Prince William Police Department incident report: On April 21 at 10:10 p.m., crash investigators responded to the Red Roof Inn located at 10610 Automotive Drive in Manassas to investigate a hit-and-run crash.

The investigation revealed the victim, a 51-year-old man, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a physical altercation in the parking lot of the motel.

The encounter escalated when the accused intentionally drove towards the victim and struck him with the vehicle before fleeing the area. The victim was treated at an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Michael Lee BEACH, was arrested. Arrested on April 22: Michael Lee BEACH, 53, of no fixed address. Charged with aggravated malicious wounding, felony hit & run, and assault & battery. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.

Police were called to a fatal hit-and-run incident on April 24 at 10:19 p.m., near Route 1 Pine Bluff Drive near Dumfries.

The crash involved a motorcycle. According to the Prince William police, the operator of a 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400R was speeding southbound on Route 1 toward Pine Bluff Dr. Meanwhile, a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck traveling northbound on Richmond Highway entered the intersection, crossing the motorcycle’s path.

The resulting collision caused the motorcyclist to separate from the bike. The driver of the pickup truck fled the scene, leaving the truck behind a nearby business. Despite a search attempt by a police K-9, the suspect remains at large.

The motorcycle operator, identified as Joseph Emmanuel WORD, 20, of Dumfries, was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to injuries. The Crash Investigation Unit urges anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to come forward as the investigation progresses.

Prince William County Police Daily Incident Report: Animal Cruelty Investigation – On April 21 at 4:27 PM, officers responded to the area of Oakwood Dr. and Armada Pl. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate an animal cruelty. The investigation revealed at approximately 4:00 PM, an unknown woman left a dog next to a guardrail in the above area before leaving in a black
Nissan. A short time later, a Good Samaritan located the dog suffering from a broken leg and contacted the police. The dog, described as a 1–2-year-old brown chihuahua mix, was transported to the Animal Services Center for medical treatment. Animal Control Officers are seeking assistance from the public to identify the dog and obtain information leading up to the dog’s abandonment.

Prince William County Police: On April 20 at 1:29 a.m., officers responded to investigate a sexual assault that was reported to have occurred in the area of Fairmont Avenue and Anvil Drive near Manassas between 11:30 p.m. on April 19 and 12:30 a.m. on April 20.

The investigation revealed the victim, a 35-year-old woman, was walking in the above area when she was grabbed by an unknown man.

During the encounter, the man forced her into a nearby wooded area where she was sexually assaulted. The parties eventually separated, and the victim notified the police. Detectives are asking anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact police. The investigation continues.

Suspect Description: Hispanic or Asian male with a slim build and short spiked hair. Last seen wearing a black sweatshirt and hood.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Prince William County Police Department tipline at 703.792.7000 or submit a webtip to: pwcva.gov/policetip.

In a letter addressed to the Chair and the Supervisors of Prince William County, Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth outlined her intention to withhold prosecution of certain misdemeanor charges, effective May 1, 2024, if county leaders don’t give her more employees.

According to the letter, the Prince William County Prosecutor’s Office is operating with 26 fewer positions than required.  A recent time study showed the office has a deficit of seven attorneys and 19 administrative staff, Ashworth wrote.

On April 18, 2024, supervisors voted in a straw poll and decided to fund an additional four attorneys and four administrative staff for Ashworth’s office. Ashworth asked for 16 new people and asserted that the office cannot sustain its current level of service and must take steps to reduce the caseload. As it stands, Ashworth is set to receive $13 million from the county government to operate her office for the coming fiscal year, starting July 1, 2024. The figure does not include funding from Manassas and Manassas Park cities, for which Ashworth also prosecutes criminal cases.

In response to the straw poll, Ashworth wrote supervisors and listed a series of Class 1 and 2 misdemeanors to which she may no longer assign a prosecutor, including petit larceny, shoplifting, narcotic charges, underage alcohol offenses, disorderly conduct, obstruction of justice, escapes, obscenity, false identification and false report to police, destruction of property, trespassing, reckless driving (unless fatal), and all traffic and operator license misdemeanors.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors is set to approve its entire FY 2025 budget tomorrow.

“The bottom line is that this office was not properly staffed and funded for decades as the County grew up around us,” Ashworth wrote in an email to Potomac Local. “The time study was able to finally give us a clear staffing standard across the state for all prosecutor’s offices.”

Ashworth, a Democrat, was re-elected to office in November 2023 and is in the first year of her second four-year term.

“The Commonwealth of Virginia does not fund prosecution of misdemeanor cases – only felonies. In smaller jurisdictions, it is easier for the prosecutor to just handle all the misdemeanors as well. However, other large jurisdictions do not handle all of the misdemeanors as [Prince William County] does,” Ashworth adds.

Acknowledging the impact of this decision, Ashworth emphasized the need to focus limited resources on misdemeanors deemed most critical, such as DUI, weapon offenses, and violent crime.

Ashworth’s threats to cut prosecutorial services garnered a quick response from supervisors.

“She claims her predecessor understaffed his office. I don’t recall anyone claiming Paul Ebert [Ashworth’s predecessor] didn’t prosecute enough. The question is efficiency. If Fairfax can do more with less, why can’t she?” asked Gainesville District Supervisor Bob Wier.

During a presentation earlier this month, Ashworth told the Board of County Supervisors that of her 54 office employees, 29 were prosecutors when she took over from her predecessor Paul Ebert, Virginia’s longest-serving prosecutor from 1968 until his retirement in 2019. Since that time dozens of full-time positions have been added to the Commonwealth Attorney’s office, resulting in nearly 80 employees.

“By supporting eight new positions in FY25, in addition to fulfilling the three-year staffing plan introduced by Ms. Ashworth in 2021, I am confident that this Board has provided the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney with the necessary resources to fulfill its prosecutorial duties to our residents,” said Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye. “These new positions will make our Commonwealth’s Attorney office the largest in Virginia, eclipsing even the staffing levels of Fairfax County, which serves more than two times as many residents.”

Since she took over, the Board of County Supervisors has increased funding for her office by $6.4 million and added 32 employees. This represents a cumulative percentage increase of about 93.5% over five years. All the while, Ashworth is pursuing fewer cases than her predecessor, choosing to indict 75 felonies on average per month compared to the 350-per-month average Ebert pursued.

Despite Ashworth having successfully lobbied to increase her office budget to the largest it has ever been in county history, she has the fewest average prosecutions of her predecessors. Meanwhile, the county’s murder rate has doubled, and violent crime increased by 70% since 2019.

In a letter to constituents, Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega called Ashworth’s letter a “dangerous temper tantrum” describing it as “a stain on the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office and unbecoming of an elected official.” She also questioned how a 2% increase in caseload could represent a $2 million budget request.

Both Weir and Vega pointed to neighboring Fairfax County, which cut misdemeanor prosecutions and has subsequently seen a rise in overall crime, with Vega rhetorically asking, “How has that worked out for them?”

In addition to the potential for increased crime in Prince William, the change would also increase the workload of Prince William County Police officers. In her letter, Ashworth clarified that while her office will no longer prosecute these offenses, the burden of prosecution will shift to the arresting police officer, who must handle traditional prosecutor duties such as subpoenaing witnesses, answering discovery, and presenting evidence in court.

“There will be an additional burden on the department in that we will need to train officers on how to do the legal courtroom work traditionally done by the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office,” said Prince William County Police Chief Peter Newsham. “This will also likely result in officers spending more time in court and less time in the community.”

Newsham added that there likely would be a “negative impact on conviction rates during the learning curve.” adding, “Our officers are committed, dedicated, and professional, but they are not lawyers.”

“I don’t think this board responds well to threats and Prince William County does not have an unlimited source of revenue,” Weir added when asked if Ashworth’s threats would lead to him consider changing his vote. “We’re growing the government at a level that is unsustainable given the revenues.”

The Board of County Supervisors meets at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the McCoart County Government Building, 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge. The meeting is open to the public and will be streamed online.

Alan Gloss is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.

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The Prince William County Criminal Justice Academy’s Basic Recruit Session #56 Graduation was marked by personal connections and unwavering dedication to public service.

County Supervisor Victor Angry of the Neabsco District recounted the journey of Officer Carla Coleman, his goddaughter, who had been a part of his wife’s daycare since she was five years old.

“Carla is homegrown. She’s now going to be protecting the community, staying in the area, and protecting the community that she loves. I think that is a success story that she loves her community so much.” Despite his initial surprise at her decision to join the Army National Guard and subsequently become a police officer, he celebrated her success and commitment to serving her local community.

For Angry, public safety and law enforcement were deeply intertwined with personal connections and a sense of homegrown responsibility. He emphasized the importance of officers like Coleman, who understand the community they serve on a personal level, fostering trust and cooperation among residents.

Reflecting on previous debates about defunding the police, Angry expressed his opposition to any defunding.

“That’s a dead idea, I never really liked that term ‘defund’ anyway,” Angry said.

He highlighted the diverse and demanding nature of police work, emphasizing the importance of supporting officers in their mission to maintain public safety. “Our officers, are doing a lot. And I think 9-1-1 has turned more into a 4-1-1 line where people call the police for things officers should not be dealing with,” said Angry. “We need to be smarter about how we route calls to our over-stretched officers.”

Officer Carla Coleman, inspired by her positive experiences with law enforcement, spoke passionately about her decision to join the Prince William County Police Department. She emphasized the strong sense of community and family within the department, particularly praising the impact of School Resource Officers like First Sergeant Jensen, who had played a significant role in her life. “First Sergeant Jensen had a huge impact on me, and that’s the impact every Prince William County officer in the SRO (School Resource Officer) role has in schools. They just made me feel like I was in a family environment. And that’s the best part for me.”

“I Couldn’t be more proud,” County Police Chief Peter Newsham said of his son, newly minted Sheriffs Deputy Nicholas Newsham. The county has both a police department that patrols the streets, and a sheriff’s office that serves court papers and protects the judicial center in Manassas.

Deputy Newsham shared his pride in following in his father’s footsteps and joining the Sheriff’s Office. Despite the weight of his family legacy, he expressed gratitude for the support of his fellow recruits and instructors, who had made his journey a fulfilling and rewarding experience despite his famous name.

Sheriff Glen Hill, welcoming Deputy Newsham into his department, emphasized the importance of comprehensive training programs that prepare officers for the challenges they may encounter on the job. He underscored the need for continuous learning and adaptation in law enforcement, ensuring officers are equipped to handle diverse situations with professionalism and confidence.

“The scenario based training presented in the academy are things these officers may encounter. They improve their skills, but also improve their confidence in handling each unique case,” said Hill. “I’ve been a law enforcement officer for a long time, and the basic things I learned were the same. The training we prepared for, sometimes we prepare for the worst, but also, at the same time, you learn how to control yourself when you’re in those situations, and it makes you both a better person and a better officer.”

County Supervisor Yesli Vega of the Coles District, a county reserve sheriff’s deputy, was the keynote speaker. She emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in policing.

She decried efforts to defund the police, highlighting the sacrifices made by officers and their families in service of public safety.

“When you vilify folks who are willing to put their life on the line in service of others, you create an environment that’s both hostile and dangerous. When I hear ‘defund the police’ I hear two things: these brave and honorable men and women are not supported, and public safety is not a priority. It greatly disheartens me, and I’m sure many others, who sacrifice not only time from their families but risk their lives to serve and protect their community,” said Vega.

In her address to the graduating class, Vega urged the new officers to uphold the values of integrity and service as they embark on their careers.

“Our young people are challenged, I think more than many of us have ever experienced. Technology, social media, and cameras being everywhere – our kids are consistently faced with an immense amount of pressure. Integrity is just one character trait of many that embody police officers. We live in a world where people, especially the media, like to paint a picture that is not necessarily the whole picture of police,” said Vega. “One thing I wanted these graduates to understand is that if you have integrity in everything you do, at the end of the day you know you’re making good decisions and can live with yourself, no matter what others say.”

She underscored the significance of their role in building trust and cooperation within the community, emphasizing the importance of supporting law enforcement officers in their mission to protect and serve.

The graduation ceremony took place Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the Grace Life Church, 3560 Linton Hall Road, in Bristow. A total of 17 Prince William County Police Officers and 2 Prince William County Sheriff’s Deputies were in the class.

The starting annual salary for a county police officer is $62,000, while a starting sheriff’s deputy will make $57,500.

Alan Gloss is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.

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Prince William Police: On April 13 at 8:12 p.m., officers responded to the Walmart located at 14000 Worth Avenue in Woodbridge to investigate an unattended child.

The investigation revealed a good Samaritan observed the victim, a two-month-old infant boy, unattended inside a vehicle in the parking lot. Upon arriving at the scene, officers observed the parents with the victim who had been taken out of the vehicle.

Officers determined the father, identified as the accused, and other family members went into the store, leaving the victim inside the vehicle. The victim was unharmed.

Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Mirwais ALIZADA, was arrested. Arrested on April 13: Mirwais ALIZADA, 45, of the 3500 block of Crag Mews in Woodbridge. Charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Court Date: Pending | Bond: $3,000 Unsecured.

Read the full April 17 report here.

Prince William Police: On April 13, the suspect, identified as Sartisha Elexus Carter, who was sought in connection to the attempted assault that was reported to have occurred at the Bayvue Apartments located in the 1300 block of East Longview Drive in Woodbridge on March 24, was arrested.

Arrested on April 13: Sartisha Elexus Carter, 38, of 1365 East Longview Drive in Woodbridge. Charged with attempted malicious wounding. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable.

Attempted Malicious Wounding (Domestic) [Previously Released] – On March 24 at 5:37 p.m., officers responded to investigate a domestic dispute that was reported to have occurred at the Bayvue Apartments located in the 1300 block of East Longview Drive in Woodbridge earlier that afternoon.

The investigation revealed the victim, a 31-year-old man, and a family member, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated.

During the encounter, the accused retrieved a knife leading to a struggle before both parties fell to the floor. When the accused retrieved a larger knife, the victim left the apartment. No injuries were reported. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Sartisha Elexus CARTER, who remains wanted.

Read the full April 16 report here.

Prince William Police: On April 12 at 8:56 p.m., officers responded to the Longhorn Steakhouse located at 9695 Liberia Avenue in Manassas to investigate an assault.

The investigation revealed an employee and a patron, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the accused pushed the victim before grabbing his neck.

Eventually the parties separated, and the police were contacted. Minor injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Gregory Scott Boros, was arrested.

Arrested on April 12: Gregory Scott BOROS, 58, of 13280 Silver King Court in Nokesville. Charged with strangulation and assault. Court Date: Pending | Bond: $5,000 Unsecured.

Read the full April 15 report here.