On November 6, the driver of a 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter van was charged with careless driving following a fatal crash on November 4 near Manassas, which killed a 90-year-old pedestrian. The investigation determined that distracted driving contributed to the collision, and the driver was issued a court summons for the traffic violation.
Press Release from Prince William Police:
Fatal Crash Investigation *DRIVER CHARGED – On November 6, crash investigators obtained a court summons for a traffic violation citing the driver of the 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter van in the fatal collision that occurred in the 10100 block of Lake Jackson Dr. [near] Manassas (20111) on November 4. The investigation revealed the driver of the van, identified as the accused, was distracted which contributed to the collision that killed a 90-year-old man who was walking on the shoulder of the roadway. Following the investigation, investigators obtained a summons for the accused, identified as Russell Anthony CAROLLA, who was served on November 6.
Charged on November 6: [No Photo Available]
Russell Anthony CAROLLA, 68, of 10614 Lake Jackson Dr. [near] Manassas
Charged with careless driving
Court Date: November 21, 2024 | Status: Released on a Court SummonsIdentified:
The deceased pedestrian was identified as Gary Paul WILSON, 90, of ManassasFatal Crash Investigation [Previously Released] – On November 4 at 4:18PM, officers responded to the 10100 block of Lake Jackson Dr. [near] Manassas (20111) to investigate a crash involving a pedestrian. The investigation revealed the driver of a 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter van was traveling eastbound on Lake Jackson Dr. when the vehicle struck a pedestrian who was walking on the shoulder portion of the roadway. At the location of the crash, no sidewalk is present. The pedestrian was transported to an area hospital where he died later that evening from injuries sustained during the crash. The driver of the striking vehicle remained at the scene and was not injured. Investigators determined that speed was not a factor in the crash. Crash investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash to contact police. Charges are pending as the investigation continues.
Jennifer Snitselaar, General Manager of Potomac Mills, emphasized the mall’s commitment to being a “center of community” in Woodbridge. “We are a very large tourist destination, and we aim to be a reflection of our community within our doors,” said Snitselaar. “Collaborating with Prince William Police to create a safe and welcoming environment is part of that mission.” The mall’s police substation, a permanent fixture, is another example of the ongoing partnership designed to enhance safety and build community connections.
Parent Lauren Lumley, who lives in Woodbridge with her 13-month-old son, Sawyer, said the event provided an invaluable experience for her child. “I thought it was really important for Sawyer to get to see police officers, so the first time he either needs one or sees one out in the world, it’s not so scary,” Lumley explained.
For Lumley and other local families, Potomac Mills has become more than a shopping destination—it’s a central community hub. “We come to the mall many times a week,” she said. “They offer so much for kids, from play areas to events like this. It’s a place where the community comes together.”
The meet-and-greet event exemplifies Potomac Mills’ role as a gathering place for the local community, offering not only shopping but also family-friendly activities that promote safety and engagement. The partnership with Prince William Police aims to build lasting bonds and a welcoming environment where children and families feel at home with their local law enforcement officers.
@ShoPotomacMills gives children Build-A-Bear dolls to children at today’s meet-and-greet with @PWCPolice. There were lots of smiles in the room. pic.twitter.com/lzaADepQ8p
— Potomac Local News (@PotomacLocal) November 5, 2024
On November 4, a pedestrian was struck by a 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter van while walking on the shoulder of Lake Jackson Dr. near Manassas and later died from his injuries. The driver, a 68-year-old man, remained at the scene, and investigators are seeking witnesses as the investigation continues, with charges pending.
Press Release from Prince William Police:
Fatal Crash Investigation – On November 4 at 4:18PM, officers responded to the 10100 block of Lake Jackson Dr. [near] Manassas (20111) to investigate a crash involving a pedestrian. The investigation revealed the driver of a 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter van was traveling eastbound on Lake Jackson Dr. when the vehicle struck a pedestrian who was walking on the shoulder portion of the roadway. At the location of the crash, no sidewalk is present. The pedestrian was transported to an area hospital where he died later that evening from injuries sustained during the crash. The driver of the striking vehicle remained at the scene and was not injured. Investigators determined that speed was not a factor in the crash. Crash investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash to contact police. Charges are pending as the investigation continues.
Identified:
The deceased pedestrian was identified as Gary Paul WILSON, 90, of Manassas
The driver of the 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van was identified as a 68-year-old man of Manassas
The Virginia State Police HEAT program awarded five police departments and seventeen individuals for efforts in reducing vehicle theft across the Commonwealth during an event on August 26. Notably, the Prince William County Police Department won the top award for departments serving populations over 100,000, highlighting its significant contributions to auto theft enforcement.
Press Release from Virginia State Police:
The Virginia State Police (VSP) Help Eliminate Auto Theft (HEAT) program presented awards to five Virginia police departments and seventeen individuals to recognize their efforts in reducing vehicle theft and theft of vehicle parts across the Commonwealth. The awards ceremony took place on August 26 during the annual conference of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police & Foundation held in Roanoke.
The following awards were presented by First Sergeant Peter Lazear, HEAT Program Coordinator:
The Prince William County Police Department was the agency winner for departments serving a population of more than 100,000, and the Henrico County Police Division and Newport News Police Department were finalists in the same category. The Salem Police Department took the top prize for departments serving a population from 20,001 to 100,000, and the Town of Hillsville Police Department received a certificate of merit.
Detective Scott Letteer, Henrico County Police Division, was an individual winner for departments serving a population of more than 100,000, and Trooper Garrison Wright and Senior Special Agent Heather Marshall, Virginia State Police, were winners across the Commonwealth.
Individual finalists for departments serving populations of more than 100,000 were Senior Officer Ralph Adams, Patrol Officer Matthew Cayne, and Patrol Officer Daniel Crosby, Henrico County Police Division. Sergeant Michael Roser and Trooper Eli Thies, Virginia State Police, were finalists across the Commonwealth.
Certificates of merit were presented to Patrol Officer Hunter Mitchell, Henrico County Police Division, for departments serving a population of over 100,000 and Trooper Alijia Annon and Trooper Jordan Corvin, Virginia State Police, for across the Commonwealth.
Special Agent Christopher Scherer, National Insurance Crime Bureau, received a certificate of merit in the public outreach category. Detective Sang Lee, Patrol Officer Julio Torres-Telez, Detective Hao Truong, Mr. William Reese, and Ms. Anna Whalen, Newport News Police Department, received certificates of merit in the same category.
The HEAT Awards program is open to all Virginia law enforcement entities and employees who work in auto theft enforcement and prevention. “We are grateful to law enforcement agencies and officers from throughout Virginia who join with the Virginia State Police in fighting vehicle theft,” Lazear said. “These annual awards are an opportunity to recognize outstanding efforts.”
“Virginia citizens also have an important role to play in preventing auto theft,” said First Sgt. Lazear. “By following a few common-sense tips, they can protect their vehicles.” The HEAT program recommends the following:
- Take your keys and lock your doors every time you leave your vehicle.
- Never leave valuables in plain sight in your vehicle. Place them in the trunk or somewhere out of sight.
- Be aware of your surroundings when out and about.
- Park in well-lit areas.
- Invest in an audible or visible deterrent.
- Install GPS or other tracking devices.
Learn more about the HEAT program at HEATreward.com.
On October 26, a 16-year-old male juvenile from Woodbridge was charged in connection to an armed robbery at a 7-Eleven in Montclair on March 5. In addition, on November 1, a different suspect committed two other armed robberies in Woodbridge and was later identified driving a stolen truck, with the investigation ongoing.
Press Releases from Prince William police:
Armed Robbery *SUSPECT IDENTIFIED | ARREST – On October 26, detectives identified and arrested a 16-year-old male juvenile in connection to the armed robbery that was reported to have occurred at the 7-Eleven located at 16170 Country Club Dr. in Dumfries (22025) on March 5.
Arrested on October 26: [Juvenile]
A 16-year-old male juvenile of Woodbridge
Charged with robbery, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and underage possession of a firearm
Court Date: Pending | Status: Held at the Juvenile Detention CenterArmed Robbery [Previously Released] – On March 5 at 5:16AM, officers responded to investigate a robbery that was reported to have occurred at the 7-Eleven located at 16170 Country Club Dr. in Dumfries (22025) at approximately 4:28AM. The investigation revealed an unknown man brandished a firearm towards the employee and demanded money and tobacco products. The suspect fled the store with an undisclosed amount of money and tobacco products. No shots were fired, and no injuries reported. The suspect was described as wearing a black ski-style mask and a black jacket.
Additionally, another armed robbery occurred, this one more recently:
Armed Robberies – On November 1 at 2:30PM, officers responded to Todos Supermarket located at 13905 Richmond Hwy. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victims, a 29-year-old woman and a 49-year-old man, were approached by an unknown man in the parking lot. During the encounter, the suspect opened the driver’s door before brandishing a firearm and demanding property. The suspect took the male victim’s wallet and phone before leaving in a light-colored F-150 truck. While investigating the incident, a second armed robbery was reported in the 14400 block of Gemstone Dr. where the suspect of similar description brandished a firearm towards a 61-year-old woman and a 29-year-old woman. The suspect took an undisclosed amount of money before leaving in a vehicle matching the previous robbery. As officers were checking the area, the suspect vehicle was located unoccupied in the commuter lot off Prince William Pkwy near I-95. Officers also located some of the stolen property and determined the truck was previously reported stolen. No injuries were reported. The investigation continues as officers attempt to identify the suspect(s) involved in the investigation.
Suspect Description:
A Hispanic male, 40’s, approximately 5’5”, with a thin build and a mustache
No reported clothing description
Press Release from Prince William Police:
The Prince William County Police Department collected 393 pounds of unused and/or expired prescription drugs as well as e-cigarette and vaping devices as part of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) national Drug Take-Back event held on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
The DEA joins federal, state, and local agencies twice a year to host prescription drug take-back collection sites in U.S. communities.
This initiative offers individuals a safe and convenient method to remove opioids and other prescription medications from their homes, preventing them from being stolen or abused. According to the DEA, the national prescription drug take-back events address a crucial public safety and public health issue.
The DEA notes that most abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends – often from the home medicine cabinet. These events provide an opportunity for County residents to help prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.
The partner agencies involved wish to thank the public for their participation in continuing to keep our communities safe and healthy. By turning in these unwanted prescription drugs – rather than throwing them away or flushing them down a sink or toilet – they are kept out of the landfill and our water supply.
For more information, please call the Crime Prevention Unit at (703) 792-7270.
A man was fatally shot in a commuter parking lot along Prince William Parkway late Saturday night in what police have described as an altercation that turned deadly.
On November 2, at 10:42 p.m., Prince William County police were called to the commuter lot at 2250 Prince William Parkway to investigate reports of gunfire. Officers found the victim, later identified as Jeffery Kojo Owusu, 27, suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. Police provided first aid at the scene, and then took Owusu to a nearby hospital, where he later died.
The investigation revealed that an altercation between Owusu and the suspect, a 22-year-old man, had escalated into a struggle over a firearm. During the struggle, Owusu was shot. Following the shooting, Geiger reportedly fled the scene, prompting a search involving a police K-9 unit and a Fairfax County police helicopter. Authorities located Geiger later that day at his residence in Vienna, where he was detained without incident.
Christian Geiger, of Vienna, is charged with with involuntary manslaughter. He is currently held without bond, awaiting a court date.
The incident marks the 20th recorded negligent manslaughter or murder case in Prince William County this year, although this case may not be counted in murder statistics, as law enforcement categorizes incidents under specific classifications.
Authorities emphasized that this was not a random act and confirmed that the confrontation between Owusu and Geiger was an isolated encounter.
INCIDENT: Shooting | #Woodbridge; #PWCPD is on scene of a shooting at the commuter lot in the 2200 block of Prince William Pkwy. One man with a gunshot injury. Extent of injuries currently unknown. Please report suspicious persons in the area to police. pic.twitter.com/31uWpWb2Yg
— Prince William County Police Department (@PWCPolice) November 3, 2024
More as we have it.
On October 30, multiple suspects were arrested in connection with the murder of a 43-year-old man identified as Jason Thomas Blake, who was found deceased in a vehicle on October 27. The investigation revealed that the victim had been shot after an altercation during a drug-related meeting, and the suspects were involved in his abduction and murder.
Press Release from Prince William County Police Department:
Murder Investigation *ARRESTS | VICTIM IDENTIFIED – On October 30, detectives obtained arrest warrants and later apprehended multiple suspects in connection to the murder of a 43-year-old man who was found deceased in the 18500 block of Triangle Street in Triangle (22172) on October 27. The victim was handcuffed and located by an acquaintance in the backseat of his vehicle that was parked in the above area. The victim had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation revealed on October 25, the victim met with multiple acquaintances, identified as the accused men below, at a home on Cherry Hill Rd in Dumfries to purchase narcotics and sell a firearm. During the encounter, an altercation ensued, and the victim was handcuffed and forcibly abducted from the residence against his will. The victim was eventually taken to a secluded area along Triangle St where he was shot and killed. As the investigation progressed, the three accused men were subsequently identified as being present at the time of the abduction or were present or directly involved in the victim’s murder. Following the investigation, the below listed suspects were arrested. Anyone with information that can aid in the investigation is asked to contact the police.
Identified:
The deceased was identified as Jason Thomas BLAKE, 43, of WoodbridgeHomicide Investigation [Previously Released] – On October 27 at 10:34AM, officers responded to a residence located at the 18500 block of Triangle Street in Triangle (22172) for a report of an injured adult male found inside a vehicle. The investigation revealed the victim was found by an acquaintance with life-threatening injuries and later pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s injuries were determined to be suspicious in nature and not self-inflicted. Detectives are actively investigating the incident and are seeking to speak with anyone who has information to aid in the investigation. Preliminarily, this incident does not appear to be random. The identity of the deceased, a 43-year-old male, will be released pending notifications of a next-of-kin. More information will be released as it becomes available. The investigation continues.
Arrested between October 30-31:
Jerrome Thomas BARNES, 40, of 3200 Jasper Hill Ct [near] Dumfries
Charged with murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, abduction, and conspiracy to commit a felonyJackson Arthur CRISLER, 30, of 14029 Matthews Dr in Woodbridge
Charged with murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, abduction, conspiracy to commit a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felonTryevon Elgha DAVIS, 31, of 2158 Cherry Hill Rd [near] Dumfries
Charged with 1 count of accessory before the fact in commission of a felony, 1 count of conspiracy to commit a felony, 2 counts of use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and 1 count of abductionCourt Date: Pending | Bond: All Held WITHOUT Bond
