Updated 10:50 a.m. Thursday, August 8 — From Prince William police:

Death Investigation – On August 7 at 9:56PM, officers responded to a residence located in the 1900 block of Fort Monroe Cr in Dumfries (22026) to investigate a death. When officers arrived at the home, two individuals, a 33-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman, were located inside the residence suffering from gunshot wounds. Both parties were known to one another and pronounced dead on scene. At this time, the incident appears isolated to the residence and there is no active threat to the community. The identities of the deceased will be released pending next-of-kin notification. More information will be released when available. Anyone who may have information that can aid in the investigation is asked to contact the police. The investigation continues.

Original post 11:58 p.m. — A shooting occurred in the 1900 block of Fort Monroe Court in Dumfries, resulting in the deaths of two people in Williamstown. Police were called to the scene at 9:56 p.m. Upon arrival, authorities pronounced the victims dead.

Initial reports indicate the incident involved a man and a woman. Police have confirmed there is no threat to the public. Area residents should expect a continued police presence while the investigation is ongoing.

We’ll update this story as soon as we have new information.

INCIDENT: #Shooting | #Dumfries; Officers are investigating a shooting in the 1900 block of Fort Monroe Ct. in Dumfries. There is no threat to the public. Area residents can expect continued police presence while the investigation continues. pic.twitter.com/D7LauYBML4

— Prince William County Police Department (@PWCPolice) August 8, 2024

Prince William County

Death Investigation – On August 3 at 2:11PM, officers responded to the 17100 block of Wayside Dr. in Dumfries (22026) to investigate a death. The investigation revealed a Good Samaritan located a body inside of a vehicle parked near the above location. The body was in a decomposed state and transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy to confirm the identity and determine the cause of death. At this time, there is no threat to the community concerning the death. More information will be released as necessary. The investigation continues.

Strangulation (Domestic Related) – On August 3 at 1:28AM, officers responded to the Dale Forest Apartments located in the 14300 block of Westminister Ln. in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a domestic dispute. The investigation revealed the victim, a 24-year old man, and a family member, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the accused grabbed the victim’s neck before the parties separated and the victim left the residence. Minor injuries were reported. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused,
identified as Carl Nathaniel GRAVETTE Jr. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful. Wanted: [No Photo Available]
Carl Nathaniel GRAVETTE Jr., 28, of the 14300 block of Westminister Ln. in Woodbridge Described as a black male, approximately 195, 5’11”, with black hair and brown eyes Wanted for strangulation

Reckless Handling of a Firearm – On August 3 at 3:08PM, officers responded to the Sheetz located at 3300 Noble Pond Way in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed shots were fired in the parking lot before a man walked away from two vehicles, a black Audi Q3 and silver Chevrolet Impala, which also quickly left the area. No injuries or property damage were reported. Shell casings and a bullet were located in the parking lot near where the vehicles were parked.

Reckless Handling of a Firearm – On August 2 at 7:40AM, officers responded to the 1500 block of Cherry Hill Rd. in Dumfries (22026) to investigate found property. The investigation revealed the caller located several shell casings in the parking lot of the above area. No reports of gunfire were made prior to officers responding to the area. No injuries or property damage were reported.

Indecent Exposure – On August 3 at 11:35PM, officers on a concert detail at Jiffy Lube Live located at 7800 Cellar Door Dr. in Bristow (20136) were alerted to an indecent exposure incident. The investigation revealed earlier that evening, a 56-year-old woman and a 52-year-old man were in their seats when an unknown man exposed himself and began urinating on the seats. Neither victim had contact with the suspect before leaving the area.

Suspect Description:

A white male, in his 60’s, approximately 6’0”, 275lbs., with large belly, and grey hair Last seen wearing a grey shirt and grey pants
Vandalism – On August 2 at 10:34AM, officers responded to Veterans Park located at 14300 Veterans Dr. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a vandalism. The investigation revealed vulgar language and pictures were spray painted on a pole in the park. The drawings did not appear to contain any threat. No additional markings in the area have been reported.

Armed Robbery – On August 2 at 10:02AM, officers responded to WalMart located at 8386 Sudley Rd. in Manassas (20109) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed an employee observed an unknown man, later identified as the accused, behind the store with suspected unpaid items. When other employees attempted to confront the accused, he brandished a knife before taking a scooter and leaving the area. No injuries were reported. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Neill McKay ROSS III, who was located and arrested on August 3.

Arrested on August 3:
Neill McKay ROSS III, 41, of 8106 Pointer Ln. in Manassas
Charged with 2 counts of robbery
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable

Felony Child Neglect – On August 3 at 11:24AM, officers responded to Richmond Hwy. near Georgetown Rd. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a found child. The investigation revealed the victim, a 6-year-old boy, left his nearby home after being left unattended for an extended period by his mother, identified as the accused. Officers responded to the above area when a Good Samaritan located the victim running across Richmond Hwy. While investigating the incident, the accused contacted the police to report the victim missing. The child did not appear to be injured and was released to the custody of known parties. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Jemima ADUM-ATTA, was arrested.

Arrested on August 3:
Jemima ADUM-ATTA, 35, of the 2800 block of Woodmark Dr. in Woodbridge
Charged with felony child neglect
Court Date: Pending | Bond: $1,500 Unsecured

Assault & Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer [LEO] – On August 3 at 5:01PM, officers were in the 7300 block of Sudley Rd. in Manassas (20109) when they observed a trespasser behind a local business. Upon making contact with the individual, later identified as the accused, officers determined she was intoxicated and attempted to detain her. The accused actively resisted and scratched an officer before being detained. Officers also determined the accused was in possession of suspected illegal drugs. While in custody, the accused made multiple verbal threats and spat on an officer. Minor injuries were reported by the officer. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Adia Lynn SHANAHAN, was arrested.

Arrested on August 5:
Adia Lynn SHANAHAN, 22, of no fixed address
Charged with 2 counts of assault & battery on LEO, 4 counts of obstruction of justice, 1 count of possession of schedule I/II drugs, 1 count of trespassing, and 1 count of intoxicated in public Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

Indecent Exposure – On August 1 at 12:48PM, officers responded to the 13300 block of Worth Ave. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate an indecent exposure. The investigation revealed the victim, a 35-year-old woman, observed an unknown man, later identified as the accused, unclothed in the above area. While investigating the incident, officers determined the accused exposed himself earlier in the day to another woman while in the same area. At no point during either incident was any physical contact made between the accused and the victims. Following the investigations, the accused, identified as Orlando Jacob BARRETT, was arrested.

Arrested on August 1:
Orlando Jacob BARRETT, 36, of no fixed address
Charged with 2 counts of indecent exposure
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable

Residential Burglary – On August 4 at 11:06AM, officers responded to a residence located in the 5800 block of Artemus Rd. in Gainesville (20155) to investigate a burglary in progress. While officers were investigating the incident, information was received that an individual, later identified as the accused, was outside a nearby residence. Officers made contact with the accused and determined he was involved in the initial burglary and detained him without incident. The investigation revealed forced entry was made into the home. No property was reported missing. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Morgan Reese RICCIARDI, was arrested.

Arrested on August 4:
Morgan Reese RICCIARDI, 27, of 3662 Dunigan Ct. in Catharpin
Charged with burglary
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

Prince William County

Attempted Malicious Wounding (Domestic Related) – On August 2 at 1:04AM, officers responded to the Woodbridge Station Apartments located in the 1500 block of Constellation Pl. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a domestic dispute. The investigation revealed a man, later identified as the accused, forced entry into the apartment of an acquaintance where he then brandished a knife toward a 43-year-old male occupant of the apartment. The accused broke the man’s phone before leaving the apartment. Officers and a police K-9 searched the area for the accused who was not located. No injuries were reported. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Eduin Misael FLORES GUTIERREZ. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful.

Wanted: [No Photo Available]
Eduin Misael FLORES GUTIERREZ, 45, of no fixed address
Described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5’10”, 150lbs., with black hair
Wanted for malicious wounding and destruction of property

Strong-Arm Robbery – On August 2 at 12:02AM, officers responded to the area of Forestdale Ave. near Fairview Ln. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 36-year old man, was riding his scooter in the above area when he was approached by an unknown man. During the encounter, the suspect grabbed the victim off the scooter causing both parties to fall to the ground. The suspect then struck the victim before leaving the area with the victim’s wallet and scooter. Minor injuries were reported. The suspect was described as a white male wearing dark-colored clothing.

Strong-Arm Robbery – On August 1 at 5:03PM, officers responded to investigate a robbery that was reported to have occurred in the 14100 block of Potomac Mills Rd. in Woodbridge (22191) on the evening of July 29. The investigation revealed the victim, 26-year-old man, was in the above area when he was approached by an unknown man. During the encounter, the suspect struck the victim who fell to the ground and temporarily lost consciousness. Upon waking, the victim’s Polaroid P1 speaker was missing. The victim went to an area hospital later for treatment where police were contacted. The suspect was described as a black male, about 5’9” with a skinny/muscular build and short black hair.

Burglary of a School – On August 2 at 4:45AM, officers responded to investigate a burglary that was reported to have occurred at Ann Ludwig Elementary School located at 14575 Potomac Branch Dr. in Woodbridge (22191) sometime between 3:30AM on August 1 and 4:38AM on August 2. The investigation revealed forced entry was made into the school through a door that was found damaged. No property was
reported missing.

Burglary of a School – On July 31 at 10:46AM, officers responded to investigate a burglary that was reported to have occurred at Woodbridge High School located at 3001 Old Bridge Rd. in Woodbridge (22192) on July 16 at approximately 8:50PM. Video surveillance revealed three individuals, possibly juveniles, were seen inside the school. Initial entry was made into the building through an unsecured window. The parties dispersed leaving the property, two in a dark-colored sedan. No property was reported missing.

Attempted Residential Burglary – On August 2 at 11:06AM, officers responded to a residence located in the 7600 block of Michelle Ct. in Manassas (20109) to investigate an attempted burglary. The investigation revealed the occupants of the residence heard a loud noise and found the rear sliding glass door damaged. Outside the residence, an unknown man was seen leaving the area on a bicycle. No entry was made into the home and no property was reported missing.

Suspect Description:
A black male, approximately 6’2”, between 190-200lbs., bald, with facial hair
Last seen wearing a white tank top, blue jeans, carrying a black/white Adidas backpack -more-
Public Information Office • 5036 Davis Ford Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192 • 703-792-5123 | pwcva.gov/police Prince William County Police Department is a Nationally Accredited Law Enforcement Agency

Arrests

Attempted Malicious Wounding – On August 1 at 10:05PM, officers responded to the 7300 block of Sudley Rd. in Manassas (20109) to investigate an attempted assault. The investigation revealed the victim, a 35-year-old man, and two other parties, one identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation in a parking lot in the above area. During the encounter, the accused got into a vehicle and drove towards the victim before leaving the area. The victim was not struck by the vehicle and contacted the police. Officers located the accused nearby where she was detained without incident. No injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Tamara Deshana SMITH, was arrested.

Arrested on August 1:
Tamara Deshana SMITH, 45, of 7249 New Market Ct. in Manassas
Charged with attempted malicious wounding
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

Spotsylvania County

Early this morning, deputies responded to an attempted robbery at a 7-Eleven store on Plank Road. An unknown male suspect assaulted the store clerk but left without stealing anything after the clerk fought back. The clerk provided a detailed description, and K9 teams from the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office and Fredericksburg Police Department tracked the suspect, Kenneth Wayne Auston, to a location behind Advance Auto Parts on Salem Church Road. Auston, 48, was arrested for attempted robbery, public intoxication, assault on the clerk, obstruction of justice, and assault on law enforcement. He was also wanted for a felony probation violation. During the arrest, Auston assaulted deputies. The clerk sustained minor injuries and was treated on-site. Auston is being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Deputies responded to an attempted robbery at the 7-11 in the 4200 block of Plank Road just after 3am this morning after the store clerk reported that an unknown male suspect went behind the counter and assaulted her.  The clerk fought back causing the suspect to leave without obtaining anything.  The clerk was able to provide a detailed description of the suspect and K9 teams from the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office and Fredericksburg Police Department starting tracking the suspect through the shopping center and area businesses off Salem Church Road and were able to locate the suspect hiding behind Advance Auto Parts in the 2300 block of Salem Church Road.  Kenneth Wayne Auston, 48 years of age from Fredericksburg was arrested for Attempted robbery by force, public intoxication, assault and battery on the 7-11 clerk, obstruction of justice and assault and battery on law enforcement.  Mr. Auston was also wanted by Fredericksburg Police Department for Felony probation violation.  During the arrest, Mr. Auston assaulted deputies.  The clerk suffered minor injuries during the robbery attempt and was treated at the scene.  Mr. Auston was incarcerated under no bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.    

Stafford County

Ford T. Humphrey Public Safety Building, 8/1, 1:11 p.m. Employer at a Stafford County Business came to the Sheriff’s Office lobby to report an employee falsifying hours worked on a timesheet. The case is under investigation.

FOUND PROPERTY
Lakewood Apartments, 8/1, 4:21 p.m. Staff at the apartment complex found a suspected controlled substance wrapped in a Powerball lottery ticket. The ticket was not a winner.
Rowser Building 1739 Richmond Highway, 8/1, 6:06 a.m. Deputies recovered an unoccupied stolen car in the parking lot. The Honda sedan was determined to be stolen from Fairfax. A prime suspect is already incarcerated at the nearby Rappahannock Regional Jail.

FRAUD
Barclay Lane, 8/1, 10:17 p.m. Resident reported she used Paypal to purchase a vehicle through Facebook. The seller account was found to be fictitious.

Richards Ferry Road, 8/1, 12:05 p.m. Resident reported a gift card was used without her permission.

Le Way Drive, 8/1, 11:20 a.m. A business in Florida had their account hacked and the offender used the account to purchase two vehicles from the Auto Auction.

Holly Corner Road, 8/1, 10:06 a.m. Resident reported she attempted to purchase a golf cart through Facebook Marketplace. After a deposit of $500, the account was determined to be fraudulent.

LARCENY
Goose Pond Road, 8/1, 5:30 p.m. Resident reported an ex-boyfriend transferred money out of her bank account.

VANDALISM
Cynthia’s Place, 8/1, 11:12 a.m. Resident reported her car window was shattered overnight.

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

Prince William County Deputy Chief Jarad Phelps has retired after over 28 years of service. Phelps has been appointed as the Chief of Police for the Jacksonville Police Department in North Carolina.

“Jarad has served the Prince William County community with the utmost distinction for nearly three decades,” said Prince William County Police Chief Peter Newsham. “I sincerely congratulate him on his second chapter and future success, and I know he will serve the community of Jacksonville with the same compassion and professionalism he has shown here.”

Phelps began his career with the Prince William County Police Department in 1996 as a patrol officer in the Operations Division. Over his career, he held various positions, including lieutenant and captain. As captain, he served as an evening shift commander, the Special Operations Bureau commander, and the Criminal Justice Academy Director. In 2017, he was promoted to major and later to deputy chief in 2019. He briefly served as acting chief in 2020 during a period marked by civil unrest and the coronavirus pandemic.

Phelps was in command when the department declared its first riot in 50 years. On May 30, 2020, a peaceful protest in response to the death of George Floyd turned violent. Protestors threw objects at drivers and police, leading to a riot in which several people were injured and businesses damaged.

Multiple police agencies responded, resulting in five arrests and injuries to four Prince William police officers. One officer required hospital treatment for a significant head injury. Phelps addressed county officials the following day, facing criticism from Democrats on the Board of County Supervisors for the use of tear gas to control the riot.

Phelps holds a master’s degree from George Mason University and an undergraduate degree from James Madison University. He has attended the FBI National Academy and other leadership and senior management schools.

Deputy Chief Jarad Phelps’ retirement is effective August 1, 2024.

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.

Updated 1 p.m. — Police have arrested the suspect they said jumped into a man’s car while he was standing outside, stole it, and then ran him over, killing him.

Press release:

Felony Murder| Felony Hit & Run *ARREST – On July 26, investigators were notified that the accused sought in connection to the fatal hit & run crash that occurred 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, was arrested by Virginia Beach City police. The investigation revealed the accused was attempting to steal the victim’s vehicle when the victim was struck causing fatal injuries. At this time, there is no known connection between the victim and the accused. No other suspects are being sought in the investigation.

Arrested on July 26: [No photo available]

Keith Anthony MCBRIDE, 41, of the 7600 block of Helmsdale Pl in Manassas

Charged with felony murder, felony hit & run, and grand larceny auto

Court Date: Pending | Status: In-Custody

In a recent episode of Potomac Local Live, I talked with Prince William County Supervisor Yesli Vega about various pressing issues affecting the county. Our conversation focused on crime trends, community safety initiatives, and policy responses to local challenges such as panhandling.

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you.

Prince William County

In March 2024, detectives launched an investigation into multiple sexual assaults in Woodbridge, Prince William County, involving a female victim under 18 and her acquaintance, Keith Richard Wilson, who allegedly assaulted her on several occasions, including in a commuter parking lot. Wilson, who had a supervisory role over the victim in the Civil Air Patrol, was charged with two counts of indecent liberties and turned himself in on July 22; his court date is pending, and he was released on a $25,000 unsecured bond.

Sexual Assault Investigation – On April 5 at 2:51PM, detectives began an investigation into sexual assaults that were reported to have occurred in the Woodbridge area of Prince Wiliam County in March 2024. The investigation revealed the female victim, who was under the age of 18 at the time of the offenses, was sexually assaulted by an acquaintance, identified as the accused, on more than one occasion. One incident occurred in a vehicle at the Occoquan Commuter Lot located near Gordon Blvd. and Old Bridge Rd., while a separate incident occurred in a parking lot located in the 5100 block of Dale Blvd. The victim later reported the incidents to a family member who contacted the police. The victim and accused were both members of the Civil Air Patrol at the time of the offenses where the accused had a supervisory role over the victim. Following the investigation, detectives obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Keith Richard WILSON, who turned himself in to police on July 22.

Arrested on July 22:
Keith Richard WILSON, 48, of 2919 Madeira Ct. in Woodbridge
Charged with 2 counts of indecent liberties by a person in a supervisory relationship Court Date: Pending | Bond: $25,000 Unsecured

On July 22, police were called to the Longview Condominiums in Woodbridge after a Good Samaritan found a 6-year-old girl unsupervised and poorly clothed. Following the investigation, the mother, Lidia Violeta Perez, returned home and was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor; she has been released on a court summons with a pending court date.

Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor – On July 22 at 5:42AM, officers responded to the Longview Condominium complex located in the 13600 block of Lynn St. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a found child. The investigation revealed a Good Samaritan located the victim, a 6-year-old girl, outside unsupervised wearing insufficient clothing. While investigating the incident, the mother of the child, identified as the accused, returned home. The child was unharmed and turned over to known parties. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Lidia Violeta PEREZ, was charged.

Charged on July 22: [No Photo Available]
Lidia Violeta PEREZ, 30, of the 13600 block of Lynn St. in Woodbridge
Charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor
Court Date: Pending | Status: Released on a Court Summons