still seeking to hear from neighborhood leaders who want to participate in the event.

Is your neighborhood participating in National Night Out (NNO)? Let us know- we would love to join you! Contact Sergeant Rivers with your neighborhood information and we will schedule officers to attend. https://bit.ly/3zZidZl

Prince William County 

Prince William police do not plan an event. A police spokesman said many communities plan respective National Night Out events that officers attend.

National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign, aims to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement, fostering a true sense of community while bringing police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. This year’s event in Manassas Park is set to feature free food, fun activities, and various displays from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

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Spotsylvania County

Early this morning, deputies responded to a shooting in the 11200 block of Ashby Drive, about four miles from Riverbend High School, finding a man and woman with multiple gunshot wounds. The suspect shot the victims during an argument outside their home, ran over the female victim with his vehicle, and later turned himself in, police said. Both victims are in stable condition at a trauma center.

Deputies responded to a reported shooting this morning shortly after 1:00am in the 11200 block of Ashby Drive. Deputies arrived to find an adult male and female suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victims were transported to an area trauma center with serious injuries, but are listed in stable condition. Witnesses advised that an acquaintance arrived at the home where several people were and was asked to leave. The subject refused to leave and an argument ensued outside the home in the front yard where he brandished a gun and shot the two adult victims multiple times. The suspect then left the property and while doing so, ran over the female victim with his vehicle. The suspect later turned himself into authorities. Joseph Alfonza Jackson, age 43 of Spotsylvania was arrested by Detectives for malicious wounding (3 counts). Jackson was incarcerated at the Rappahannock Regional Jail under no bond.

Prince William County

A 37-year-old man struck by a hit-and-run driver in the Oasis at Montclair Apartment complex parking lot on July 20 has died from his injuries. Investigators located the stolen vehicle involved in the incident. They obtained surveillance images of a man believed to be connected, actively seeking public assistance to identify the suspect as the investigation continues.

Fatal Hit & Run Crash Investigation *SUSPECT SOUGHT – On July 22, crash investigators were notified that the 37-year-old man struck by a hit & run driver in the parking lot of the Oasis at Montclair Apartment complex located in the 16400 block of Stedham Cl. in Dumfries (22025) on July 20, had died. The victim remained hospitalized until succumbing to his injuries sustained after being struck by a suspect who stole his 1999 gold Lexus RX 300. On the morning of July 23, officers were on an unrelated call when they located the vehicle sought in connection to the incident on Ashdale Cl. In Woodbridge. Additionally, investigators obtained surveillance images of a man believed to be involved in the incident which were obtained in the area of the incident on Stedman Cl. Investigators with the Violent Crimes Unit are actively investigating the incident to determine what led up to the encounter and are seeking to speak with anyone who can identify the suspect or otherwise aid in the investigation. More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.

Police arrested a woman, they said, in a July 23 assault case involving an acidic substance that occurred on June 26 at a home on Bellona Road in Woodbridge. Corum-Hill has been charged with assault and battery with a caustic substance and is being held without bond, with a court date pending.

Assault with a Caustic Substance *ARREST – On July 23, the suspect, identified as Tahjaia CORUM-HILL, who was sought in connection to the assault with a caustic substance that was reported to have occurred at a residence located in the 14300 block of Bellona Rd. in
Woodbridge (22191) on June 26, was arrested.

Arrested on July 23:
Tahjaia CORUM-HILL, 24, of the 4400 block of Kenwood Dr. in Woodbridge
Charged with assault & battery with a caustic substance
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

Fredericksburg

At 12:06 a.m. on July 23, Fredericksburg Police and EMS responded to a report of a teenager with a gunshot wound. A 16-year-old resident claimed to have been shot in the leg, but EMS found no visible wounds. Detectives determined four bullets had been fired into the residence in the 1000 block of Rampasture Drive, but no one was injured.

Further investigation revealed the juvenile had a firearm and marijuana. After being medically cleared, the juvenile was charged with felony possession of a firearm while in possession of narcotics and unlawful possession of marijuana while under the age of 18. The investigation is ongoing.

On July 23, 2024, at 12:06 a.m., our E-911 Center received a report of a shooting with an injury in the 1000 block of Rampasture Drive. Police and EMS responded to find a juvenile resident claiming to have been shot in the leg.

The juvenile stated they heard gunshots outside their home. As officers and EMS arrived on scene, they found the juvenile on the floor of a bedroom, claiming injury. An initial examination showed no visible gunshot wounds. The juvenile was taken to a nearby hospital, and was medically cleared.

Further investigation revealed that four rounds had been fired into the home, but fortunately, no one was injured. As detectives continued their investigation, it was determined that the juvenile was in possession of a firearm and marijuana. Upon receiving medical clearance, officers obtained petitions and transported the juvenile to the detention center.

The juvenile, 16, of Fredericksburg, was charged with felony possession of a firearm while in possession of narcotics and unlawful possession of marijuana while under the age of 18.

This investigation is still ongoing. If you have additional information, please contact the police at 540-373-3122. To make an anonymous tip, send a text to “847-411” and text “FPDtip” followed by your tip.

Stafford County

A wanted Stafford man was arrested on July 22 during a traffic stop on Northbound I-95. The suspect, who was wanted for failure to comply with a pretrial condition, was found in possession of controlled substances, THC products, a large amount of cash, a loaded firearm, and additional ammunition.=

On July 22nd at approximately 7:58 p.m. First Sergeant A.I. Assur was able to locate a wanted suspect behind the wheel of a black Ford Explorer as he entered onto Northbound I-95. The suspect was identified as Jeremy Flores, 20, who was wanted out of Stafford County for failure to comply with a pretrial condition.

First Sergeant Assur provided live updates on the vehicle’s travel as deputies staged near mile marker 140. As soon as the vehicle was in the area, deputies activated their emergency equipment and conducted a high-risk stop. The driver was confirmed to be Flores and he was placed into handcuffs without incident.

During an inventory search of the vehicle, numerous items of interest were located, including suspected controlled substances, THC products, a large amount of cash, a loaded firearm, and additional ammunition. Using TruNarc, a drug identification device, the controlled substance was identified as cocaine.

Flores was charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm while in possession of controlled substances, as well as, served on his outstanding warrant. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Update 1:30 p.m. — CSX, the corporation that owns the railroad, just provided us with a statement. The incident involved no hazardous materials or injuries, with first responders swiftly addressing the situation while the cause is under investigation.

At approximately 9:00 p.m. yesterday , a CSX train derailed several rail cars near Cobblestone Dr. in Fredricksburg, VA. A garage structure adjacent to the rail line was impacted by the incident. No hazardous materials were involved and there were no reports of injuries. CSX appreciates the swift response of the Fredricksburg City first responders. The safety of response personnel and the surrounding community is our top priority as we work to recover the derailed cars and work to completely restore the area. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Updated 8 a.m. Sunday: A freight train derailed and collided with buildings at the Cobblestone Square apartment complex near the city’s train station. No one was injured.

More from Fredericksburg police:

On July 20, 2024, at approximately 8:50 p.m., the Fredericksburg Police Department’s E-911 Center received a call about a train derailment. Police officers and the fire department arrived at the scene, located at Cobblestone Square, at 8:54 p.m. They found that a CSX Freight Train had derailed and collided with the garage buildings on the property.

The property is separated from the train tracks by a large wall located behind the garage buildings. Five cars of the CSX Freight Train had derailed and crashed into the large wall, causing it to collapse into four garages. Thankfully, there were no injuries since the train had no passengers on board.

The Fire Department conducted a preliminary search of the area and found no injuries, only property damage. Although hazardous materials were found on the train car, they were secure and were not part of the derailed cars.

At the time of this release, the Fire Department, Police Department, and building officials were still at the scene. CSX will be taking over the investigation.

Amtrak, which also uses the line, tells us there is no disruption in service.

News Release: CSX Freight Train Derails into Cobblestone Square

On July 20, 2024, at approximately 8:50 p.m., the Fredericksburg Police Department’s E-911 Center received a call about a train derailment. Police officers and the fire department arrived at the scene, located at… pic.twitter.com/UaIKSNZ9nH

— FredericksburgPolice (@FXBGPolice) July 21, 2024

? Active Event ?

There has been a train derailment in the area of 400 block Cobblestone Drive. Seven cars derailed and struck a structure behind Cobblestone. No hazardous materials were on board and so far, there are no known injuries. There is no threat to the general public.… pic.twitter.com/hv6XNfjQ02

— FredericksburgPolice (@FXBGPolice) July 21, 2024

An investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Fredericksburg Police Department, Virginia State Police, Spotsylvania Narcotic Crimes and the FBI, resulted in the arrest of Tai’eric Lewis on multiple charges. The operation led to the seizure of half a kilo of cocaine, $17,000 in cash, three pounds of marijuana, and a stolen firearm. Lewis has been charged with several offenses, including drug distribution and child endangerment. Fredericksburg Police Department:

On July 10, 2024, several law enforcement agencies, including the Fredericksburg Police Department, Virginia State Police, Spotsylvania Narcotics Unit, Spotsylvania Street Crimes, and the FBI Fredericksburg Regional Narcotics Task Force, arrested Tai’eric Lewis on several drug-related crimes.

The Fredericksburg Police Department conducted a long term investigation involving cocaine distribution. As a result of this investigation, search warrants were executed at three locations, one in the City of Fredericksburg and two in Spotsylvania County.

Search warrants at the three different residences led to the discovery of approximately half a kilo of cocaine, along with about $17,000 in cash and three pounds of marijuana. At another address, a stolen firearm from the City of Fredericksburg was found, along with distribution paraphernalia. Lewis’ vehicle was seized by the Fredericksburg Police Department pending forfeiture.

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On Sunday, June 30, 2024, at around 5:45 p.m., Quincy Lamar Alexander, 42, of Stafford County, accidentally shot himself in the 300 block of Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg. Witnesses heard the gunshot and saw Alexander exit his vehicle and collapse. They called 911, provided first aid until EMS arrived, and transported Alexander to a nearby hospital, police report.

Fredericksburg Police found a firearm and suspected narcotics in the vehicle. The incident was determined to be an accidental discharge, injuring Alexander’s lower body. Warrants were issued for Alexander on multiple charges, including possession of a firearm and narcotics, reckless handling of a firearm, and discharging a firearm in a public place.

A recent investigation by the Office of the State Comptroller in New Jersey has uncovered problematic training practices within a private police training conference attended by police officers from various agencies in Northern Virginia.

“What we found was really disturbing,” said Acting Director Kevin D. Walsh in a December 2023 news conference releasing the final report. The investigation found the training sessions, organized by the New Jersey-based company Street Cop, not only promoted unconstitutional policing tactics, like extending police stops to develop probable cause but also fostered an environment where police officers glorified violence against civilians, discriminated against women and minorities, and a disregarded citizens’ civil liberties like searching vehicles without probable cause. The findings of the investigation exposed the lack of centralized oversight of police training across law enforcement agencies nationwide, including in Virginia.

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Virginia’s 11th-largest jurisdiction, Henrico, near Richmond, will limit the types of calls to which its police are dispatched.

Henrico County police modified its response to specific service calls and how they are dispatched.

“In the past, our patrol officers have routinely been put in positions or responded to calls for service where they have no legal authority. At times, this has prevented our officers from responding to other priority calls in a timely and efficient manner while also leading to a lack of units available to respond to any given call,” said Henrico Police Chief Eric English in a YouTube video.

Call types where you will see changes include:

• Animal calls (all animal calls placed overnight will be handled the next morning)
• Loud parties or noise complaints (only calls that appear to be violating the county’s noise ordinance will be dispatched)
• Medical emergencies (only if police are needed)
• Service calls (calls about people standing in a street median or homeless people who “appear to be OK”).
• Shoplifting (past-occurred crimes or reports with no evidence to support the allegation)
• Abandoned vehicles
• Marijuana use (calls for marijuana use inside someone’s home)
• Juvenile problems (not crime-related, such as calling a police officer to scold a child)
• Panhandling

The changes have come as police departments across the U.S. have struggled to fill vacant police officer positions since 2020. We asked police agencies in our area if they anticipate making similar changes.

“We offer residents an online or telephone option to file a report, which we can refer people to if needed,” said Prince William police 1st Sgt. Jonathan Perok. The agency patrols Virginia’s second-largest county. He declined to comment on Henrico County’s new policy.

“Rest assured, we do not anticipate changing how we respond to calls anytime soon,” added Fredericksburg Police spokeswoman Sarah Morris. The agency services the independent city of nearly 28,000 people between Stafford and Spotsylvania counties.

In a significant operation targeting illicit drug distribution, the Fredericksburg Police Department’s Special Equipment Tactical Team executed a search warrant on Tuesday, February 13, at 6:30 a.m., at an apartment located in the 600 block of Greenbrier Court, in the Colonial Village at Greenbrier Apartment Homes. The operation resulted in the confiscation of over 800 pressed fentanyl pills, along with approximately 300 grams of marijuana, over $10,000 in cash, and various drug paraphernalia, police said.

The primary suspect, identified as Jaquan Mincy, 24, a resident of Fredericksburg, was apprehended at the scene. Mincy faces charges including possession, manufacture, or distribution of a weapon of terrorism containing fentanyl, and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana. He is currently being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

This successful raid was the culmination of an extensive investigation conducted by the Fredericksburg Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Unit. Police Brian Chief Layton emphasized the department’s commitment to combatting the distribution and usage of illegal drugs within the community. “The Fredericksburg Police Department is committed to actively investigating the distribution and use of illicit drugs and arresting those offenders,” stated Chief Layton in a press release. “I’m very proud of our detectives and officers for removing these dangerous drugs from our community.”

The operation was conducted in collaboration with the Virginia State Police and the FBI Fredericksburg Regional Narcotics Task Force, highlighting the inter-agency cooperation in tackling drug-related crimes in the region.

In the U.S., drug overdose deaths have seen a significant increase, rising by 30% year-over-year with over 96,700 fatalities reported in a recent span. Opioids are the most lethal, involved in approximately 72% of these overdose deaths. Since 1999, nearly a million Americans have lost their lives to drug overdoses. The national overdose death rate stands at 21.6 per 100,000 residents, highlighting the severe impact of this crisis across the country?6†source?.

Fredericksburg police found the body of the 22-year-old Darius Appiah, who had been reported missing by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office on January 25.

Police found the body in Hazel Run, at the intersection of Blue and Grey Parkway and Lafayette Boulevard, at approximately 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. As part of the investigative process, Appiah’s body has been transported to the Medical Examiner’s office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

City patrol officers, the Fredericksburg fire and rescue crews, and members of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office helped recover the body.

At 1:50 p.m., the recovery efforts concluded with the identification th. Mr. Appiah’s next of kin were notified this afternoon.

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to Appiah or the events leading up to his disappearance to contact the police at 540-373-3122. For those who prefer to remain anonymous, text messages can be sent to “847-411” with the keyword “FPDtip” followed by the tip.

Additionally, the FPD Tip app, available for Android and iPhones, offers another avenue for providing information. The app can be found by searching “FPD Tip” in the Google or iTunes App Store.