The Prince William County Police Department has announced the Fourth Annual Community Fair. The event will occur on Saturday, September 7, from noon to 4 p.m. at Sean Connaughton Plaza, located at the McCoart Government Complex, 1 County Complex Court, Woodbridge.

The fair aims to celebrate diversity and embrace unity within the community. Various public safety departments and agencies will participate, including the police, animal services, fire and rescue, the sheriff’s office, and the Department of Public Safety Communications.

Attendees can expect fun displays and activities, live music, food trucks, and more. The event engages the community with local public safety services and provides an enjoyable experience for all ages.

The announcement highlights the importance of community involvement and the role of public safety in fostering a connected and informed community. Residents are encouraged to contact the Prince William County Police Department for more information.

Spotsylvania County

Early this morning, deputies responded to a shooting in the 11200 block of Ashby Drive, about four miles from Riverbend High School, finding a man and woman with multiple gunshot wounds. The suspect shot the victims during an argument outside their home, ran over the female victim with his vehicle, and later turned himself in, police said. Both victims are in stable condition at a trauma center.

Deputies responded to a reported shooting this morning shortly after 1:00am in the 11200 block of Ashby Drive. Deputies arrived to find an adult male and female suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victims were transported to an area trauma center with serious injuries, but are listed in stable condition. Witnesses advised that an acquaintance arrived at the home where several people were and was asked to leave. The subject refused to leave and an argument ensued outside the home in the front yard where he brandished a gun and shot the two adult victims multiple times. The suspect then left the property and while doing so, ran over the female victim with his vehicle. The suspect later turned himself into authorities. Joseph Alfonza Jackson, age 43 of Spotsylvania was arrested by Detectives for malicious wounding (3 counts). Jackson was incarcerated at the Rappahannock Regional Jail under no bond.

Prince William County

A 37-year-old man struck by a hit-and-run driver in the Oasis at Montclair Apartment complex parking lot on July 20 has died from his injuries. Investigators located the stolen vehicle involved in the incident. They obtained surveillance images of a man believed to be connected, actively seeking public assistance to identify the suspect as the investigation continues.

Fatal Hit & Run Crash Investigation *SUSPECT SOUGHT – On July 22, crash investigators were notified that the 37-year-old man struck by a hit & run driver 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, had died. The victim remained hospitalized until succumbing to his injuries sustained after being struck by a suspect who stole his 1999 gold Lexus RX 300. On the morning of July 23, officers were on an unrelated call when they located the vehicle sought in connection to the incident on Ashdale Cl. In Woodbridge. Additionally, investigators obtained surveillance images of a man believed to be involved in the incident which were obtained in the area of the incident on Stedman Cl. Investigators with the Violent Crimes Unit are actively investigating the incident to determine what led up to the encounter and are seeking to speak with anyone who can identify the suspect or otherwise aid in the investigation. More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.

Police arrested a woman, they said, in a July 23 assault case involving an acidic substance that occurred on June 26 at a home on Bellona Road in Woodbridge. Corum-Hill has been charged with assault and battery with a caustic substance and is being held without bond, with a court date pending.

Assault with a Caustic Substance *ARREST – On July 23, the suspect, identified as Tahjaia CORUM-HILL, who was sought in connection to the assault with a caustic substance that was reported to have occurred at a residence located in the 14300 block of Bellona Rd. in
Woodbridge (22191) on June 26, was arrested.

Arrested on July 23:
Tahjaia CORUM-HILL, 24, of the 4400 block of Kenwood Dr. in Woodbridge
Charged with assault & battery with a caustic substance
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

Fredericksburg

At 12:06 a.m. on July 23, Fredericksburg Police and EMS responded to a report of a teenager with a gunshot wound. A 16-year-old resident claimed to have been shot in the leg, but EMS found no visible wounds. Detectives determined four bullets had been fired into the residence in the 1000 block of Rampasture Drive, but no one was injured.

Further investigation revealed the juvenile had a firearm and marijuana. After being medically cleared, the juvenile was charged with felony possession of a firearm while in possession of narcotics and unlawful possession of marijuana while under the age of 18. The investigation is ongoing.

On July 23, 2024, at 12:06 a.m., our E-911 Center received a report of a shooting with an injury in the 1000 block of Rampasture Drive. Police and EMS responded to find a juvenile resident claiming to have been shot in the leg.

The juvenile stated they heard gunshots outside their home. As officers and EMS arrived on scene, they found the juvenile on the floor of a bedroom, claiming injury. An initial examination showed no visible gunshot wounds. The juvenile was taken to a nearby hospital, and was medically cleared.

Further investigation revealed that four rounds had been fired into the home, but fortunately, no one was injured. As detectives continued their investigation, it was determined that the juvenile was in possession of a firearm and marijuana. Upon receiving medical clearance, officers obtained petitions and transported the juvenile to the detention center.

The juvenile, 16, of Fredericksburg, was charged with felony possession of a firearm while in possession of narcotics and unlawful possession of marijuana while under the age of 18.

This investigation is still ongoing. If you have additional information, please contact the police at 540-373-3122. To make an anonymous tip, send a text to “847-411” and text “FPDtip” followed by your tip.

Stafford County

A wanted Stafford man was arrested on July 22 during a traffic stop on Northbound I-95. The suspect, who was wanted for failure to comply with a pretrial condition, was found in possession of controlled substances, THC products, a large amount of cash, a loaded firearm, and additional ammunition.=

On July 22nd at approximately 7:58 p.m. First Sergeant A.I. Assur was able to locate a wanted suspect behind the wheel of a black Ford Explorer as he entered onto Northbound I-95. The suspect was identified as Jeremy Flores, 20, who was wanted out of Stafford County for failure to comply with a pretrial condition.

First Sergeant Assur provided live updates on the vehicle’s travel as deputies staged near mile marker 140. As soon as the vehicle was in the area, deputies activated their emergency equipment and conducted a high-risk stop. The driver was confirmed to be Flores and he was placed into handcuffs without incident.

During an inventory search of the vehicle, numerous items of interest were located, including suspected controlled substances, THC products, a large amount of cash, a loaded firearm, and additional ammunition. Using TruNarc, a drug identification device, the controlled substance was identified as cocaine.

Flores was charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm while in possession of controlled substances, as well as, served on his outstanding warrant. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Updated 3:50 p.m. — Here are the latest police reports from around the area.

Montclair
A 37-year-old man has died after he was struck in a hit-and-run at the Oasis at Montclair Apartment complex in Dumfries on July 20, when an unknown suspect stole his gold Lexus SUV, ran him over and fled the scene—photos in the slideshow above.

Felony Hit & Run – On July 20 at 6:53PM, officers responded to the Oasis at Montclair Apartment complex located in the 16400 block of Stedham Cl. in Dumfries (22025) to investigate a hit and run crash. The investigation revealed the victim, a 37-year-old man, was approached by an unknown individual while he was outside of his vehicle. At one point during the encounter, the suspect got into the victim’s vehicle, a gold Lexus SUV, and began to drive in reverse. The victim grabbed onto the vehicle before the SUV struck a separate unoccupied vehicle before moving forward. As the SUV continued forward, the victim was thrown off and subsequently run over. The suspect drove the stolen SUV out of the area prior to police arriving on the scene. The victim was treated at an area hospital for life-threatening injuries. The investigation continues as detectives attempt to identify and locate the suspect.

Identified:
The deceased pedestrian was identified as Jose VASQUEZ GALVAN, 37, of Dumfries

Vehicle Description:
A 1999 Gold Lexus RX 300 with Virginia license plate: TUW8710
With damage to the rear left bumper area, taillight assembly, and possibly the rear left rim, and two ‘Baby on board’ stickers on the rear of the vehicle

Stafford

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred early Sunday morning on Warrenton Road—photos in the slideshow above.

On July 21st at approximately 12:13 a.m. Deputy C.A. Osborne responded to the area of Warrenton Road and Village Parkway for a shooting. The victim advised his vehicle was shot while traveling home. Luckily, the victim was not injured.

Deputies discovered the victim was traveling on Warrenton Road in the area of Plantation Drive and Village Parkway when he noticed a motorcyclist. The victim would merge into the left lane causing the motorcyclist to swerve onto the shoulder. When the victim and motorcyclist stopped at a red light, the motorcyclist would get off his bike and approach the victim. Before words were exchanged, the traffic light turned green and the victim drove off. That is when he heard two “pops.” When the victim arrived home, he would discover his vehicle had two bullet holes in it.

Detectives were notified of the shooting and began their investigation. The motorcyclist was described as wearing a black and white motorcycle jacket with a white helmet. The bike was described as a sports bike. If anyone has any information, please contact Detective K.A. Lawrence at 540-658-4450.

Woodbridge

On July 21 at 5:35 AM in Woodbridge, a black Honda Civic fired shots at a vehicle driven by a 19-year-old man and woman, who sustained minor injuries from shattered glass as they tried to escape, eventually stopping at a local business while the suspect vehicle fled.

Shooting Investigation – On July 21 at 5:35AM, officers responded to the area of Smoketown Rd. and Purdham Dr. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed the victims, a 19-year-old man and woman, were driving in the above area when an occupant in a black Honda Civic fired at their vehicle. When the victim attempted to drive away, the Civic followed and fired additional rounds as the vehicles traveled along Old Bridge Rd. near Smoketown Rd. Eventually, the victims stopped at a local business while the suspect vehicle continued driving away. The victims reported minor injuries from shattered glass. No additional injuries or property damage were reported.

Detectives are searching for a 2017 blue Hyundai Elantra with Virginia license plate TVT-8777 involved in the July 18 homicide of an 18-year-old woman near Manassas. The vehicle was last seen leaving the crime scene, maybe in the Leesburg/Loudoun County area, and anyone with information was urged to contact Prince William County police.

From Prince William police:

Homicide Investigation *SUSPECT VEHICLE SOUGHT – Detectives are seeking the vehicle involved in the homicide that occurred in the area of Pineview Rd and Cregger Ln in Manassas (20111) on July 18. The vehicle was seen leaving the area shortly after the shooting that killed an 18-year-old woman. The vehicle is described as a 2017 blue Hyundai Elantra, sports edition with Virginia license plate TVT-8777. The vehicle is possibly in the Leesburg/Loudoun County area. Detectives are still actively investigating the incident to determine what led up to the shooting and are seeking to speak with anyone who can aid in the investigation. More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.

Identified:

The deceased was identified as Ashlin Yamileth PAZ, 18, of no fixed address.

The Crime Prevention Unit of the Prince William County Police Department is set to host a virtual Community Watch presentation on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 6 p.m. This informative session, which will last approximately one hour, aims to equip residents with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance community safety.

To participate in the virtual meeting, interested individuals must register by visiting this link and entering the session password “safe.” The Crime Prevention Unit can be reached at (703) 792-7270 for further inquiries.

Topics Covered

The upcoming training session will focus on three critical areas:

1. Situational Awareness: Enhancing the ability to identify and avoid potential dangers.
2. Crime Reporting: Instruction on effectively reporting incidents to the police to contribute to a safer community.
3. Home Security: Practical strategies to improve home safety and reduce crime risk.

Community Watch in Prince William County

Prince William County boasts over 400 recognized Community Watch groups, each playing a vital role in maintaining neighborhood safety. These groups vary in participation levels but collectively contribute to a safer environment for all residents.

How to Form a Watch Group

Residents interested in forming or joining a Community Watch group are encouraged to attend one of the monthly training sessions. These meetings, alternating between in-person and virtual formats, provide essential education on situational awareness, crime reporting, and home security. Detailed information about these sessions can be found on the police department’s website and social media platforms.

The Importance of Community Watch

The Community Watch program has been a cornerstone of public safety in Prince William County since the 1970s. Recognizing the challenges of modern life, the program is evolving to serve the community’s needs better. The police department is transitioning from the traditional “Neighborhood Watch” to the more inclusive “Community Watch.” This rebranding emphasizes collective responsibility and aims to foster greater community engagement.

One significant change in the program is the shift from relying on a single group coordinator to a more direct communication model. Information will be sent directly to each Community Watch member, ensuring timely updates and improved coordination. This structural change and the new “Community Watch” branding reflect a commitment to inclusivity and collective effort in crime prevention.

Police found the body of an 18-year-old girl lying in a street near Manassas on Thursday, July 18, 2024.

They believe she was shot on the scene and left for dead.

More from Prince William police:

Homicide Investigation – On July 18 at 8:23PM, officers responded to the area of Pineview Rd and Cregger Ln in Manassas (20111) to investigate a shooting. Officers arrived on the scene and located an 18-year-old woman in a nearby wooded area suffering from gunshot wounds to the upper body. The woman was pronounced dead on the scene. No other injuries or property damage were reported, and no suspects have been located at this time. Detectives are actively investigating the incident to determine what led up to the shooting and are seeking to speak with anyone who can aid in the investigation. Preliminarily, the incident does not appear to be random. More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.

Identified:

The deceased was identified as Ashlin Yamileth PAZ, 18, of no fixed address.

Prince William County

A fifth suspect is charged in a shooting that occurred outside Manassas Mall on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

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Prince William County residents voiced their concerns about drug use and community safety during a recent town hall with Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D). The event included Police Chief Peter Newsham of the Prince William County Police Department and Police Chief Chris Settle of the Culpeper Police Department.

Victoria, a resident of Prince William County, expressed her concerns about drug use in her neighborhood. “We have random people using fentanyl and walking around disoriented,” she said. “We have a lot of kids in the area, and I am afraid for their safety.”

Chief Newsham responded by urging residents to report suspicious activity. “If you have a problem home in the neighborhood, particularly if it is drug-related, you can contact the Prince William County Police Department,” he said. “Our Special Investigations Bureau will look into the property and the landlord’s responsibility.”

Congresswoman Spanberger highlighted federal efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking. “We have passed legislation like the Summer Barrow Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Act to support law enforcement and address behavioral health issues,” she said. “Stopping the shipment of fentanyl into our communities is crucial.”

Data Breaches and Identity Theft

Mike asked about data breaches and identity theft. Congresswoman Spanberger emphasized the federal perspective. “The FBI has central authority over these issues. If anyone faces issues like ransomware attacks, it is important to report them,” she said. “We are working to set standards for how data is protected.”

Chief Newsham noted the increase in scam attacks. “We warn folks to be careful. If anyone asks for money or claims to be a public utility, be very cautious,” he said. “Report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.”

Gun Violence

Don inquired about gun violence. Chief Newsham explained the efforts in Prince William County. “Our criminal investigations division does an excellent job of holding people accountable,” he said. “We also have a community safety initiative to address the root causes of gun violence.”

Congresswoman Spanberger mentioned the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. “It includes funding for localities to apply for federal grants for community-driven violence intervention programs,” she said. “These programs have demonstrated a reduced homicide rate where implemented.”

Domestic Violence

Gigi from Culpeper raised concerns about domestic violence. Chief Settle described the local response. “Domestic violence calls are among our most dangerous. We train officers on domestic violence laws and provide support to victims,” he said. “We work closely with organizations like Safe Services to provide advocacy and support.”

Congresswoman Spanberger discussed legislative efforts. “The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act narrowed the ‘boyfriend loophole,’ recognizing that domestic violence can occur in dating relationships,” she said. “This is an important step forward.”

Aggressive Driving

Maryanne asked about addressing aggressive driving. Chief Newsham described enforcement efforts. “We have increased enforcement and implemented a pilot program for automated traffic enforcement in school zones and at red lights,” he said. “This helps slow people down and reduce traffic fatalities.”

Private Security Firms

Reggie inquired about partnerships with private security firms. Chief Settle explained the collaboration: “We work closely with reputable private security companies, providing them with communication tools to coordinate with law enforcement. This partnership helps enhance community safety.”

Officer Wellness Programs

Tracy asked about officer wellness programs. Chief Newsham emphasized the importance of mental and physical health. “We have a resiliency center with clinicians available to officers and their families. “Our early intervention system helps identify and support officers experiencing trauma.”

Chief Settle described their peer support program. “Our officers are mandated to have mental health wellness checks,” he said. “This helps remove the stigma of mental health and ensures they receive the support they need.”

Infrastructure and Emergency Services

Tiffany expressed concerns about the lack of communication infrastructure in rural areas. Congresswoman Spanberger highlighted efforts to improve connectivity. “We are working with communities to address lapses in communication infrastructure,” she said. “This is important for emergency alerts and responses.”

Firefighter Shortage and Standardization

Jason asked about the firefighter shortage. Congresswoman Spanberger discussed federal support. “We passed the Fire Grants and Safety Act to provide funding for fire and emergency services,” she said. “We are also working on addressing training requirements and mobility between departments.”

The virtual town hall meeting was held on July 9, 2024. Spanberger has held Virginia’s 7th District Congressional seat since 2018. She’s not seeking re-election and is rumored to run for governor in 2025.

Democrat Eugene Vindman and Republican Derrick Anderson are running to replace her.

Police have found what appears to be a body floating in a lake at the Woodbridge Campus of Northern Virginia Community College.

“We are awaiting additional [information] to confirm, but it is most likely a person,” said Prince William police spokeswoman Renee Carr. “There is no public safety threat and no immediate indication of foul play.”

Rescue crews were called to bring a boat to pull the object from the water.

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