A paraprofessional at Conway Elementary School was arrested following an investigation into inappropriate conduct involving students, according to information from the Stafford Sheriff's Office posted on March 20, 2025.
The sheriff reports that the investigation began on March 18 after a student alerted school officials that a male staff member was misbehaving toward a female student. A School Resource Officer immediately began an investigation, and the case was referred to detectives with the Sheriffâs Office Special Victims Unit.
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Fatal Hit-and-Run on Richmond Highway
A 53-year-old man was killed Wednesday night in a hit-and-run crash on Richmond Highway near Easy Street.
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Malicious Wounding Arrest in Manassas
On March 14, authorities arrested Eric Yovany MELARA, 34, in connection to a brutal assault that took place on November 28, 2024, outside Columbus Grill in Manassas. The victim, a 27-year-old man, was repeatedly struck and kicked before the suspects fled. The first suspect, Christopher Osbaldo AGUIRRE-ARGUETA, was previously apprehended in January.
Commercial Burglary at Jersey Mikeâs
On March 12, a burglary occurred at Jersey Mikeâs in Woodbridge around 10:15 PM. The suspect, identified as Tyjaun Cattrell SMITH, 19, entered through an unlocked rear door and stole money from the cash register. He remains at large.
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Fatal Crash Investigation Update
On March 15 at 8:42 PM, Manassas Park Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Manassas Drive. The vehicle rolled over and struck a residence, killing one occupant. The driver was not wearing a seatbelt, but speed was not a factor. Two passengers suffered minor injuries. No one was inside the home at the time. The investigation is ongoing.
Prince William County:
Armed Robbery â Easy St.
On March 16 at 11:13 PM, a 21-year-old woman was robbed at gunpoint by an acquaintance in her residence. The suspect, Alex Daniel Garcia-Garcia, stole her phone before fleeing. No injuries were reported, and police are searching for the suspect.
Strong-Arm Robbery â Cloverdale Park
On March 16 at 5:52 PM, two juvenile victims were confronted by acquaintances near the basketball courts. An altercation ensued, and a phone was stolen. The phone was later recovered. No injuries were reported.
Armed Robbery â Walgreens, Richmond Hwy.
On March 16 at 10:24 PM, a shoplifter at Walgreens threatened an employee by implying he was armed. The suspect, Dwayne Andre Bolden, was later arrested along with his accomplice, Damien Derek Soto, who fled in a vehicle before crashing into a fence.
Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer â Dale Blvd.
On March 15 at 8:57 PM, a DUI suspect involved in a crash fled before officers arrived. He was later found intoxicated and resisted arrest, pushing an officer. He was arrested and charged.
Residential Burglary â Cressida Pl.
On March 16 at 9:16 AM, an unknown man broke into a residence through an unsecured window while two women waited outside. A rear fence was also damaged, but no property was reported stolen.
Stafford County:
DUI Arrests
Cool Springs Road (3/14, 7:58 PM): A driver with ten empty beer containers was charged with DUI.
Candlestick Drive (3/15, 1:45 AM): A driver admitted to drinking Modelo before driving and was arrested for DUI.
Choptank Road (3/15, 3:35 AM): A crash blamed on an animal was likely caused by tequila. The driver was charged with DUI.
Starbucks, Stafford Market Place (3/15, 11:35 AM): A man was found asleep at the wheel with a nearly empty bottle of alcohol. He was charged with DUI (BAC above .2).
Indecent Exposure â Home Depot
On March 15 at 12:18 AM, a man was caught exposing himself in a disturbing incident witnessed by responding officers. He was issued a summons.
Larceny Incidents
Anytime Fitness (3/14, 10:28 AM): A man stole a gym-goerâs car keys.
Walmart (3/14, 12:04 PM): A shopperâs phone was stolen from the chip aisle.
Weis (3/15, 7:05 PM): A repeat offender shoplifted over $150 worth of merchandise.
Public Intoxication & Disorderly Conduct
Walmart, Washington Square Plaza (3/15, 5:38 PM): Two intoxicated individuals caused a disturbance by knocking items off shelves and ramming shopping carts. One also damaged store shelves.
Hampton Inn (3/15, 10:07 PM): An intoxicated man appeared at a callerâs hotel room and was arrested.
Vandalism â James Madison Circle
On March 15 at 9:30 AM, security cameras captured a juvenile donkey-kicking a door frame before fleeing. He was identified and released to his mother.
Felony Warrant Arrest â Wawa
On March 14 at 10:56 PM, a wanted man was spotted and arrested. A controlled substance was found in his possession.
The Haymarket Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in identifying two individuals involved in an illegal dumping incident that occurred on Jordan Lane on February 23, 2025, at 4:58 p.m.
According to Chief of Police Allen Sibert, the suspects were seen driving a black Ford F-150 Platinum 4X4 pickup truck at the time of the incident.
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- [Photo: Alan Gloss]
Snake Stabber Stopped
A pet snake suffered life-threatening injuries after a breaking and entering on Lakeview Drive.
On March 12 at 11 a.m., Stafford deputies responded to a reported burglary in progress. A female suspect was inside the residence armed with scissors and knives. Deputies C.S. Harding and J.L. Jones arrived swiftly and detained Nina Zarin, 21, of Fredericksburg.
During a search, deputies found suspected controlled substances in Zarinâs possession. Further investigation revealed that she unlawfully entered the residence intending to harm a pet snake. While two snakes were unharmed, a four-year-old banana ball python suffered multiple stab wounds, with a knife still lodged in its body.
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Felony Child Neglect & Assault on Law Enforcement
On March 11 at Somerset Pointe Apartments in Gainesville, officers responded to a domestic dispute. Lindsay Jo Halsey, 32, was arrested after leaving three children unsupervised in unsafe conditions. Upon her return, she resisted arrest, assaulting multiple officers and attempting to grab a holstered weapon. She is charged with felony child neglect, assault on law enforcement, and obstruction of justice.
Sexual Assault Investigation
On March 10 at 9:22 PM, police responded to Potomac Mills in Woodbridge, where an unknown man engaged in inappropriate physical contact with an employee. The suspect is described as a Black male with bushy hair, wearing a light-colored sweatshirt, black pants, white Nike shoes, and carrying a grey backpack.
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Teen Arrested for Two Strong-Arm Robberies in Woodbridge
A 17-year-old male has been arrested in connection with two robberies in the 14800 block of Winding Loop in Woodbridge.
- The first incident took place on December 25, 2024, when the suspect allegedly brandished a firearm and stole a jacket from the victim.
- The second robbery occurred on February 18, 2025, when a 14-year-old male was approached, and a struggle ensued before the suspect fled with his jacket.
- Police identified the suspect and charged him with two counts of robbery. His court date is pending.
Robbery at Starlight Café in Woodbridge
On March 10 at 11:03 AM, officers responded to Starlight Café on Build America Drive for a reported robbery.
- A suspect grabbed an employeeâs bag from a table, leading to a brief struggle.
- The suspect pushed the victim and fled. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and the bag was recovered in the parking lot.
Suspect Description:
- Black male, 5â7â â 5â9â, about 30 years old
- Wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and carrying a backpack
Vandalism at Unity Braxton Middle School
On March 7 at 2:00 PM, a School Resource Officer at Unity Braxton Middle School in Manassas discovered derogatory language marked in a hallway bathroom stall.
- The writing did not contain threats toward students or staff.
- The incident is under investigation.
Manassas Man Charged with Assaulting Police Officer
A 27-year-old Alexandria man was arrested after assaulting police officers during an altercation on Prince William Parkway near Marblestone Drive on March 10 at 2:17 PM.
- Officers responded to a brandishing incident when the suspect, Joshua Justin Berry, became combative.
- Berry kicked multiple officers and damaged a police vehicle while being transported.
- He was charged with assault & battery on law enforcement, obstruction of justice, and destruction of property and is being held without bond.
Two Charged in $130,000 Fraud
Police arrested Darien Deventon Smith, 31, and Sheniece Elaine Smith, 32, of Bridgeport, CT, for running a money scam that defrauded a 77-year-old Woodbridge woman out of over $130,000.
- The scammers convinced the victim she had won a large sum of money and a vehicle and pressured her to pay fees to claim the prize.
- Over several months, they coerced her into opening bank accounts and purchasing money orders.
- The suspects were arrested in Bridgeport, CT, on February 28 and charged with obtaining money by false pretenses and conspiracy to commit a felony.
STAFFORD COUNTY INCIDENTS
Authorities Seek âArfnold Schwarzeneggerâ Dog Ornament Thief
The Stafford County Sheriffâs Office is investigating a theft at Winding Creek Elementary School, where a cutout dog ornament nicknamed âArfnold Schwarzeneggerâ was stolen on March 8 at 5:46 AM.
- Surveillance footage captured a light-colored, mid-2000s Chevy Colorado at the school.
- The suspect concealed his license plates before stealing the wooden dog and fleeing.
- This is the second time a similar ornament has been stolen from the school.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy J.M. Smihal at 540-658-4400.
Deputy Attacked at Mary Washington Hospital
A Stafford County deputy sustained minor injuries after being attacked in the lobby of Mary Washington Hospital on March 10 at 12:13 PM.
- While assisting a person seeking mental health resources, the deputy was confronted by a known individual from prior incidents.
- Jackson assaulted the deputy, prompting hospital security and staff to intervene.
- The deputy activated his emergency radio button, bringing in Fredericksburg Police, Spotsylvania Sheriffâs Office, and Stafford Sheriffâs Office for assistance.
- Darrell Jackson, 39, of Fredericksburg is charged with assault and battery on law enforcement, disorderly conduct, and obstruction of justice and is being held without bond.
DUI Arrests in Stafford County
Teen Driver Crashes After Drinking Vodka
- Mountain View Road, March 9, 12:04 PM
- A juvenile driver admitted to drinking vodka before crashing a Ford F-150 into a telephone pole, trees, and a fence.
- The driver suffered minor injuries, and DUI-related charges are pending.
Reckless Driver Charged with DUI
- Caisson Road, March 9, 3:45 AM
- A driver in a speeding Chevy swerving on Kings Highway was pulled over.
- The suspect had a suspended license and signs of intoxication.
- Charged with DUI and driving while suspended; held on a $1,000 secured bond.
Theft and Fraud Incidents
Suspect Steals Oil Change at Walmart, Tells Deputy to âGo Get Your Warrantsâ
- Walmart, 217 Garrisonville Road, March 10, 4:23 PM
- A suspect left without paying for an oil change, promising he âmaybeâ would pay later.
- When confronted, he told Deputy S.M. Kotter to âgo get your warrants then.â
- Deputy Kotter did exactly that, serving the suspect with a defrauding warrant.
Juvenile Caught Stealing Stylish Jacket at Target
- Target, 25 South Gateway Drive, March 9, 7:18 PM
- A juvenile suspect attempted to leave the store wearing an unpaid-for jacket.
- A juvenile shoplifting summons was submitted.
Teens Steal Vapes from Valero Fast Mart
- Valero Fast Mart, 2142 Richmond Highway, March 10, 10:57 AM
- Two juvenile females were caught stealing vapes.
- They were charged with shoplifting and underage possession of tobacco.
Public Intoxication Incident
- Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center, 1600 Mine Road, March 9, 11:53 AM
- A heavily intoxicated man insisted on taking a breathalyzer to prove his sobrietyâbut blew three times over the legal limit.
- Charged with public intoxication; held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to contact:
- Prince William County Police: 703-792-7000
- Stafford County Sheriffâs Office: 540-658-4450
Stafford County Incidents
Mass Overdose Scene
Edison Lane, Stafford (March 9, 12:16 a.m.) â First responders arrived at a home for a reported overdose and found an unresponsive man. While treating him, four additional people overdosed and required immediate care. All five were transported to the hospital and are expected to recover. A partygoer allegedly brought a controlled substance, which some guests consumed. Anne Pates, 36, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and is being held without bond. The investigation is ongoing.
