On October 22, a 28-year-old man was arrested and charged with brandishing a firearm in connection to a road rage incident on April 26 in Dumfries. The investigation revealed that during a verbal altercation at an intersection, the suspect brandished a firearm at another driver, but no shots were fired and no injuries occurred.

Press Release from Prince William Police:

Brandishing of a Firearm | Road Rage Related *SUSPECT IDENTIFIED | ARREST – On October 22, officers concluded the investigation into the brandishing that was reported to have occurred at the intersection of Richmond Hwy and Dumfries Rd. in Dumfries (22192) on April 26. While investigating the incident, officers identified the suspect and obtained an arrest warrant. On October 22, the suspect, identified as Alex COLEMAN, was located and arrested by Arlington County police.

Arrested on October 22: [No Photo Available]
Alex COLEMAN, 28, of 17247 Nugget Ln. in Dumfries
Charged with brandishing of a firearm
Court Date: November 8, 2024 | Bond: Unavailable

Brandishing of a Firearm | Road Rage Related [Previously Released] – On April 26 at 4:54PM, officers responded to the intersection of Richmond Hwy and Dumfries Rd. in Dumfries (22192) to investigate a brandishing. The investigation revealed the victim, a 34-year-old man, was driving on Dumfries Rd. when he was involved in a road rage incident with the driver of another vehicle. While both vehicles were stopped at the above intersection and the driver’s continued the verbal altercation, the driver of the other vehicle got out of their vehicle and brandished a firearm. The victim remained in his vehicle during the encounter. Eventually, the parties separated without further incident. No shots were fired, and no injuries were reported. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male approximately 25 years old driving a white BMW.

On November 6, the driver of a 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter van was charged with careless driving following a fatal crash on November 4 near Manassas, which killed a 90-year-old pedestrian. The investigation determined that distracted driving contributed to the collision, and the driver was issued a court summons for the traffic violation.

Press Release from Prince William Police:

Fatal Crash Investigation *DRIVER CHARGED – On November 6, crash investigators obtained a court summons for a traffic violation citing the driver of the 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter van in the fatal collision that occurred in the 10100 block of Lake Jackson Dr. [near] Manassas (20111) on November 4. The investigation revealed the driver of the van, identified as the accused, was distracted which contributed to the collision that killed a 90-year-old man who was walking on the shoulder of the roadway. Following the investigation, investigators obtained a summons for the accused, identified as Russell Anthony CAROLLA, who was served on November 6.

Charged on November 6: [No Photo Available]
Russell Anthony CAROLLA, 68, of 10614 Lake Jackson Dr. [near] Manassas
Charged with careless driving
Court Date: November 21, 2024 | Status: Released on a Court Summons

Identified:
The deceased pedestrian was identified as Gary Paul WILSON, 90, of Manassas

Fatal Crash Investigation [Previously Released] – On November 4 at 4:18PM, officers responded to the 10100 block of Lake Jackson Dr. [near] Manassas (20111) to investigate a crash involving a pedestrian. The investigation revealed the driver of a 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter van was traveling eastbound on Lake Jackson Dr. when the vehicle struck a pedestrian who was walking on the shoulder portion of the roadway. At the location of the crash, no sidewalk is present. The pedestrian was transported to an area hospital where he died later that evening from injuries sustained during the crash. The driver of the striking vehicle remained at the scene and was not injured. Investigators determined that speed was not a factor in the crash. Crash investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash to contact police. Charges are pending as the investigation continues.

Early Monday morning, November 4, at about 3 o’clock, an infrequent customer of Hyperion Espresso had a crisis and felt a cup of coffee was in order. So he went to Hyperion with a broomstick and broke 72 windows and the glass door.

The alarm went off, and the Fredericksburg police made a quick arrest. “I have a coffee emergency,” could be heard on the surveillance camera recording.

“It looked like someone did a drive-by shooting,” said Amanda Atkins, a shift manager at the shop.

Monday was the start of the work week for many Hyperion customers; the espresso shop couldn’t start as usual for the first few hours. “A lot of regulars were turned away, sadly,” added Amanda.

Owner Jack Scholl worked with his insurance company, and by Wednesday morning, many of the windows were replaced, and the rest were boarded up so the shop could continue business as usual. The remaining windows will be repaired in the next day or so.

According to the police report: On November 4, 2024, at 2:57 a.m., our E-911 Communications Center received a call about a white male wearing a trash bag who was breaking the windows of Hyperion Espresso.

Officer Funez arrived at the scene and found Roger Ruffner standing in front of the business, wearing a trash bag and holding a plastic pole and a broomstick. Ruffner explained that he had broken the glass to protect himself, believing he was being followed. He later told Officer Funez that he intended to enter Hyperion Espresso to make himself a cup of coffee.

Roger Ruffner, 66, of Fredericksburg, was arrested and held without bond and was charged with breaking and entering to commit larceny and with felony vandalism.

In August, we told you Hyperion Espresso transitioned to new ownership for the first time in 30 years. Scholl, a coffee industry professional with roots in Virginia, has taken over from original owners Dan and Anna.

Scholl reassured customers that he intends to preserve the shop’s iconic atmosphere, although he hinted at possible minor adjustments to enhance staff workflow. Known for his work with his family’s 34-year-old roasting business, Scholl plans to bring a coffee “matchmaking” experience to Hyperion, helping patrons discover their favorite brews.

Despite small updates, Scholl emphasized that Hyperion’s charm will remain intact.

On November 4, a pedestrian was struck by a 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter van while walking on the shoulder of Lake Jackson Dr. near Manassas and later died from his injuries. The driver, a 68-year-old man, remained at the scene, and investigators are seeking witnesses as the investigation continues, with charges pending.

Press Release from Prince William Police:

Fatal Crash Investigation – On November 4 at 4:18PM, officers responded to the 10100 block of Lake Jackson Dr. [near] Manassas (20111) to investigate a crash involving a pedestrian. The investigation revealed the driver of a 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter van was traveling eastbound on Lake Jackson Dr. when the vehicle struck a pedestrian who was walking on the shoulder portion of the roadway. At the location of the crash, no sidewalk is present. The pedestrian was transported to an area hospital where he died later that evening from injuries sustained during the crash. The driver of the striking vehicle remained at the scene and was not injured. Investigators determined that speed was not a factor in the crash. Crash investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash to contact police. Charges are pending as the investigation continues.

Identified:

The deceased pedestrian was identified as Gary Paul WILSON, 90, of Manassas

The driver of the 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van was identified as a 68-year-old man of Manassas

 

Press Releases from Prince William police:

Armed Robbery *SUSPECT IDENTIFIED | ARREST – On October 26, detectives identified and arrested a 16-year-old male juvenile in connection to the armed robbery that was reported to have occurred at the 7-Eleven located at 16170 Country Club Dr. in Dumfries (22025) on March 5.

Arrested on October 26: [Juvenile]
A 16-year-old male juvenile of Woodbridge
Charged with robbery, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and underage possession of a firearm
Court Date: Pending | Status: Held at the Juvenile Detention Center

Armed Robbery [Previously Released] – On March 5 at 5:16AM, officers responded to investigate a robbery that was reported to have occurred at the 7-Eleven located at 16170 Country Club Dr. in Dumfries (22025) at approximately 4:28AM. The investigation revealed an unknown man brandished a firearm towards the employee and demanded money and tobacco products. The suspect fled the store with an undisclosed amount of money and tobacco products. No shots were fired, and no injuries reported. The suspect was described as wearing a black ski-style mask and a black jacket.

Additionally, another armed robbery occurred, this one more recently:

Armed Robberies – On November 1 at 2:30PM, officers responded to Todos Supermarket located at 13905 Richmond Hwy. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victims, a 29-year-old woman and a 49-year-old man, were approached by an unknown man in the parking lot. During the encounter, the suspect opened the driver’s door before brandishing a firearm and demanding property. The suspect took the male victim’s wallet and phone before leaving in a light-colored F-150 truck. While investigating the incident, a second armed robbery was reported in the 14400 block of Gemstone Dr. where the suspect of similar description brandished a firearm towards a 61-year-old woman and a 29-year-old woman. The suspect took an undisclosed amount of money before leaving in a vehicle matching the previous robbery. As officers were checking the area, the suspect vehicle was located unoccupied in the commuter lot off Prince William Pkwy near I-95. Officers also located some of the stolen property and determined the truck was previously reported stolen. No injuries were reported. The investigation continues as officers attempt to identify the suspect(s) involved in the investigation.

Suspect Description:
A Hispanic male, 40’s, approximately 5’5”, with a thin build and a mustache
No reported clothing description

Early Monday morning, Fredericksburg Police responded to reports of a break-in at Hyperion Espresso, where a man allegedly smashed windows to enter the coffee shop.

According to the report, 66-year-old Roger Ruffner, dressed in a trash bag and armed with a plastic pole and broomstick, claimed he needed to make himself a cup of coffee and broke the window to protect himself,  believing he was being followed. Ruffner was taken into custody on charges of breaking and entering to commit larceny and felony vandalism and is currently held without bond.

Fredericksburg Police: 

On November 4, 2024, at 2:57 a.m., our E-911 Communications Center received a call about a white male wearing a trash bag who was breaking the windows of Hyperion Espresso.

Officer Funez arrived at the scene and found Roger Ruffner standing in front of the business, wearing a trash bag and holding a plastic pole and a broomstick. Ruffner explained that he had broken the glass to protect himself, believing he was being followed. He later told Officer Funez that he intended to enter Hyperion Espresso to make himself a cup of coffee.

Roger Ruffner, 66, of Fredericksburg was arrested and held without bond on the following charges:

18.2-91 Breaking & Entering to commit larceny

18.2-137 Felony Vandalism

A man was fatally shot in a commuter parking lot along Prince William Parkway late Saturday night in what police have described as an altercation that turned deadly.

On November 2, at 10:42 p.m., Prince William County police were called to the commuter lot at 2250 Prince William Parkway to investigate reports of gunfire. Officers found the victim, later identified as Jeffery Kojo Owusu, 27, suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. Police provided first aid at the scene, and then took Owusu to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

The investigation revealed that an altercation between Owusu and the suspect, a 22-year-old man, had escalated into a struggle over a firearm. During the struggle, Owusu was shot. Following the shooting, Geiger reportedly fled the scene, prompting a search involving a police K-9 unit and a Fairfax County police helicopter. Authorities located Geiger later that day at his residence in Vienna, where he was detained without incident.

Christian Geiger, of Vienna, is charged with with involuntary manslaughter. He is currently held without bond, awaiting a court date.

The incident marks the 20th recorded negligent manslaughter or murder case in Prince William County this year, although this case may not be counted in murder statistics, as law enforcement categorizes incidents under specific classifications.

Authorities emphasized that this was not a random act and confirmed that the confrontation between Owusu and Geiger was an isolated encounter.

From the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office:

On the early morning hours of October 24, 2024 deputies responded to Courthouse Commons Subdivision to several reports from homeowners about multiple males tampering with vehicles parked on the street and in driveways. Deputies quickly arrived and located two subjects who ran on foot.

Deputies gave chase and was able to apprehend 4 of the 5 suspects with the assistance of responding deputies, detectives, K9 Unit and our drone unit. The suspects were seen on multiple

surveillance videos going through vehicles and stealing items throughout the neighborhood. Deputies and detectives have taken multiple reports of vehicle tampering in the county over the last several weeks. This investigation is ongoing at this time. Arrested and charged were

Nashawn T. Davis, 19-years of age from Richmond, VA
Misdemeanor vehicle tampering
Felony credit card larceny (2 counts)

Felony conspiracy to commit credit card larceny
Misdemeanor petite larceny
Felony conspiracy to commit larceny

Raikwon A. Lewis, 19-years of age from Richmond VA
Misdemeanor vehicle tampering (3 counts)

Malachi L. Dickerson, 20-years of age from Richmond, VA
Misdemeanor vehicle tampering (3 counts)

Michael D. Anderson, 24-years of age from Richmond, VA
Misdemeanor vehicle tampering (3 counts)
Felony credit card larceny
Felony conspiracy to commit credit card larceny
Remember to lock your vehicles while unattended and to secure valuables and not leave them in plain sight.

Several Manassas police officers were recognized for bravery at a recent ceremony on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024.

From Manassas police :

On January 14, 2024, Officers responded to the Brentwood Apartments area for a possible shooting. Once on scene, Officers located a subject suffering from gunshot wounds.
The subject was rapidly losing blood and consciousness. Officer Stadtman provided Officer Ricapito with a tourniquet.

Officer Rios held the subject still and applied pressure to the wounds while Officer Ricapito applied a tourniquet to one of the subject’s limbs. Officer Siemek continued to speak with the victim and tried to keep him from losing consciousness while the Officers awaited an ambulance.

At this point, the Officers on the scene had no knowledge of what had occurred, so there was a possibility the shooter was still nearby. Officer Stadtman approached the scene with his rifle and established a safety perimeter around the Officers.

While maintaining security, Officer Stadtman interacted with the nearby citizens to gather dynamic intelligence while directing traffic around the crime scene to maintain the integrity of the crime scene. The incident occurred in the early evening, and the victim was next to an intersection that needed to be closed to preserve evidence.

These variables added to the chaotic nature of the scene. Together, Officer Ricapito and Officer Rios applied bandages and wrapped the victim’s leg.

Rescue personnel arrived and took over lifesaving measures. The victim was ultimately transported to Fairfax Hospital and survived the incident.

The quick actions of the above-named Officers led to the victim’s survival of the incident. Without the exceptional teamwork and performances of the involved employees, the victim would likely not have survived.

On August 1, 2023, at [7 p.m.] officers responded to the report of a shooting in progress near Taney Rd and Hood Rd. Sergeant Casteline was one of the first on the scene and immediately started directing incoming officers.

Officers located a sizeable crime scene that spanned Taney Rd. from Hood Rd to Hampton Rd. The preliminary investigation revealed that over twenty rounds had been fired between multiple suspects.

Multiple cars had been struck and one residence. At 2206hrs officers were once again dispatched to 9370 Taney Rd for a shooting in progress.

Sergeant Casteline and Officers Barrett, Stanikzai, Curry, Bowden, G, and Rios were first on the scene. One officer secured the main level while the other officers located the victim, a 19-year-old male, who had an apparent gunshot wound in the neck.

The officers did not know where the shooter was but recognized the severity of the injury and they immediately started rendering aid using their Tactical Emergency Casualty Care kit.
MPO Curry grabbed a towel to apply pressure and stanch the bleeding. MPO Barrett utilized the TECC kit and provided MPO Curry with a medical bandage to further stop the bleeding because the towel was insufficient, while SPO Stanikzai elevated the victim’s legs in a passive leg raise to keep the blood flowing to the victim’s heart and prevent shock.

SPO Bowden, Ofc G, and Sergeant Casteline set up a protective corridor allowing for rescue to take over medical treatment. Outside the residence officers and supervisors worked together to protect the crime scene and manage unruly spectators and involved parties.
The victim sustained a serious injury that required multiple surgeries and survived.”

On July 26, 2023, at [12:21 a.m.] officers responded to the report of a suicidal subject on the top of the parking garage. Officers located the person in crisis (PIC) and he was seated against the wall twirling a razor blade.

MPO Barrett immediately started to speak with the person in crisis from a reasonable and safe distance while Officers Diaz, Rios, and Koncen provided cover. During the twenty minutes that MPO Barrett attempted to establish a rapport, it was evident that PIC would not engage officers.

He would not speak to officers or respond in any way. He would only stare at the razor blade and twirl it in his fingers.

A tactical plan was devised in the event it became necessary to forcibly subdue the PIC to initiate an Emergency Custody Order. While MPO Barrett was speaking to the PIC the PIC looked up at the officers and started to cut his right wrist.

SPO Koncen who already had his Taser concealed, and at the ready, was able to quickly shoot the PIC with Taser probes incapacitating him allowing MPO Barrett and Officers Diaz and Rios to remove the razor and handcuff the PIC. When the subject began to harm himself with the razor officers risked their own safety to save his life.”

On the night of December 14, 2023, Master Detective Petitt was driving home in her personal vehicle after completing her shift as the evening detective. While traveling on 1-66 at Winchester Rd., Detective Petitt observed a vehicle abruptly and aggressively drive across several lanes.

Detective Petitt soon understood why when she observed a vehicle facing the opposite direction of traffic with no headlights and the air bags deployed. Detective Petitt quickly pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway to render aid.

Meanwhile, several vehicles, to include semitrucks, were approaching the citizen vehicle at high rates of speed. Detective Petitt approached the vehicle and observed that there was one male occupant in the driver’s seat.

Detective Petitt quickly took note that the driver appeared confused and dazed. Detective Petitt tried several times to get the driver out of the vehicle.

She had to explain to him that they were in danger of being hit and that they were facing oncoming traffic. Just as Detective Petitt got the citizen out of the vehicle, a semi-truck was observed rapidly approaching them.

The semi-truck narrowly missed the citizen vehicle and Detective Petitt’s personal vehicle. Safely away from oncoming traffic, Detective Petitt was able to call 911 and relay the location of the accident.

Meanwhile, she was able to gain information from the citizen in which he stated that he had fallen asleep. While waiting for police arrival, two off-duty firefighters were able to assist and use their trucks as barriers for the vehicles from oncoming traffic.

Once police arrived, Detective Petitt provided them with all of the information she observed. It was later learned that the driver was arrested for DUI.

When most people might have driven by and gone home after a long day, Detective Petitt chose to put herself in harm’s way to ensure that a citizen would get to safety. Due to these actions, I believe that Detective Petitt displayed heroic actions on that day and should be awarded with the Medal of Valor.