After nearly a year of investigation, law enforcement officers have apprehended the suspect in connection to a stabbing incident that occurred in Dale City on March 4, 2023. Robert Dejell Rufus Jackson, 43, of 13206 Haddock Rd. in Dale City, was taken into custody by Alexandria City police on January 24, 2024.

The incident, which occurred at a residence in the 13700 block of Greenwood Drive near Minnieville Elementary School, left a 41-year-old man with multiple stab wounds. Authorities were alerted to the situation at 4:32 a.m. when a caller reported finding the front door of the residence ajar. Upon entering, they discovered the victim suffering from severe injuries.

Emergency services were immediately contacted, and the victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Thankfully, his injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening.

Jackson faces charges of malicious wounding and abduction in connection to the incident. Despite the passage of nearly a year since the attack, authorities continued to pursue leads diligently, ultimately leading to Jackson’s arrest.

A court date for Jackson is pending.

Strong-Arm Robbery

On February 14 at 7:43 p.m., authorities responded to a robbery near Miramar Dr. and Streamwalk Ln. in Manassas (20109). A 51-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man were approached by two unidentified men who demanded money. One suspect seized the woman’s purse before both fled. No injuries were reported.

Suspect Descriptions:

• White male, approximately 5’10”, skinny build, dark brown hooded sweatshirt
• White male, approximately 5’9”, skinny build, red hooded sweatshirt

Reckless Handling of a Firearm

On February 13 at 8:47 p.m, police were called to the 1500 block of Sandpiper Bay Lp. in Dumfries (22026) for reported gunshots. Shots were heard near the riverbank, followed by the rapid departure of two vehicles. No evidence of shooting, injuries, or property damage was found.

Commercial Burglaries

On February 14 at 9:16 a.m., authorities responded to Rahama African Market at 12778 Darby Brooke Ct. in Woodbridge (22192) for a burglary. Around 11:30 p.m. on February 13, an unknown individual smashed the front glass door to enter the business. Money was stolen from the cash register before the suspect fled. A neighboring business was also burglarized in a similar manner. No suspect description is available at this time.

The Prince William County Animal Shelter has issued a vital warning to residents and visitors of Dumfries following the confirmation of a rabid cat sighting in the area. The grey male cat, found near 17440 Fraley Boulevard, has tested positive for rabies, prompting urgent action from health officials.

Individuals who were in the vicinity of 17440 Fraley Blvd. in Dumfries between February 1st and February 12th are urged to exercise caution if they come into contact with the infected cat. Immediate action is necessary to prevent the spread of rabies and ensure proper medical evaluation and treatment if needed.

Rabies, a potentially fatal viral disease, remains a concern across the U.S., with approximately 55,000 people exposed to the virus each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While human fatalities are rare, the disease poses a serious threat if left untreated.

Residents and visitors who believe they may have been exposed to the rabid cat are encouraged to contact the Prince William County Animal Shelter by calling 703-792-6465 or via email at [email protected].

In light of this incident, health officials emphasize the importance of preventive measures against rabies. Vaccination of pets, including cats and dogs, is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of transmission. Additionally, individuals are advised to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals and seek medical attention promptly in the event of an animal bite or scratch.

Philip Austin Brant, 26, of Woodbridge, has been identified as the suspect in an officer-involved shooting that occurred at an apprenticeship training center located at 7016 Infantry Ridge Road near Manassas on February 13.

The incident resulted in the death of Elijah Islam Safdi, 23, of Manassas, who was one of the stabbing victims. The other stabbing victim, a 23-year-old man from Fairfax, remains hospitalized in critical condition.

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), with members from Local Union 26 IBEW, operates a training center at the address.

Preliminary details released by authorities indicate that the incident began with multiple 911 calls reporting a stabbing-in-progress at the training center, police said. When officers arrived, they encountered Brant at the entrance door and engaged him as he brandished a knife, police said. Despite commands to drop the weapon, Brant continued to advance toward the officers, prompting them to fire their department-issued handguns, ultimately striking Brant, police said.

Further investigation revealed that the initial stabbing occurred in a classroom within the training center, where Brant allegedly approached one victim and began stabbing him multiple times, police said. The altercation escalated, leading to the second stabbing victim, Safadi. Safadi later succumbed to his injuries.

The suspect, Brant, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) continues to lead the investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, the officers involved, both with five years and one-and-half years of service, respectively, in uniformed patrol operations. Each has been placed on routine paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the Prince William County Police Department tipline at 703-792-7000 or submit a web tip at pwcva.gov/policetip. All tips received will be relayed to CIRT investigators as the investigation progresses.

Rape Investigation

On November 26, 2023, at 12:26 AM, officers responded to a residence in the Woodbridge (22192) area of Prince William County to investigate a sexual assault. The investigation revealed a female juvenile victim was being sexually assaulted by a man, identified as Dimas Alexis LAZO, inside the home. A family member intervened, separating the victim from the accused who fled the residence. Detectives determined the victim and the accused had previously met on a social media app and arranged to meet at the residence. Dimas Alexis LAZO, 26, of the 9200 block of Limestone Pl. in College Park, MD, is wanted for rape.

Reckless Handling of a Firearm

On February 11 at 1:42 PM, officers responded to the area of Sudley Manor Dr. and Ashton Ave. in Manassas (20109) to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed the driver of a blue van struck the rear end of a white Jeep and attempted to drive away. When the driver of the Jeep stopped the van from leaving, two occupants of the van appeared to don masks and approached the other driver who retrieved a firearm and fired multiple rounds into the air. The parties separated and left the area prior to police arriving on the scene. No injuries or property damage were reported. Following the investigation, no criminal charges will be sought.

Shooting into a Residential Dwelling

On February 13 at 4:38 AM, officers responded to a residence located in the 2200 block of Scotch Ct. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed residents of the home heard loud noises just before the home was struck with gunfire. No injuries or additional property damage were reported.

Strong-Arm Robbery

On February 12 at 3:30 PM, officers responded to the 4200 block of Glendale Rd. in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 42-year-old man, was in a parking lot of the above area when he was approached by an unknown man. During the encounter, the suspect asked the victim for money. When the victim declined, the suspect struck the victim in the face and took his money before fleeing on foot. The victim was treated for minor injuries. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, approximately 50 years old, wearing a green jacket, blue jeans, and red shoes.

Updated: One of the victims involved in the initial stabbing altercation with the suspect has died. All parties involved in the incident were adult males. The surviving victim remains hospitalized in critical condition. A knife was recovered at the scene. The identities of the deceased will be released pending notifications of their next-of-kin, police said.

Original post: Prince William County Police responded to a reported stabbing incident at an apprenticeship training center on Infantry Ridge Road, near Northern Virginia Community College Manassas Campus, on February 13 at 3:23 p.m.

Upon arrival, officers encountered an individual armed with a knife near the entrance. Multiple officers discharged their firearms, resulting in the suspect being pronounced deceased at the scene, police said.

Two individuals with stab wounds were found and provided with initial medical aid before being transported to nearby hospitals. Their current conditions remain undisclosed. No further victims were discovered, and the situation is under control with no ongoing threat to the community, police said

The investigation into the officer-involved shooting has been handed over to the regional Critical Incident Response Team at the request of Prince William police Chief Peter Newsham, ensuring an independent review of the incident.

An IBEW electrical training center is in the area. However, police have not confirmed it is where the shooting took place.

The shooting is the latest in a violent week in Prince William County, where an 18-year-old was carjacked at gunpoint near Potomac Mills mall.

More as we have it.

Carjacking and Strong-Arm Robbery

In the late hours of February 11, a disturbing incident unfolded in the 14200 block of Smoketown Road, near Potomac Mills mall in Woodbridge, when an 18-year-old man fell victim to a carjacking and robbery. According to reports, the victim had offered a ride to a group of men, one of whom was identified by police as Ibrahim Jr., an acquaintance. However, what began as a seemingly routine gesture quickly turned violent.

As the victim parked the vehicle in a nearby lot, the situation took a turn when Barrie, Jr. and another individual from the group pursued and tackled the victim in the median of Smoketown Road, police said. The assailants assaulted the victim and took his personal belongings, including phones, wallet, and keys, police said. Fortunately, a Good Samaritan intervened, allowing the victim to escape with only minor injuries.

Officers later discovered the victim’s vehicle abandoned in the vicinity of Westminister Lane. Despite the swift apprehension of Barrie Jr. through the issuance of arrest warrants, the search for other involved parties remains ongoing as authorities diligently pursue leads to ensure all responsible individuals are brought to justice.

Reckless Handling of a Firearm

On the morning of February 10, residents in the area of Orkney Ct. near Knightsbridge Drive in Lake Ridge were rattled by the sound of gunfire, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. An investigation uncovered evidence of reckless firearm use, as shell casings littered the roadway, accompanied by damage to a nearby fence and tree, police said. Miraculously, no injuries or additional property damage were reported, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by irresponsible firearm handling.

Malicious Wounding in Domestic Dispute

Police were called to a domestic altercation on February 11; authorities were summoned to a residence in the 2500 block of Transom Place in Woodbridge to address an incident that escalated into a violent act of malicious wounding, police said. The altercation between a 31-year-old man and a family member, later identified as Virgile Lofton Barber, erupted into physical violence, resulting in the victim sustaining non-life-threatening injuries from a knife attack.

Prompt intervention by other residents halted the assault, allowing for the victim’s medical treatment and the subsequent arrest of Barber, police said. Charged with malicious wounding and domestic assault & battery, police added.

Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney, Amy Ashworth, announced the successful prosecution of Sean Hughes following an April 19, 2023, shooting incident in Triangle. After a trial held on February 2, 2024, a Prince William County jury rendered a verdict of guilty against Hughes on multiple charges, including shooting into an occupied dwelling, shooting from a vehicle, attempted malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, gang participation, gang recruitment, and use of a machine gun for an aggressive purpose.

The case stemmed from an alarming incident last year when Hughes, accompanied by a juvenile co-defendant, unleashed gunfire at a home in Triangle. The barrage of bullets struck a woman inside multiple times, narrowly missing Detective S. Davis and another bystander who were present at the scene. Following the shooting, Hughes and the juvenile fled the area, but police arrested him in Maryland. During the arrest, one of the firearms implicated in the shooting was recovered from the suspects.

Notably, investigations revealed Hughes’s affiliation with the criminal street gang, the Bloods.

Hughes awaits sentencing by a Prince William County Circuit Court Judge on May 23, 2024. This phase of the case will determine Hughes’s consequences for his actions, providing an opportunity for closure and accountability for the victims and their families.

The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney extended its appreciation to Tammie Thomas, Director of the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Victim/Witness Program, whose invaluable support has assisted the victims and their families throughout this challenging ordeal.

Additionally, it commended the efforts of the Prince William County Police Department, particularly Master Detective D. Cupka, Detective J. Dalbeck, and Detective D. Sekely, whose dedication contributed significantly to the investigation and prosecution of this case.

Amy Ashworth is the elected Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County and Manassas and Manassas Park cities. She was elected in November 2019 and was re-elected in 2023 for another four-year term.

 

In an exclusive follow-up to a story brought to you last month, new information has emerged regarding the case of a dog injured after being struck with a projectile.

According to Prince William police spokeswoman Renee Carr, after consultation with Animal Services, it has been determined that the dog is recuperating well and does not require extensive treatment, as once thought.

Reports from the county’s Animal Services indicate that the dog, whose name remains unknown, is continuing to progress in its recovery. Currently, efforts are underway to evaluate options for placing the dog with a suitable rescue organization or for adoption. Despite diligent efforts, neither the owner nor the dog’s identity has been established.

The incident unfolded on Saturday, January 13, at 8:30 a.m., when officers responded to a distress call in the 1500 block of Cherry Hill Road in Dumfries.

A concerned resident had discovered the dog, an American Bully estimated to be between one to three years old, with injuries consistent with being struck by a projectile. Prompt action was taken, and the injured animal was taken to a veterinarian for urgent medical attention.

While the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, the focus now shifts to ensuring the continued well-being of the dog and finding a suitable placement where it can receive the care and attention it deserves.

At the recent Prince William Board of County Supervisors meeting on February 6, 2024, the Prince William County Police Department received recognition for its Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) accreditation. Chief of Police Peter Newsham expressed gratitude for the honor, highlighting the significance of the department’s continuous commitment to excellence since 1987.

“This accreditation is just a symbol of that,” Chief Newsham remarked, emphasizing the department’s dedication to promoting progressive community engagement strategies, utilizing data for management decisions, and setting leadership benchmarks among peer agencies.

Newsham then invited Sergeant Byron Jenkins to speak, who proceeded to announce his retirement after 28 years of law enforcement work. Jenkins reflected on the department’s achievements and the significance of February, Black History Month. He commended the efforts of the county’s Black History Month committee and underscored this year’s theme, which focused on African Americans in the arts.

“The new Negro movement promoted racial pride, cultural self-expression, economic independence, and progressive politics,” Sergeant Jenkins stated, highlighting what he called the ongoing relevance of reclaiming identity and combating derogatory stereotypes.

Jenkins drew attention to the nature of racial tropes and stereotypes, emphasizing the need to challenge and eradicate language and imagery that perpetuate harmful narratives. From derogatory terms to outdated caricatures, he underscored the damaging effects of such representations and called for a concerted effort to promote inclusivity and understanding.

“We must challenge and eradicate language and imagery that perpetuate harmful racial tropes and stereotypes. From derogatory terms to outdated caricatures, these representations have deep-rooted consequences and hinder our progress towards true equality and understanding,” continued Jenkins.

Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson, the first black person to serve in the role, echoed the sentiment of appreciation for CALEA’s accreditation process, emphasizing its role in elevating professionalism, accountability, and transparency within law enforcement agencies. She extended commendations to key individuals navigating the reaccreditation process, ensuring the department’s adherence to rigorous standards of excellence.

Prince William police patrol Virginia’s second-largest jurisdiction, with a sworn complement of more than 700 officers when fully staffed. Over the years, the department has achieved a 96% citizen satisfaction rate, according to county surveys.