Murder Investigation *ADDITIONAL ARREST â On May 22, 2024, a second suspect was identified and arrested in connection to the murder of an 18-year-old man that occurred in the 14100 block of Big Crest Ln. in Woodbridge (22191) on July 18, 2023. While continuing to investigate the incident, detectives learned of a second juvenile suspect involved in the incident and obtained detention orders. Further investigation revealed that a group of males, including the victim and the suspect, met in the above area to conduct a marijuana transaction when rounds were fired, fatally striking the victim. Detectives identified the suspect as a 17-year-old male juvenile. On May 22, the accused was located and arrested in Stafford County by the Stafford County Sheriffâs Office. Another juvenile suspect was previously arrested in connection to the incident on July 21, 2023.
Arrested on May 22: [Juvenile]
A 17-year-old male juvenile of Stafford
Charged with murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, robbery, and shooting at an occupied vehicle
Court Date: Pending | Status: In-Custody
A homicide investigation is underway after a man was found shot dead in a vehicle on Cadet Court near Gainesville early on Thursday, May 23. Detectives believe the incident is not random and seek information from the public to aid the investigation. We’re working to get more information from the police.
What we know now from Prince William police:
Homicide Investigation â On May 23 at 2:42AM, officers responded to the 12000 block of Cadet Ct in Manassas (20109) to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed two adult men were sleeping inside a vehicle parked in the above area when one of the men was shot. The injured man was pronounced dead on the scene. The other man was not injured. Detectives are actively investigating the incident to determine what led up to the shooting and are seeking to speak with anyone who has information to aid in the investigation. Preliminarily, the incident does not appear to be random. The identity of the deceased will be disclosed pending notification of a next-of-kin. More information will be released as it becomes available. The investigation continues.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has received an update on the county's Safe and Secure Communities Initiative, approved in 2022. The program, inspired by successful models in cities like Boston and Philadelphia, aims to address crime through a collaborative, data-driven approach involving multiple county departments, including police, fire and rescue, and the courts.
Officials launched the initiative with an open house at the Ferlazzo Building in Woodbridge on May 11 and plan to establish a Community Safety Advisory Committee, hold resident listening sessions, and draft safety recommendations.
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Burglary While Armed | Strangulation *ARREST â On May 20, the suspect, identified as Prince Jakim Isaiah MALDONADO, who was sought in connection to the home invasion that was reported to have occurred at a residence located in the 13500 block of Castlebridge Ln. in Woodbridge (22193) on May 11, was taken into custody by members of the U.S. Marshalâs Fugitive Task Force in Maryland where he will remain until extradited to Prince William County.
Arrested on May 20: [No Photo Available]
Prince Jakim Isaiah MALDONADO, 24, of 4402 Ashgrove Dr. in Dumfries Charged with 1 count of strangulation, 1 count of burglary while armed, 1 count of preventing the summoning of law enforcement, 1 count of abduction, 1 count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 1 count of felony destruction of property, 1 count of brandishing a firearm, 1 count of unauthorized use of a vehicle, and 2 counts of assault & batteryCourt Date: Pending | Status: Incarcerated
Burglary While Armed | Strangulation [Previously Released] â On May 11 at 2:27PM, officers responded to a residence located in the 13500 block of Castlebridge Ln. in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate an assault. The investigation revealed the victim, a 20-year-old woman, observed an
acquaintance, identified as the accused, in her backyard. When the victim attempted to reenter the residence, the accused followed and forced his way into the home. During the encounter, the accused grabbed the victim and wrapped his arm around her neck before forcing her into another room where he struck her multiple times and brandished a firearm. At one point, the victim began to call emergency services before the accused grabbed and broke the phone. Another family member was able to contact the police. Prior to police arriving at the home, the accused left the area. The victim reported minor injuries. Further investigation revealed the accused refused to return the victimâs vehicle and the following day it was recovered and returned to the victim. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Prince Jakim Isaiah MALDONADO.
The investigation revealed the victim, a 32-year-old woman, and her 5-year-child were traveling in the above area when they were involved in a road rage incident with the driver of another vehicle, later identified as the accused.
During the encounter, the accused brandished a firearm at the victimâs vehicle before the parties separated. No shots were fired. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Edwin Dale SIMS, was arrested.
Arrested on May 15:
Edwin Dale SIMS, 73, of 2676 Cast Off Lp. in Woodbridge is charged with two counts of brandishing a firearm. His court date is pending | Bond: $1,000 Unsecured.
Suspect Descriptions: A Hispanic male last seen wearing a black t-shirt and black jeans. A Hispanic or black male last seen wearing a blue/grey shirt, tan colored pants, and carrying a firearm inside of a shirt
Animal Control Officer M. Schultz responded to the 14000 block of Glenkirk Road in Gainesville for a stuck bird. He arrived to find a red-tailed hawk in need of rescue. Thanks to help from PWC Fire & Rescue, Officer Schultz was able to safely free the bird without causing further harm. The hawk has been transported to Blue Ridge Wildlife Center for further evaluation.
The open house will highlight resources related to health, housing, workforce and job training, youth services, food security, recreation, education, the environment, and legal support. These resources represent the combined efforts of county government agencies, nonprofit and faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, and charitable organizations.
In addition to learning about local services, attendees will have the chance to explore ways to get involved in community improvement efforts, including participation in the Community Safety Advisory Committee. This committee plays a vital role in shaping community safety initiatives by engaging with residents and gathering their insights on safety and well-being.
The community fair comes as the overall crime rate in Prince William County for 2023 was up slightly compared to the 2022, with a rate of 38.5 incidents per 1,000 residents.
Similarly, the violent crime rate for 2023 is 2.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, a slight decrease from the previous year, which recorded a rate of 2.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. These figures reflect minor fluctuations in crime rates from year to year, maintaining a relatively stable trend in the region.
Violent crime is categorized by the FBI to include murder and non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, all of which involve force or the threat of force.
âWhat we found was really disturbing,â said Acting Director Kevin D. Walsh in a December 2023 news conference releasing the final report. The investigation found the training sessions, organized by the New Jersey-based company Street Cop, not only promoted unconstitutional policing tactics, like extending police stops to develop probable cause but also fostered an environment where police officers glorified violence against civilians, discriminated against women and minorities, and a disregarded citizensâ civil liberties like searching vehicles without probable cause. The findings of the investigation exposed the lack of centralized oversight of police training across law enforcement agencies nationwide, including in Virginia.
According to the New Jersey governmentâs report, the six-day training conference held by Street Cop in Atlantic City in October 2021 drew nearly 1,000 police officers. The investigation highlighted several deficiencies in the training, including discriminatory and harassing comments, advocacy for unconstitutional policing tactics such as stopping motorists without reason or prolonging police stops illegally, and the promotion of a "warrior" approach to policing that dehumanized civilians. Such practices directly contradicted nearly a decade of police reforms aimed at curbing bias and excessive force in policing, undermining community trust.
