Prince William County police and fire and rescue employees will see pay increases and new benefits oi the coming year thanks to union lobbyists.

Deputy County Executive Quintin Hayes delivered a comprehensive presentation to the Board of County Supervisors, outlining the critical elements of the proposed collective bargaining ordinance, which supervisors approved during their meeting on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

The presentation covered various components, providing a detailed overview of the background, negotiation process, and fiscal impacts of the tentative agreements with the Prince William County Police Association (PWCPA) and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF).

Hayes began by highlighting the historical context, noting that the Board had adopted the collective bargaining ordinance in November 2022, with subsequent amendments in July 2023. He said he emphasized the significance of avoiding impasse during negotiations, an achievement for the county’s negotiating team.

The negotiating team, composed of representatives from the county attorney’s office, human resources, the fire department, the police department, and external counsel, played a role. Hayes acknowledged the team’s dedication and the input received from various county offices, including the Office of Executive Management and the Office of Management and Budget.

Supervisors voted seven to one to approve the collective bargaining agreements, underscoring the significance of this development in the county’s approach to labor relations with its first responders. Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega cast the lone dissenting vote.

Woodbridge Distirct Supervisor Margaret Franklin called the process a “labor of love” and recognized that while the unions didn’t get everything they wanted, the agreement was a positive step forward.

Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry said that while initially concerned about collective bargaining, he stepped back and trusted the team, recognizing their capability to navigate the process. He noted that the package addressed important aspects such as pay, maternal leave, and other benefits, bringing the county up to speed with contemporary workforce considerations.

Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy also expressed his initial reservations about collective bargaining but acknowledged the importance of addressing retention issues within the county. He thanked the fire union for proactively sharing their perspectives and recognized the need to remain flexible and competitive in wages to retain trained and qualified personnel.

Gordy emphasized the dynamic nature of the region and the potential changes in wage rates among other localities, stressing the importance of flexibility to maintain competitiveness. While not his preference, he acknowledged the competitive reality of the situation and expressed his commitment to supporting the police and fire departments in their efforts to keep the community safe.

Gainesville Supervisor Bob Wier said he is torn over the agreement and will address its costs during the budget process in April. “There are people who are going to be angry with me for voting in favor of it, but the fiscally conservative, responsible side of me sees an upside in this that I rarely find, and that’s that we know what the set cost is going to be,” said Wier.

The tentative collective bargaining agreements were ratified by the PWCPA on October 19, 2023, and the IAFF on October 26, 2023. The unions managed the voting process independently.

According to Hayes, detailed fiscal impact studies examined direct and indirect costs. Direct costs encompassed wages, certification pay, specialty pay, overtime pay, and other compensation.

The agreement with PWCPA included the establishment of a pay scale committee, a $1,000 lump sum payment effective July 1, 2024, a total of $636,000, on-call pay costing an additional $3.6 million, and it entitles officers to receive one hour of overtime for each day assigned to overtime.

The agreement also calls for a 50-cent increase in shift differential pay and introduces six weeks of paid family leave at the cost of about $157,000 family leave. It also increases the comp leave cap from 80 hours to 120. Crime scene technicians will get $1 add-on pay for about $213,000 for about 95 crime scene technicians.

The agreement with firefighters featured a transition from a 56-hour work week to a 50-hour work week, which will require hiring 30 more firefights for $6.5 million. The move comes after county firefighters pleaded with supervisors to change their work schedules from a 48-hour week to a 56-hour week, promising it would improve employee retention and morale.

Supervisors also improved market adjustments for existing staff costing $1.2 million, $650,000 in stipends for certifications, paid family leave totaling $343,000, and increased comp leave cap from 80 to 120 hours.

All employees are already budgeted for a 3% merit performance increase in the upcoming budget.

The total cost for fiscal year 2025, starting July 1, 2024, is $16 million.

In an upcoming event scheduled for Thursday, January 18, at the Montclair Golf Club, the Prince William Committee of 100 is set to tackle the issue of human trafficking, shedding light on an often overlooked concern in the affluent suburbs of Northern Virginia.

Bel O’Neill, president of the committee, said the committee’s decision to focus on human trafficking coincided with National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. While initially unaware of the national event, the alignment added importance to the local initiative, she added.

A panel comprising experts such as Wesley Dawson, director of the office of community safety in Prince William County, Detective Abigail McLaughlin, with Prince William police special victims unit, and representatives from ACTS and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of human trafficking.

O’Neill emphasized the importance of bringing professionals from various agencies together to address the issue comprehensively.

The median annual household income in Prince William County is $123,000, $48,400 higher than the national median income.

Considering the stereotype that human trafficking is not associated with affluent neighborhoods, O’Neill emphasized the committee’s commitment to bringing attention to lesser-known issues affecting the community.

The goal is not only to discuss the problem but also to highlight available resources and agencies. O’Neill added that the meeting aims to allow the audience to determine the issue’s significance.

The event, hosted at Montclair Golf Club, follows a dinner program meeting format. Attendees can interact with speakers during the meal and participate in a question-and-answer session at the end of the presentation. O’Neill described it as a chance for community members to connect with experts and delve deeper into the subject.

While the dinner meeting costs $35 for members and $40 for non-members or guests, reservations are encouraged. Observer-only seats are also available on a first-come, first-served basis for those unable to attend the dinner. The doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the panel discussion begins at 7:30 p.m.

The Prince William Committee of 100, a civic nonprofit organization, has existed for 35 years. The group holds community conversations about local matters affecting those who live and work in the county, Manassas, and Manassas Park cities at various locations in the county and cities.

O’Neill mentioned that the committee strives for 100 members, having 42 for the current program year. Membership, costing $40 annually, offers benefits supporting the committee’s mission.

O’Neill encouraged interested individuals to join by attending a meeting, filling out a membership form at the check-in table, or contacting the committee via email. Membership information is also available on the committee’s website.

The Montclair Golf Club is at 16500 Edgewood Drive in Montclair.

"Reckless Handling of a Firearm – On January 12 at 11:03 a.m., officers responded to the Longview Apartments located in the 13700 block of Lynn Street in Woodbridge to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed a resident of the complex, identified as the accused, retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and brandished it towards a maintenance worker who was in the parking lot. The parties eventually separated. At one point, the accused fired multiple rounds into the air before being detained without incident by arriving officers. No injuries or property damage were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Deandrae Ladale SPRADLEY, was arrested. Arrested on January 12: [No Photo Available] Deandrae Ladale SPRADLEY, 46, of 13711 Lynn Street in Woodbridge. Charged with willful discharge of firearm in public place, reckless handling of a firearm, and brandishing. Court Date: Pending | Bond: $3,000 Secured Bond."

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MLK Day: Reporter Katherine Madere is covering the 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Program & Youth Oratorical Competition, held this year at Colgan Senior High School near Woodbridge.

New Mexican-style: Amelia Breeden’s story about Anita’s New Mexican-style diner reopening near Manassas has drawn some debate on our Facebook page, proving once again that people on social media will argue over anything.

• “Oh man, this brings back wonderful memories from my childhood.”
• “So many great El Salvadoran places in Manassas. I was actually sad to see this.”

Huntley event confusion: Some on the FredNats Facebook page are confused about the event at the baseball stadium honoring Fredericksburg’s “Huntley,” who won season 24 of “The Voice” on NBC.

• “What fun? No food, no game, no concert? So everyone just stares at each other and worships Huntley?”

Trash talkin’: The Stafford County Sheriff took a swipe at Dallas Cowboys fans this morning after their 48-32 loss in the wildcard playoff game. Full story.

Supervisors: Prince William and Stafford counties Board of Supervisors meetings will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. Our reporters will cover stories about adding classroom trailers to preserve historic sites.

Shootings: We’re following several breaking stories today, including two shootings, on our homepage.

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Potomac Local News

Woodbridge Senior High School administrators kept students inside today as police searched Lake Ridge for a killer.

A school division spokeswoman told Potomac Local News that eight Prince William County Public schools in the Lake Ridge area were placed into a secure-the-building status today for more than an hour due to police activity.

During a secure-the-building status, students who may have been outside during recess or P.E. are brought inside the building. Exterior doors remain locked as usual, but entry in and out of the building is limited.

“This is a different status than a lockdown status. None of our schools were in a lockdown status,” said spokeswoman Megan Silas. “[Prince William County Public Schools] has a great relationship with Prince William County PD, who kept us informed.”

The school division notified parents via email and text messages after they limited entry to the school buildings’ doors.

Police are searching for 37-year-old Karen Nicole Pollard, a homeless woman, who is wanted in connection to the shooting death of Patrica Belgin, 51, also homeless, on December 28, 2023.

Police said Pollard shot and killed Belgin after an argument over fentanyl pills, in the 1200 block of Easy Street, just off Route 1 in Woodbridge.

Pollard remains on the loose.

Meanwhile, sheriff’s deputies briefly closed a portion of Interstate 95 near Garrisonville Road in neighboring Stafford County for a chase that started at a Walmart on Warrenton Road (Route 17) in south Stafford.

The theft occurred about 12:30 p.m., and detectives followed the suspect’s car to I-95 north. Additional deputies were called in, and police were able to stop the suspects after a brief chase.

Several people have been arrested, said Stafford Sheriff’s Major Shawn Kimmitz.  We’ll post more about this one when we have it.

 

Prince William police reported the following incidents.

“Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds – On January 3 at 1:38 p.m., the School Security Officer (SRO) assigned to Potomac High School located at 3401 Panther Pride Drive in [Wodbridge] was alerted to a student in possession of a weapon. The investigation revealed the student, identified as the accused, was being detained on an unrelated detention order when he was found in possession of a knife. The SRO determined at no time did the accused brandish the weapon in a way to threaten students, faculty, or staff. Following the investigation, the SRO obtained petitions for the accused, identified as a 15-year-old male juvenile. On January 6, after consultation with Juvenile Court Services, the case resulted in a formal action and will be handled through the court process at a later date. Charged on January 6: [Juvenile] A 15-year-old male juvenile of Dumfries. Charged with possession of weapon on school grounds. Court Date: Pending | Status: Charged/Petitions Obtained.”

Prince William Police Department: “Armed Robbery – On January 5 at 11:30 p.m., officers responded to the 15300 block of Blacksmith Terrace in Woodbridge to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed a 16-year-old male juvenile, accompanied by a 15-year-old male acquaintance arranged to sell marijuana to three other juveniles via a social media app at a nearby playground. During the encounter, the three juvenile suspects struck both victims with firearms before taking the marijuana and fleeing on foot. Minor injuries were reported by one of the victims. The suspects were described as black males wearing dark-colored clothing.”

“Strong-Arm Robbery – On January 6 at 10:30 p.m., officers responded to the Woodlee Terrace Apartments located in the 12500 block of Gordon Boulevard in Woodbridge to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 28-year-old man, was he was approached by two unknown men as he exited his apartment building. During the encounter, the men demanded money from the victim. When the victim refused, the suspects pushed, chocked, and kicked the victim before taking his money. The suspects then fled the area on foot. Minor injuries were reported. Officers and a police K-9 searched the area for the suspects who were not located. Suspect Descriptions: A light-skinned male, in his 30’s, approximately 6’2, with a thicker build and a full beard. Last seen wearing a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt and baggy pants. A black male, approximately 5’11, with a thin build, and a goatee. Last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black baggy pants.”

“Reckless Handling of a Firearm | Road Rage Related – On January 6 at 12:46 p.m., officers responded to the area of Gideon Drive near Smoketown Road in Woodbridge to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed the victim, a 28-year-old man, was driving on Gideon Road when he was involved in a road rage incident with the driver of a black Chevrolet Tahoe. Both vehicles stopped near the above intersection where the victim approached the driver of the Tahoe where a verbal altercation escalated. During the encounter, the driver of the Tahoe brandished a firearm and fired a round into the air before fleeing. No injuries or property damage reported. The driver was described as a Hispanic male wearing a red hat and a grey hooded sweatshirt.”

“Reckless Handling of a Firearm – On January 4 at 9:17 p.m., officers responded to Lindsay Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram located at 8100 Centreville Road in Manassas to investigate a destruction of property. The investigation revealed an employee located a vehicle on the lot with a bullet hole and fragment in the hood. The vehicle was struck sometime between 5:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., the vehicle was both parked on the lot and used in a test drive. It is currently unknown where the vehicle was struck. No injuries or additional property damage were reported.”

“Strangulation | Domestic Related – On January 6 at 9:27 p.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 3700 block of Turn Back Trail in Triangle to investigate a domestic dispute. The investigation revealed the victim, a 20-year-old man, and a family member, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. At one point during the encounter, the accused brandished a firearm before using the firearm to physically strike the victim. The accused then grabbed the victim’s neck before the parties separated. Minor injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Carlyle Matthew MITCHELL, was arrested. Arrested on January 6: Carlyle Matthew MITCHELL, 38, of the 3700 block of Turn Back Trail in Triangle. Charged with strangulation, brandishing a firearm, and domestic assault & battery. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.”

“Strangulation | Domestic Related – On December 29, officers responded to investigate a domestic dispute that was reported to have occurred in the 16500 block of River Ridge Boulevard in Woodbridge during the afternoon of December 22. The investigation revealed the victim, a 22-year-old woman, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation in a parked vehicle that escalated. During the encounter, the accused got on top of the victim and struck her before grabbing her neck. At one point, the victim was physically prevented from getting out of the vehicle by the accused. After the accused drove out of the area, the victim was able to leave the vehicle. Minor injuries were reported. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Daniel Xavier COWARD, who was taken into custody on January 7, 2024. Arrested on January 7, 2024: Daniel Xavier COWARD, 23, of 301 Wingfoot Court in Accokeek, Maryland. Charged with strangulation, abduction, and domestic assault & battery. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable.”

“Assault & Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer [LEO] – On January 5 at 10:36 p.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 14500 block of Earlham Court in Woodbridge to investigate a domestic dispute. While investigating the incident, officers identified the primary aggressor as the accused. When officer’s attempted to detain the accused, he actively resisted and refused to follow officers’ commands. During the brief
struggle, the accused pushed an officer and elbowed a second officer before being detained without further incident. An initial party involved in the domestic and an officer reported minor injuries. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Jason Antonio SOSA, was arrested. Arrested on January 5: Jason Antonio SOSA, 24, of the 14500 block of Earlham Court in Woodbridge. Charged with 2 counts of assault & battery on LEO, 1 count of domestic assault & battery, and 1 count of obstruction of justice. Court Date: Pending | Bond: $2,500 Unsecured Bond.”

Prince William Police Department: “Commercial Burglary – On January 8 at 9:45 a.m., officers responded to the Verizon store located at 3278 Old Bridge Road in Woodbridge to investigate a burglary. Video surveillance revealed at approximately 2:40 a.m., two unknown men smashed a side glass door and entered the business. Once inside the location, the suspects smashed the glass display cases and took several phones before leaving. There is no suspect description at this time.”

“Brandishing of a Firearm – On January 7 at 10:52 p.m., officers responded to the Candlewood Suites located at 11220 Balls Ford Road in Manassas to investigate brandishing. The investigation revealed the victim, a 48-year-old man, was involved in a verbal altercation in the parking lot with another man, identified as the accused. During the encounter, the accused brandished two firearms before the victim left the parking lot and contacted the police. The accused remained on scene and was detained without incident. The accused was found in possession of two firearms, ammunition, and suspected illegal narcotics. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Michael Lee LOVELACE, was arrested. Arrested on January 7:

Michael Lee LOVELACE, 46, of 11220 Balls Ford Road in Manassas. Charged with 2 counts of transporting a firearm by a convicted felon, 1 count of brandishing, 1 count of possession of a firearm while in possession of a schedule I/II drug, and 1 count of possession of narcotics with intent to sell. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable.”

Prince William police report the first murder in the county of 2024.

On Saturday, January 6 at 5:04 p.m., officers responded to investigate a shooting that reportedly occurred in the area of Possum Point Road and Leonard Street in Dumfries earlier that day.

Officers were initially called to an area hospital where a 24-year-old Desire Alexandria Buggs, 24, of Woodbridge was suffering from a gunshot wound and later died. The preliminary investigation revealed her husband, later identified as the accused, brought the victim to the hospital after the shooting occurred and provided detectives with an account of what led up to the shooting, police said.

While investigating, additional information and the weapon believed to be used during the shooting were turned over to police. Further investigation revealed the accused was involved in the incident. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Daniel Okoe Lawson, 24, of 14306 Jeffries Road, Apt #602, in Woodbridge, was arrested.

Lawson faces felony murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and shooting into an occupied vehicle charges.

Detectives are continuing their investigation to determine what led up to the shooting and the shooting location. Anyone with information that could aid investigators in this investigation are asked to contact police.

Charged with felony murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and shooting into an occupied vehicle

There were 22 murders in Prince William County in 2023, a tie with a 10-year high recorded in 2016.

Prince William Police Department: “Attempted Malicious Wounding *ARRESTS – On January 2, 2024, officers concluded the investigation into the shots fired call that was reported to have occurred in a parking lot in the 14600 block of Potomac Mills Road in Woodbridge on July 20, 2023. During the investigation, officers were able to identify and obtained warrants for two men who shot during the altercation. The incident stemmed from a previous dispute involving other known parties. While investigating the incident, one of the accused tampered with evidence. One of the suspects, identified as Gabriel Alexander BRUINS, was served on

January 2 while in custody at the Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center on unrelated charges, while the second suspect, identified as Kalill Gary GILL, was located in the Woodbridge area and taken into custody without incident the following day. Arrested between January 2-3: Gabriel Alexander BRUINS, 22, of 3519 Forestdale Avenue in Woodbridge. Charged with attempted malicious wounding and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Court Date: Pending | Status: Remains Incarcerated. Kalill Gary GILL, 20, of 3328 Wyndale Court in Woodbridge. Charged with attempted malicious wounding, evidence tampering, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.”

“Attempted Malicious Wounding [Previously Released] – On July 20 at 8:21 p.m., officers responded to a parking lot located in the 14600 block of Potomac Mills Road in Woodbridge to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed the victim, a 22-year-old man, and a female acquaintance were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. At one point during the encounter, the woman contacted two male acquaintances who drove to the parking lot and confronted the victim. When the two men retrieved firearms from the vehicle, the victim fled on foot. The suspects followed the victim before rounds were exchanged between the two parties. The suspects fled prior to police arriving in the area. No injuries or property
damage were reported. While checking the area, officers located shell casings in the parking lot. This incident was not random. The investigation continues as officers attempt to locate the suspects.”

“Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling – On January 4 at 12:46 a.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 12500 block of Bristow Road in Nokesville to investigate a destruction of property. The investigation revealed several shots were fired from the roadway which struck the home multiple times. No injuries or additional property damage were reported. Several shell casings and live rounds were located in the roadway and near the driveway.”

“Commercial Burglary – On January 3 at 10:40 a.m., officers responded to Buffalo Phillys located at 13748 Smoketown Road in Woodbridge to investigate a burglary. Video surveillance revealed at approximately 5:18 a.m., an unknown man smashed the glass front door with a crowbar style tool. The suspect then entered the store where he took money from the registers before fleeing on foot. The suspect was described being mid-20s, wearing a light-colored hooded sweatshirt and pants, and dark-colored shoes.”

“Attempted Malicious Wounding of a Law Enforcement Officer [LEO] – On January 3 at 9:31 a.m., officers responded to the Holiday Inn Express located at 10810 Battleview Parkway in Manassas to investigate a larceny. Responding officers located a man, identified as the accused matching the suspect description in the parking lot of the business sitting in a running vehicle. When officers attempted to make contact with the man, he began to drive the vehicle, striking an officer with the side mirror before striking the officer a second time with the front of the vehicle. The accused then fled the parking lot and disregarded the officer’s emergency equipment, and refused to stop. Officers pursued the accused onto Battleview Parkway to Lee Highway, where the accused attempted to strike a police cruiser. Eventually, the accused stopped his vehicle on Lee Highway. where he was taken into custody without incident. The stolen property was located inside the vehicle. The officer was treated at an area hospital for minor injuries. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Nathaniel PRESIDENT III, was arrested. Arrested on January 3: Nathaniel PRESIDENT III, 31, of 9702 Clark Place in Manassas. Charged with attempted malicious wounding on LEO, assault & battery on LEO, felony hit & run, eluding, and petit larceny. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.”