The regional Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) conducted the investigation and presented its findings to Prince William County Commonwealthâs Attorney Amy Ashworth. After a thorough evaluation, Ashworth determined that the officer acted lawfully and that no charges would be pursued.
Following the criminal investigation, the Prince William County Police Departmentâs Office of Professional Standards will now review the case internally. Additionally, the departmentâs Use of Deadly Force Review Board will conduct a final assessment to determine whether the shooting was justified and by department policy.
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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 – 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 “go get your warrants then.”
- 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.
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Prince William County police crash investigators responded to the incident at 5:46 a.m. on March 7 near Old Stage Road in Dumfries (22025). Their investigation revealed that the victim, identified as Jack Leo Burdette Jr., was walking back across Dumfries Road after securing the dog when he was hit by a westbound 2022 Ram ProMaster van approaching Old Stage Road.
At the time of the crash, Burdette was wearing dark clothing and was walking in an unlit section of the roadway, outside of a designated crosswalk, police said.
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Arrest: Abduction & Strangulation (Domestic) â Woodbridge (March 5, 11:12 PM)
A 39-year-old woman was assaulted and prevented from leaving a room. Mikael Lee Thomason, 42, was arrested and charged with strangulation, abduction, and domestic assault & battery.
Strong-Arm Robbery â Woodbridge (March 6, 1:41 AM)
A 27-year-old woman was robbed after an altercation with Salman Rahman, 29, who took her phone by force before fleeing. An arrest warrant has been issued, but Rahman remains at large.
Abduction & Assault Arrest â Gainesville (March 3)
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Stafford County
Update: Malvern Lakes Shooting
Investigators have provided an update on the recent shooting in Malvern Lakes. The Stafford County Sheriff's Office confirmed the victim was a 21-year-old male who suffered non-life-threatening injuries. No further details have been released at this time.
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Malicious Wounding â Arrest
On February 27, police arrested Dorrell Montea Farmer, 25, of Triangle, in connection with an assault on February 26 in the 16600 block of River Ridge Blvd. in Woodbridge. The incident involved a tow operator attempting to repossess a vehicle when Farmer attacked, striking and biting the operator, police said. Later that day, Farmer confronted the operator again in the 13600 block of Richmond Hwy. and struck him in the face, breaking his glasses. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Farmer has been charged with malicious wounding, two counts of assault & battery, and destruction of property.
Aggravated Malicious Wounding â Suspect Wanted
On February 27 at approximately 2:02 AM, police responded to Linden Park Apartments in Triangle for an assault. A 23-year-old woman was reportedly attacked inside a vehicle by Cecilia Anne Keefer, 34, of Triangle, following a verbal altercation. Keefer struck the victim multiple times before hitting her with the vehicle and driving off, police said. The victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Keefer is wanted for aggravated malicious wounding, felony hit & run, and assault & battery.
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Virginia State PoliceÂ
Manassas Man Arrested After High-Speed Pursuit
Interstate 66 & Leeds Manor Road, Fauquier County â February 25, 2:15 p.m.
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Prince William CountyÂ
Armed Robbery
At 11:30 PM on February 25, officers responded to a robbery at CVS (16712 Richmond Highway, Dumfries). An unknown male suspect brandished a firearm and demanded money from employees at the service counter before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of cash. A police K-9 unit searched the area, but the suspect was not located.