The regional Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) conducted the investigation and presented its findings to Prince William County Commonwealthâs Attorney Amy Ashworth. After a thorough evaluation, Ashworth determined that the officer acted lawfully and that no charges would be pursued.
Following the criminal investigation, the Prince William County Police Departmentâs Office of Professional Standards will now review the case internally. Additionally, the departmentâs Use of Deadly Force Review Board will conduct a final assessment to determine whether the shooting was justified and by department policy.
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A traffic signal at the intersection of Brady Lane and Cushing Road, near Prince William Parkway and Balls Ford Road near Manassas, has been removed as part of ongoing roadway realignments in the area. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) dismantled the signal on Wednesday, March 12, between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
VDOT stated the signal was no longer necessary due to shifting traffic patterns following the realignment of Balls Ford Road. As part of the project, Balls Ford Road was moved further south, creating a new interchange. The previous section of the road, east of Prince William Parkway (Route 234), was renamed Brady Lane and no longer intersects the parkway.
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Prince William County officials are raising concerns about a high-voltage transmission line project proposed by Dominion Energy. The project could affect public parks, a public safety training center, and other county-owned properties.
According to Dominion's preliminary plans, the Wishing Star to Morrisville transmission line would run from Loudoun County into Fauquier County, requiring new right-of-way acquisitions and easements.
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Prince William County Fire Chief Thomas LaBelle presented an ambitious plan to replace aging fire stations, upgrade firefighting equipment, and implement a systemwide approach to purchasing fire apparatus during a Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) work session on Tuesday.
The proposal, which spans Fiscal Year 2026 through 2031, aims to improve response times, station reliability, and firefighter safety while addressing rising costs and resource demands. The plan also includes a $158.3 million investment in four new or replacement fire stations and overhauling the countyâs equipment procurement process.
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Felony Child Neglect & Assault on Law Enforcement
On March 11 at Somerset Pointe Apartments in Gainesville, officers responded to a domestic dispute. Lindsay Jo Halsey, 32, was arrested after leaving three children unsupervised in unsafe conditions. Upon her return, she resisted arrest, assaulting multiple officers and attempting to grab a holstered weapon. She is charged with felony child neglect, assault on law enforcement, and obstruction of justice.
Sexual Assault Investigation
On March 10 at 9:22 PM, police responded to Potomac Mills in Woodbridge, where an unknown man engaged in inappropriate physical contact with an employee. The suspect is described as a Black male with bushy hair, wearing a light-colored sweatshirt, black pants, white Nike shoes, and carrying a grey backpack.
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A fiery crash on Interstate 95 southbound on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, caused significant delays overnight and into the early morning hours.
According to Virginia State Police spokesman Matthew Demlein, the crash occurred at approximately 12:17 a.m. at the 150-mile marker at Dumfries when a Honda SUV traveling in the right lane slowed and was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer.
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As part of the fiscal year 2026 budget process, the Department of Public Works (DPW) requested the landfill change its hours to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and open on Sundays. Currently, the landfill is open 69 hours per week Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Khattab Shammout, the DPW director, said he heard many Board members call on him to consider reopening the landfill on Sundays when he was first appointed. Shammout said he was concerned with maintaining the facility's current hours and adding an extra day of work.
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Teen Arrested for Two Strong-Arm Robberies in Woodbridge
A 17-year-old male has been arrested in connection with two robberies in the 14800 block of Winding Loop in Woodbridge.
- The first incident took place on December 25, 2024, when the suspect allegedly brandished a firearm and stole a jacket from the victim.
- The second robbery occurred on February 18, 2025, when a 14-year-old male was approached, and a struggle ensued before the suspect fled with his jacket.
- Police identified the suspect and charged him with two counts of robbery. His court date is pending.
Robbery at Starlight Café in Woodbridge
On March 10 at 11:03 AM, officers responded to Starlight Café on Build America Drive for a reported robbery.
- A suspect grabbed an employeeâs bag from a table, leading to a brief struggle.
- The suspect pushed the victim and fled. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and the bag was recovered in the parking lot.
Suspect Description:
- Black male, 5â7â â 5â9â, about 30 years old
- Wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and carrying a backpack
Vandalism at Unity Braxton Middle School
On March 7 at 2:00 PM, a School Resource Officer at Unity Braxton Middle School in Manassas discovered derogatory language marked in a hallway bathroom stall.
- The writing did not contain threats toward students or staff.
- The incident is under investigation.
Manassas Man Charged with Assaulting Police Officer
A 27-year-old Alexandria man was arrested after assaulting police officers during an altercation on Prince William Parkway near Marblestone Drive on March 10 at 2:17 PM.
- Officers responded to a brandishing incident when the suspect, Joshua Justin Berry, became combative.
- Berry kicked multiple officers and damaged a police vehicle while being transported.
- He was charged with assault & battery on law enforcement, obstruction of justice, and destruction of property and is being held without bond.
Two Charged in $130,000 Fraud
Police arrested Darien Deventon Smith, 31, and Sheniece Elaine Smith, 32, of Bridgeport, CT, for running a money scam that defrauded a 77-year-old Woodbridge woman out of over $130,000.
- The scammers convinced the victim she had won a large sum of money and a vehicle and pressured her to pay fees to claim the prize.
- Over several months, they coerced her into opening bank accounts and purchasing money orders.
- The suspects were arrested in Bridgeport, CT, on February 28 and charged with obtaining money by false pretenses and conspiracy to commit a felony.
STAFFORD COUNTY INCIDENTS
Authorities Seek âArfnold Schwarzeneggerâ Dog Ornament Thief
The Stafford County Sheriffâs Office is investigating a theft at Winding Creek Elementary School, where a cutout dog ornament nicknamed âArfnold Schwarzeneggerâ was stolen on March 8 at 5:46 AM.
- Surveillance footage captured a light-colored, mid-2000s Chevy Colorado at the school.
- The suspect concealed his license plates before stealing the wooden dog and fleeing.
- This is the second time a similar ornament has been stolen from the school.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy J.M. Smihal at 540-658-4400.
Deputy Attacked at Mary Washington Hospital
A Stafford County deputy sustained minor injuries after being attacked in the lobby of Mary Washington Hospital on March 10 at 12:13 PM.
- While assisting a person seeking mental health resources, the deputy was confronted by a known individual from prior incidents.
- Jackson assaulted the deputy, prompting hospital security and staff to intervene.
- The deputy activated his emergency radio button, bringing in Fredericksburg Police, Spotsylvania Sheriffâs Office, and Stafford Sheriffâs Office for assistance.
- Darrell Jackson, 39, of Fredericksburg is charged with assault and battery on law enforcement, disorderly conduct, and obstruction of justice and is being held without bond.
DUI Arrests in Stafford County
Teen Driver Crashes After Drinking Vodka
- Mountain View Road, March 9, 12:04 PM
- A juvenile driver admitted to drinking vodka before crashing a Ford F-150 into a telephone pole, trees, and a fence.
- The driver suffered minor injuries, and DUI-related charges are pending.
Reckless Driver Charged with DUI
- Caisson Road, March 9, 3:45 AM
- A driver in a speeding Chevy swerving on Kings Highway was pulled over.
- The suspect had a suspended license and signs of intoxication.
- Charged with DUI and driving while suspended; held on a $1,000 secured bond.
Theft and Fraud Incidents
Suspect Steals Oil Change at Walmart, Tells Deputy to âGo Get Your Warrantsâ
- Walmart, 217 Garrisonville Road, March 10, 4:23 PM
- A suspect left without paying for an oil change, promising he âmaybeâ would pay later.
- When confronted, he told Deputy S.M. Kotter to âgo get your warrants then.â
- Deputy Kotter did exactly that, serving the suspect with a defrauding warrant.
Juvenile Caught Stealing Stylish Jacket at Target
- Target, 25 South Gateway Drive, March 9, 7:18 PM
- A juvenile suspect attempted to leave the store wearing an unpaid-for jacket.
- A juvenile shoplifting summons was submitted.
Teens Steal Vapes from Valero Fast Mart
- Valero Fast Mart, 2142 Richmond Highway, March 10, 10:57 AM
- Two juvenile females were caught stealing vapes.
- They were charged with shoplifting and underage possession of tobacco.
Public Intoxication Incident
- Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center, 1600 Mine Road, March 9, 11:53 AM
- A heavily intoxicated man insisted on taking a breathalyzer to prove his sobrietyâbut blew three times over the legal limit.
- Charged with public intoxication; held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to contact:
- Prince William County Police: 703-792-7000
- Stafford County Sheriffâs Office: 540-658-4450
At the center of the controversy is School Board Chairman Babur Lateef, who has called for professionalism among board members after a February 19, 2025, altercation between board members Lorree Williams (Woodbridge District) and Erika Tredinnick (Brentsville District) over racial identity.
Meanwhile, the March 5, 2025, meeting became a battleground over LGBTQ+ rights and DEI programs, with community members voicing strong opinions on both sides.
