The investigation into the officer-involved shooting of Gabriel Rene Ramirez, 22, on August 1 at a Bromley Court home in Lake Ridge reveals that, following a report of suicidal threats and armed behavior, SWAT Team members shot the man who had been barricaded inside a home after he pointed a firearm at officers and nearby townhomes, with only one officer firing a single round, resulting in his death.

Press release:

Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation *INVESTIGATIVE DETAILS – As the investigation into the officer-involved shooting that occurred at a residence located in the 3000 block of Bromley Ct in [Lake Ridge] (22192) on August 1 progresses, preliminary details are being released to keep our community informed of the events leading up to the encounter.

At approximately 8:21PM, an out of state family member called to report concerns over suicidal statements made by a loved one, later identified as the deceased. The caller relayed that their loved one wanted to end their life and expressed concerns that the individual was possibly armed. Officers initially responded to the loved one’s home on Caledonia Cir in Woodbridge where he was not immediately located.

A short time later, officers located the individual at the home of an acquaintance nearby on Bromley Ct. where he was eventually found in the backyard of the residence in an agitated state armed with a handgun. Members of the department’s Special Weapons & Tactics (SWAT) Team and Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Team were deployed, and the incident remained contained to the backyard of the home. Over the course of several hours, members of the Crisis Negotiation Unit, in addition to an on-site Community Services clinician, attempted numerous times for the individual’s safe surrender.

Teams also attempted to relay messages from loved ones which were unsuccessful in resolving the situation. Due to the individual’s behavior, an Emergency Custody Order was obtained. At approximately 5:30AM, the individual pointed the firearm in the direction of officers and occupied townhomes in the vicinity before being shot in the upper body by a member of the SWAT Team. The individual was pronounced dead on scene. Preliminarily, only one officer discharged their weapon and only one round was fired during the encounter.

The involved officer has 4.5 years of service, assigned to uniform patrol operations and as a part-time member of the SWAT Team. The investigation into the incident continues to be led by the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). Additional details will be released as more information becomes available. The involved officer in the shooting was placed on routine paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Anyone who may have information that can aid in the investigation is asked to contact the police.

Identified:

The deceased was identified as Gabriel Rene RAMIREZ, 22, of Woodbridge

The Prince William County Police Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on July 31 in Lake Ridge, resulting in the death of a 22-year-old man after officers responded to a report of a suicidal individual, and the incident is now under review by the regional Critical Incident Response Team.

Prince William police:

Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation – On July 31 at 8:21PM, officers initially responded to a residence located in the 3400 block of Caledonia Cir in [Lake Ridge] (22192) for a report of a suicidal individual. A short time later, officers located the individual at an acquaintance’s residence in the nearby 3000 block of Bromley Ct. where he was found to be armed. The incident was contained, and over the course of the evening, officers attempted numerous times for the individual’s safe surrender. This morning, August 1, around 5:30 a.m., officers engaged the individual who was shot and killed. No officers or other community members were injured during the incident which remains contained. There is no active threat to the surrounding community. The deceased has been preliminarily identified as a 22-year-old man of Woodbridge. The Prince William County Police Department, at the request of Chief Peter Newsham, has requested the regional Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) to oversee the investigation as an independent body. More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.

Prince William County recently completed a significant road project in Woodbridge to improve the region’s traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Another project now underway in Lake Ridge aims to do the same.

Summit School Road Extension

Following a groundbreaking ceremony, Lake Ridge’s Summit School Road project is now underway and marks the county’s infrastructure development. This 1.2-mile extension stretches from Kinnicutt Drive to Telegraph Road and will be transformed into a four-lane divided roadway. The project will widen Telegraph Road from Caton Hill Road to Prince William Parkway, increasing it from two to four lanes. Enhancements include a raised grass median, a five-foot sidewalk, and a ten-foot shared-use path to accommodate additional pedestrian traffic.

In addition to this project, the Horner Road Commuter Lot, already the largest in Virginia, will expand with 57 new parking spaces. County officials said this extension alleviates congestion and improves mobility along Minnieville Road.

The project, which had a $40 million budget, received $38 million from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) and $2 million from the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) for the commuter lot expansion. Kimley-Horn and Associates handled the design, initiated in December 2019, while Sagres Construction Corporation undertook the construction starting in June 2024.

Neabsco Mills Road Widening

The Neabsco Mills Road Widening Project spans the Neabsco and Woodbridge Magisterial Districts in Woodbridge. This project improved and widened Neabsco Mills Road from Smoke Court to Route 1, transforming it into a four-lane divided roadway with pedestrian facilities on both sides. The project also enhanced the intersection at Neabsco Mills and Route 1 and adjusted the road’s alignment to meet current design standards.

With a budget of $34.3 million, the project was fully funded through federal, state, regional, and local sources, including $8.9 million from NVTA 30% funding. Rinker Design Associates (RDA) began the design phase in June 2017, and Sagres Construction Corporation commenced construction in October 2022.

The improved roadway and pedestrian facilities significantly enhance access to key local sites such as Freedom High School, Northern Virginia Community College’s Woodbridge Campus, and various retail, hospitality, and residential areas.

These projects are part of Prince William County’s broader transportation capital improvement program, which exceeds $1.3 billion and includes various multimodal projects. These initiatives range from sidewalk and traffic safety projects to major interchanges and road widening, all aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure across the county.

The projects follow the opening of a new interchange at Prince William Parkway, Dumfries, and Brentsville Roads outside Manassas.

Correction: An earlier version of this article reported that the Summitt School Road project was completed. 

On Wednesday, June 16, at 11:02 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Old Bridge Road and Harbor Drive in Lake Ridge to investigate a crash. The investigation, conducted by Prince William police, revealed that the driver of a 2001 Ford F150 pickup truck was traveling westbound on Old Bridge Road approaching the intersection with Harbor Drive when a 2020 Ford Edge traveling eastbound on Old Bridge Road entered the intersection in front of the truck’s path of travel. The truck and Edge collided within the intersection.

Both drivers and passengers in the vehicles were taken to the hospital. On June 27, crash investigators were notified that the male passenger who was injured in the Edge died as a result of injuries sustained during the crash. All other involved parties are expected to survive. Investigators determined that speed, alcohol, and drugs were not factors for the driver. At the time of the collision, the driver of the Edge, identified as Doris Ann Grosskopf, was charged. The investigation continues.

Doris Ann Grosskopf, 82, of the 12100 block of Clipper Drive in Woodbridge, is charged with failure to follow a traffic signal. She is due in court on August 26, 2024, and was released on a court summons.

The deceased passenger in the 2020 Ford Edge was identified as John Richard Gerald Grosskopf, 88, of Woodbridge.

The driver of the 2001 Ford F150 was identified as a 44-year-old man from Hyattsville, Md.

The passenger in the 2001 Ford F150 was identified as an 18-year-old man from Hyattsville, Md.

On Tuesday, June 25, at 10:40 p.m., officers responded to Tackett’s Mill Shopping Mall in the 2200 block of Old Bridge Road in Lake Ridge. The response was to investigate a shots fired call.

The investigation revealed that two victims, a 22-year-old male and a 21-year-old female, were in the parking lot when a black SUV drove by and fired BB or other pellet-type rounds from the vehicle, striking both victims. No injuries were reported. No additional injuries or property damage were reported.

Felony Child Neglect in Woodbridge

On Wednesday, June 26, at 2 p.m., officers responded to the 11700 block of Chanceford Dr. in Woodbridge to investigate a found child.

The investigation revealed that a 2-year-old boy, was left unattended for one hour by a family member. A Good Samaritan found the child outside unsupervised. The child did not appear injured and was released to the custody of known parties, police said.

Elizabeth Carol Powell, 64, of the 11700 block of Chanceford Dr. in Woodbridge, was arrested and charged with felony child neglect. Her court date is pending, and her bond is unavailable.

Assault and Battery on Law Enforcement Officer 

On Tuesday, June 25, a woman sought in connection to an assault on an officer on June 21 was arrested. The incident occurred in Saxophone Way and Bel Air Road in Woodbridge.

On June 21, at 7:42 p.m., officers observed the woman, who had arrest warrants, in Saxophone Way and Bel Air Road in Woodbridge. When officers attempted to detain her, she resisted and ran. After a short foot pursuit, officers temporarily detained Garcia, who continued to resist and refused to follow commands. During the encounter, Garcia struck an officer, allowing her to flee the area, police said.

The officer reported minor injuries from the incident.

Alejandra Yvette Garcia, 22, of 14782 Candlewood Ct. in Woodbridge, is charged with assault and battery on a law enforcement officer and obstruction of justice. Her court date is pending, and she is held without bond.

Well, saddle up, partner! Let me tell you what them transportation officials over at VDOT are plannin’ to do. They’re fixin’ to make some big changes to the way folks travel ’round here, all aimed at smoothin’ out the ride and makin’ things safer for every cowboy and cowgirl on the road.

First off, they’re plannin’ a major overhaul to make the journey smoother and safer for all. They’re gonna rip out that old northbound Route 123 loop ramp to southbound I-95 at Lake Ridge, which’s been causin’ more headaches than a whiskey hangover. In its place, they’re settin’ up a brand new signalized left-turn, so folks can merge onto the interstate without havin’ to speed up like they’re dodgin’ bullets.

They’re also widenin’ the ramp from southbound Route 123 to southbound I-95, makin’ it broad enough for more traffic to flow smooth as molasses. Plus, they’re straightenin’ out the ramp from southbound I-95 to northbound Route 123 to keep things movin’ without any hitches.

And for those who prefer travelin’ by hoof or on two wheels, there’s gonna be a shared-use path runnin’ along northbound Route 123 from Annapolis Way to Devil’s Reach Road. It’ll be a safe trail for bicyclists and pedestrians, free from the hustle and bustle of wagon wheels and horse hooves.

Now, about that flyover ramp they were once jawin’ about—from Route 123 to Old Bridge Road—well, that plan’s been tossed out like last week’s stew. Rick Canizales, the transportation sheriff ’round these parts, and his posse took another look last year and realized it’d be like puttin’ a bandage on a bull’s horn. The intersection, known as the “Frogger” ’cause of its crisscrossin’ traffic madness, needed somethin’ different. Buildin’ a flyover could’ve just stirred up more dust without clearin’ the air.

So, they’re keepin’ the changes earthbound, focusin’ on what can really make a difference without causin’ more chaos. This whole project is part of a grander scheme to improve the stretch of I-95 that runs through Virginia, making sure it’s as safe and smooth as a well-oiled saddle.

There’s a public meetin’ scheduled for May 8, 2024, down at Occoquan Elementary School in Woodbridge. For those of you who like to look your neighbors in the eye and speak your piece, you can join in person from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. But if you’re the kind that prefers to holler from the comfort of your own homestead, they’ve got you covered too—you can log on virtually startin’ at 6:30 p.m.

This meetin’ is a fine chance for every rancher, merchant, and townsfolk to come out and learn what these changes mean for our trails and to voice any concerns or ideas. They’re wantin’ to hear from all stakeholders—yep, that means you—about the planned improvements to the I-95 and Route 123 interchange.

Fire and rescue crews were called to a fire at Lake Ridge Orthodontics today, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 5:31 a.m.

Prince William County Fire and Rescue units were dispatched to the 2000 block off of Old Bridge Road in Lake Ridge earlier this morning for a report from a passerby of fire through the roof of an office building.

Crews arrived with heavy fire showing from a two-story office building. Large master streams were utilized to extinguish the blaze. No injuries were reported, but four businesses have been displaced.

Crews are still on the scene, extinguishing hot spots and conducting overhauls. The Fire Marshal’s Office is conducting the fire cause investigation.

Police found the body of a woman in a trash truck in Lake Ridge after she didn’t pick up her child from daycare.

On Thursday, March 21, at 8:49 p.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 12200 block of Stevenson Court in Lake Ridge to investigate a missing person.

The investigation revealed family members were concerned over the welfare of the victim, Taty’ana Zakiyyah Cooks, 30, who had not picked up her child from daycare.

During the investigation, detectives learned the victim’s vehicle was being driven by an acquaintance of the victim, later identified as the accused, in Newport News and that the victim’s belongings were still inside her Lake Ridge home.

On March 22, detectives were looking for the missing woman and stopped at a trash truck. Inside, they found the woman’s body.

Additional evidence was discovered which indicated the accused was involved in the victim’s death.

Following the investigation, detectives obtained a murder warrant for the accused, identified as Brendon Devon White, 28, who was located and arrested by Newport News and charged with murder. He’s now in jail.