Fire and rescue units responded at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, to the 3400 block of Aviary Way, near Lake Ridge Elementary School, after a resident reported seeing smoke coming from the back of their home. When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames moving up the rear of the house and into the attic. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the fire.
No injuries were reported, but the home sustained moderate damage. The Building Official declared the residence unsafe for occupancy. The American Red Cross assists two adults and three children displaced by the fire.
The Prince William County Fire Marshal’s Office determined the cause to be a faulty flue in the home’s fireplace. Officials are reminding residents to schedule annual inspections and cleanings of fireplaces and chimneys by trained professionals to prevent similar incidents.
“Routine maintenance can help prevent chimney fires or failures,” the Fire Marshal’s Office stated in a press release. “Ideally, homeowners should complete inspections before the heating season begins.”
From Prince William Fire and Rescue:
Townhouse Fire
Friday, November 29, 2024
5:48 AM
Earlier this morning units were dispatched to the 12900 blk of Titania Way (Lake Ridge) for a townhouse fire. Crews arrived to find the occupants had safely evacuated and a fire on the home’s rear deck. The fire was quickly extinguished. No injuries were reported. The fire originated on the rear deck and extended up into attic. The home sustained moderate damage with minimal damage to one (1) adjoining home. The Building Official determined the home was unsafe to occupy displacing the family of 2 adults and 3 children. The Red Cross responded to assist. The Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire was ignited by the improper disposal of charcoal ashes.
The Fire Marshal’s Office reminds everyone, “always discard ashes in a non-combustible container and never place discarded ashes near combustibles in or near your home”.
A rising musician who plays for Huntley, made famous on NBC’s “The Voice” is due in a Prince William County courtroom on November 4, 2024, charged in the shooting death of his father and his dog.
Christopher Tyler Rose, guitarist for Season 24 ‘The Voice’ competition winner Michael Huntley, of Fredericksburg, aka Huntley, was taken into custody in the early hours of October 28 on charges related to a deadly shooting that left his father and the family dog dead.
Known professionally as Tyler Rose, he is a guitarist with songwriting and music hits. Rose has been a Fredericksburg area music scene staple with his cover band, the Virginia Rum Runners. His association with the Season 24 winner of The Voice, Huntley, has made him a recognized figure in the broader national music scenes.
After Huntley’s win earlier this year, Fredericksburg planned a celebration honoring the singer and his band, which regularly performed at city venues.
Rose and singer Grant King recently recorded a cover of Hurricane, which The Band of Heathens initially performed. Rose’s career and musical talent, however, are overshadowed by the charges he faces.
According to a report released following the incident, Prince William County Police responded to a residence in the 2500 block of Paxton Street in Lake Ridge at 2:39 a.m. A family friend of the accused had reached out to authorities after receiving information indicating that a shooting had occurred at the home. Upon arrival, officers found Rose and detained him without resistance.
Police confirmed that the accused and the victim, Rose’s 56-year-old father, shared the residence. An investigation revealed that there was an altercation between the two, culminating in the fatal shooting. Additionally, the family’s dog, a Labrador Retriever approximately one year of age, was reportedly also killed during the incident. Both Rose’s father and the dog were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have disclosed that no other individuals were present in the home at the time of the incident, indicating the altercation and subsequent shooting involved only Rose, his father, and the dog. As of now, the motivations and circumstances leading up to the incident remain under active investigation. Detectives are currently working to reconstruct events that may have contributed to the escalation, and they are encouraging individuals with relevant information to come forward to aid in the investigation.
Prince William Police Spokesman Lieutenant Jonathan Perok said, “Alcohol and drugs were not a factor, [but the] motive was a family dispute.”
Rose’s connection to the music industry, specifically his role as a guitarist for Huntley, has brought public interest to the case. Known in musical circles as a talented musician with a promising future, Rose’s arrest has led to mixed reactions among fans and industry professionals, many of whom have expressed shock and disbelief over the allegations.
Tim Lumber, who worked with the older Rose, spoke positively about the Rose in a Facebook post, “I worked with Chris [as a bus driver for OmniRide] for 5 years, and we became good friends. All he ever did was brag about his son being a great singer. He was a good guy. He was so proud of his son. So sad that his son apparently took his life.”
Prince William Commonwealth Attorney Amy Ashworth and the Huntley Management team have not responded to a request for comment. We will update the article when they respond.
Police have launched an investigation into a shooting in Lake Ridge, where a 56-year-old man and his dog were killed early Monday morning. Officers were called to a home on the 2500 block of Paxton St. at 2:39 a.m. on October 28 after a family friend alerted police about a shooting in the residence.
Upon arrival, officers encountered Christopher Tyler Rose, 29, who was detained without incident. The investigation reveals that Rose allegedly shot his father, Brian Christopher Rose, during an altercation. Rose also reportedly killed the family’s one-year-old Labrador Retriever. Both father and dog were pronounced dead at the scene. Police report that no one else was inside the home at the time.
Christopher Tyler Rose, who lived with his father, has been charged with murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and felony animal cruelty. He is currently held without bond as the investigation continues. No court date has been set.
Police are actively seeking information from the public to understand the circumstances that led to the deadly encounter. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Prince William County Police at 703-792-6500 or submit a tip online at pwcva.gov/policetip.
This event occurred just a day after an unrelated death investigation involving a man found injured inside a car in Triangle. On October 27, police responded to the 18500 block of Triangle Street around 10:34 a.m. after an acquaintance found an adult male with life-threatening injuries. The victim, whose identity has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene, with injuries police describe as suspicious and not self-inflicted. Investigators believe this incident is not random.
As authorities work to uncover more details in both cases, they encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Police charged the driver of a 2009 Mack roll-off truck involved in a fatal crash on September 5 in Woodbridge. The crash occurred near Old Bridge Rd. and Occoquan Road, where 23-year-old Melanie Ruby Morales, operating a 2023 Kawasaki motorcycle, lost control and was run over by the truck. Investigators determined that both excessive speed on the part of Morales and the truck driver’s failure to maintain his lane contributed to the accident. The truck driver, 56-year-old Kojo Essandoh of Triangle, was charged with failure to maintain lane and has been released on a court summons.
From Prince William police:
Fatal Crash Investigation *DRIVER CHARGED – On October 9, crash investigators obtained a court summons for a traffic violation citing the driver of the 2009 Mack roll-off truck in the fatal collision that occurred in the area of Old Bridge Rd near Occoquan Rd in Woodbridge (22192) on September 5. The investigation revealed the driver of the truck, identified as the accused, failed to maintain his lane which contributed to the collision that killed a 23-year-old Woodbridge woman who was operating a 2023 Kawasaki motorcycle. At the time of the collision, the deceased was traveling at a high rate of speed which was also a contributing factor in the crash. Following the investigation, investigators obtained a summons for the accused, identified as Kojo ESSANDOH, who was served on October 15.
Charged on October 15: [No photo available]
Kojo ESSANDOH, 56, of 3940 Towns Square Ct in Triangle
Charged with failure to maintain lane
Court Date: Pending | Status: Released on Court Summons
Identified:
The deceased operator was identified as Melanie Ruby MORALES, 23, of Woodbridge
Fatal Crash Investigation [Previously Released] – On September 5 at 3:27PM, officers responded to the area of Old Bridge Rd. near Occoquan Rd. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a crash involving a motorcycle. The investigation revealed the operator of a 2023 Kawasaki motorcycle was traveling westbound on Old Bridge Rd. approaching Occoquan Rd. at a high rate of speed when the operator lost control and separated from the motorcycle before sliding under and being run over by a 2009 Roll-off Dumpster truck. The motorcycle operator was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Mack truck remained at the scene and was not injured. Investigators determined speed was a factor in the collision. Crash investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash to contact police. The investigation continues.
Prince William police responded to a domestic incident at Rolling Brook Apartments in Lake Ridge early Friday morning, October 11, 2024.
Few details have been released by police, but a tipster informed Potomac Local that officers were seen using a tactical vehicle at the apartment complex around 1 a.m. The nature of the incident remains unclear.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
Water’s End Brewery in Lake Ridge is set to host a special screening of “Written by Mike,” a film shot in the heart of Virginia that captures the essence of Fredericksburg and its surrounding locales. The screening is scheduled for Thursday, October 24, at 8:30 p.m. at the brewery’s Dillingham Square location in Lake Ridge.
Directed by Richmond-based filmmaker Ryan Cudahy, the film paints an intimate portrait of two couples navigating the tumultuous waters of family trauma and personal illness. “Written by Mike” is more than a narrative; it’s a therapeutic journey through the eyes of its creator. “I wrote this film as a way to deal with my own experiences with mental health and family,” Cudahy explains. “It was a healing process that took over five years to refine.”
Fredericksburg, with its quaint charm and vibrant business community, was chosen as the primary filming location, offering a picturesque backdrop that significantly contributes to the film’s narrative depth. “I wanted to showcase the small-town feel of Fredericksburg while highlighting its beautiful downtown and supportive local businesses,” said Cudahy. The film features several local establishments, including the Red Dragon Brewery and the Curitiba Art Café, enhancing its authentic Virginia flavor.
The film has already made rounds in the Virginia film circuit, receiving accolades for its heartfelt portrayal and stunning visual representation of Virginia’s landscapes. According to Cudahy, the support from local businesses and the Virginia Film Office was pivotal in bringing his vision to life.
A $5 donation is suggested for the screening, with a portion of the proceeds going to Region 10, a mental health wellness center, underscoring the film’s commitment to mental health awareness. “It’s important for us to not only tell a compelling story but also to make a positive impact,” Cudahy added.
“Written by Mike” represents a significant achievement for Cudahy, who also serves as the programming director for the Fredericksburg Film Festival. Looking ahead, he is focused on enriching the local film scene and promoting Virginia as a prime destination for filmmakers.
For those unable to attend the premiere, “Written by Mike” will be available for streaming on November 15 through Green Apple Entertainment, with additional platforms to be announced later. This local screening provides a unique opportunity for community members to support regional cinema and enjoy a story deeply rooted in Virginia’s landscapes.
The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) has announced a sustained increase in ridership through August 2024, reflecting a growing reliance on public transit amid various operational challenges, including service reductions and fare adjustments.
In August 2024, PRTC experienced an average daily ridership of 2,753 passengers, a 22% increase compared to last year. This rise comes despite significant service cuts implemented at the end of July and a $2 fare increase at the start of the month. Even a tropical storm at the beginning of August failed to significantly deter passengers, underscoring the essential role of PRTC in the daily lives of many in the region, said OmniRide CEO Dr. Robert A. “Bob” Schneider.
Throughout the summer months of June, July, and August, PRTC has seen a 15% year-over-year increase in ridership. Specifically, in June, the ridership figures stood at 161,071 total passengers, up from 146,952 in June of the previous year. This growth was supported by a consistent service performance across various routes, with notable increases reported particularly on the busiest lines, said Schneider.
The ‘Express’ services, which connect commuters from outlying areas to major employment centers, accounted for a substantial portion of the ridership, with 76,733 passengers in June 2024 alone, up from 65,933 in June 2023. Schnieder adds that this service segment is committed to facilitating efficient and reliable connections for daily commuters.
The ‘Local’ routes, catering to more localized travel, especially in eastern Prince William County, maintained robust figures with 59,201 riders in June 2024, only slightly up from 58,628 in the previous year.
On September 13, a head-on collision occurred on Caton Hill Road in Lake Ridge when a 2017 Toyota Camry, traveling in the wrong direction, collided with a 2015 Toyota Corolla. The passenger in the Camry, 23-year-old Elvis Gabriel Alvarez of Alexandria, later died at the hospital. Both drivers, a 21-year-old woman from Springfield and a 67-year-old woman from Woodbridge, were seriously injured. Investigators are seeking witnesses to the crash or the Camry’s driving behavior before the incident.
Press release:
Fatal Crash Investigation – On September 13 at 6:07AM, crash investigators responded to the area of Caton Hill Rd near Killarney Dr in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a crash. The investigation revealed the driver of a black 4-door 2017 Toyota Camry was traveling the opposite direction northbound in the southbound lanes when the vehicle collided head-on with a 2015 Toyota Corolla that was traveling southbound. Both occupants in the Camry were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. The passenger in the Camry was transported to an area hospital where he later died from his injuries sustained in the collision. Both drivers were also transported to area hospitals with serious injuries. Crash investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash, or the driving behavior of the driver in the black 4-door 2017 Toyota Camry involved in the collision, to contact police. The investigation continues.
Identified:
The deceased passenger in the 2017 Toyota Camry was identified as Elvis Gabriel ALVAREZ, 23, of Alexandria
The driver of the 2017 Toyota Camry was identified as a 21-year-old woman of Springfield
The driver of the 2015 Toyota Corolla was identified as 67-year-old woman of Woodbridge
