At the Occoquan Town Council’s November 6 meeting, members revisited the Riverwalk Project, a long-anticipated expansion to connect more of the town’s waterfront to its main pedestrian pathways.
This discussion followed up on plans from the September 20, 2022 meeting, when the council authorized the Berkley Group to develop a comprehensive project vision covering the Riverwalk and Riverwalk Overlook expansions. This plan, funded through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), involved a survey of local conditions, community feedback sessions, and preliminary diagrams, ultimately completed in September 2023.
On November 7, an investigation was initiated into an assault at Freedom High School involving a school security officer who allegedly pinched an 18-year-old female student's cheek during an inappropriate conversation on October 8. The officer, 41, was charged with assault and battery and served with a summons on November 8.
Press Release from Prince William Police:
Assault & Battery – On November 7, the School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to Freedom High School located at 15201 Neabsco Mills Rd in Woodbridge (22191) began an investigation into an assault by a school staff member against a student that reportedly occurred on October 8. The investigation revealed the victim, an 18-year-old female student, was on a bus in the parking lot of the school when she encountered a school security officer, identified as the accused. During the encounter, the accused pinched the victim’s cheek while he engaged in an inappropriate conversation. No injuries were reported. The incident recently came to the attention of school officials who notified the police. Following the investigation, the SRO obtained a summons for the accused, identified as Pedro S. CHIRINO who was served on November 8.
Charged on November 8: [No photo available]
Pedro S. CHIRINO, 41, of 4008 Presidential Hill Lp in Dumfries
Charged with assault & battery
Court Date: Pending | Status: Released on Court Summons
[Photo by KawĂŞ Rodrigues via Pexels]Prince William County's Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) is now conducting its Housing and Community Needs Survey to gather resident perspectives on these needs.
Because the county, the City of Manassas and Manassas Park receive $3 million in federal funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the county is administering this survey to best determine where the highest needs are in the community.
[Photo courtesy of Prince William County]On Friday, November 15, Prince William County will join national celebrations for America Recycles Day with events at Chinn Park Regional Library and Central Library, where residents can learn about recycling and participate in the "I Recycle" pledge contest. The county is also participating in a regional contest through the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, offering prizes including REI gift certificates and grants for schools promoting recycling.
Press Release:
On Nov. 15, Prince William County will join communities nationwide to celebrate America Recycles Day (ARD). ARD, an initiative of Keep America Beautiful, has been an annual awareness campaign dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States since 1997.
The new Human Rights Commission's Student Leadership Council. [Courtesy of Prince William County]Prince William County's Human Rights Commission (HRC) recently welcomed its largest Student Leadership Council (SLC) with 67 students.
The SLC welcomed its first cohort of students in 2015, and in its nine years, this year's cohort has the largest group of students across the county's public and private schools and home school students. The council is comprised of sophomores, juniors and seniors.
The council is meant to help students "develop leadership skills and learn about county government through the lens of human rights," a county press release stated. Students will learn about equity and inclusion; the United States Equal Opportunity Commission; the Fair Housing Act; and the rights and responsibilities in the workplace.
On November 7, 2024, Prince William County Circuit Court Judge Angela Horan of the Prince William County Circuit Court ordered Anthony Omar Andrade, 26, to serve 30 years in prison for the second-degree murder of his close friend, Jose Alonso Bedregal, in November 2023.
The case, prosecuted by Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Garrett Jagtiani, reached its conclusion after Andrade’s guilty plea to the murder charge, with the court sentencing him to 40 years with 10 years suspended, followed by five years of supervised probation upon his release.
[Image: Prince William Fire and Rescue]Fire crews responded to a car fire that spread to a house and surrounding brush on Molair Road near Manassas. The fire caused extensive damage to the home, which was deemed unsafe, and the American Red Cross is assisting two occupants.
Press Release from Prince William Fire and Rescue:
House Fire
Sunday, November 10, 2024
10:18 AM
This morning units were dispatched to the 11800 blk of Molair Road ([Near] Manassas) for a caller reporting a car on fire next to a house. Crews arrived on the scene with an auto fire and a rapidly spreading fire into a single-family dwelling. The surrounding brush and other combustibles were also ignited. The location of the home required rural water supply operations, but the fire was quickly brought under control. The home sustained extensive damage and was declared unsafe to occupy by the Building Official. No injuries were reported. The American Red [Cross] is assisting 2 adult occupants who were displaced. Based on observations and witnesses, indications are the fire was ignited by the recently driven and parked vehicle igniting combustible vegetation under the vehicle.
[Image: Prince William County]Prince William County has completed a $30-million infrastructure project along Prince William Parkway and Discovery Boulevard, funded by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. The improvements include expanded lanes, a shared-use path, and a sidewalk, aimed at reducing congestion and supporting economic growth in the area.
Press Release:
Prince William County has successfully completed substantial improvements along 5,000 feet of Prince William Parkway and 1,500 feet along Discovery Boulevard, including enhancements at the intersection of Discovery Boulevard and Hornbaker Road.
On November 7, officers responded to a crisis situation at an apartment complex near Woodbridge, where an intoxicated woman, attempting self-harm, kicked and struck an officer during the intervention. The woman was arrested and charged with assault on a law enforcement officer and obstruction of justice, with a court date pending.
Press Release from Prince William Police:
Assault & Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer [LEO] – On November 7 at 4:47PM, officers responded to the Potomac Ridge Apartments located in the 2800 block of Woodmark Dr. [near] Woodbridge (22191) to assist a person in crisis. When officers entered the apartment they observed a woman, later identified as the accused, who was intoxicated and attempting to harm herself. When officers attempted to intervene, the accused kicked and struck an officer before being detained without further incident. No injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Desiree Debora MAHMOUD, was arrested.
Mahmoud, D. D.
Arrested on November 7:
Desiree Debora MAHMOUD, 22, of 2813 Woodmark Dr. [near] Woodbridge
Charged with assault & battery on LEO and obstruction of justice
Court Date: Pending | Bond: $2,500 Unsecured
On November 7, an investigation was initiated into an assault at Freedom High School involving a school security officer who allegedly pinched an 18-year-old female student's cheek during an inappropriate conversation on October 8. The officer, 41, was charged with assault and battery and served with a summons on November 8.
Press Release from Prince William Police:
