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.

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The Prince William County Police Department collected 393 pounds of unused and expired prescription drugs and vaping devices during the DEA's national Drug Take-Back event on October 26, 2024. This initiative allows individuals to safely dispose of medications, helping to prevent drug abuse and protect community health.

Press Release from Prince William Police:

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On October 31, officers responded to a robbery investigation near Manassas involving a victim who arranged to sell his vehicle through Facebook Marketplace. The suspect brandished a firearm, demanded the victim’s phone, and drove off with the vehicle, but later returned it before fleeing on foot; all property was recovered. Press Release from Prince William County Police:

Carjacking – On October 31 at 8:16PM, officers responded to the 12800 block of Galveston Ct [near] Manassas (20112) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 44-year-old man, arranged to sell his vehicle to unknown party over Facebook Marketplace. The victim met with the other man in the above area to test drive the vehicle. While both men were in the vehicle, the suspect brandished a firearm and demanded the victim’s phone before telling the victim to exit the vehicle. The suspect then drove off in the victim’s vehicle. No injuries were reported. The victim went to a nearby business to contact police. Before officers arrived on scene, the suspect returned the vehicle and left on foot. All property was recovered. A police K-9 searched the area for the suspect who was not located.

Suspect Description: Black male, mid-20’s, 5’8” with a thin build, black hair, and unshaven face Last seen wearing a dark-colored shirt and tan pants

 

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As Halloween approaches on October 31, 2024, Prince William Police Department encourages parents to prioritize their children's safety while trick-or-treating by following essential tips, such as wearing light colors, using flashlights, and going in groups. Additionally, children should only visit familiar homes, wait until they're home to eat treats, and parents should check all candy before consumption.

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October is Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Prince William Police Department is urging both pedestrians and drivers to prioritize safety on the roads. Drivers must stop for pedestrians in all crosswalks, while pedestrians are encouraged to use marked crosswalks and follow safety tips to avoid accidents.

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Virginia State Police: The Fourth of July brings feasts, fireworks, and parties, but the Virginia State Police (VSP) is asking that it include focus and sobriety as well.  

The 2024 summer driving season has gotten off to a deadly start, with preliminary numbers showing 13 fatalities over the Memorial Day holiday, and an additional 25 fatalities in the week following Memorial Day.

 “We want to be able to say that this was one of the safest July 4 holidays ever on Virginia’s roads,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, VSP Superintendent. “In order to do that, we are going to need all Virginians to drive sober, avoid distractions, comply with posted speed limits, and buckle up.”

 VSP recommends that if you do plan to drink at a July 4th party, plan ahead for a designated driver or make sure you have a rideshare service or taxi handy.   Public transportation is also a safe option, if available. 

Party hosts are encouraged to serve non-alcoholic drink options and make sure guests do not drink and drive home from their event.

VSP will participate in the Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.), a national program to reduce crashes, fatalities, and injuries from impaired driving, speeding, and not wearing seat belts. The statistical counting period for the Fourth of July begins at 12:01 a.m. on July 3 and ends at midnight on July 7, 2024. VSP will increase patrols, focusing on July 3 and July 7, expected to be the busiest travel days.

During the 2023 Operation CARE initiative, VSP arrested 36 drivers for operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs and cited 2,051 speeders and 980 reckless drivers. 254 citations were issued to individuals for failing to buckle up, and another 74 citations for children not being properly secured in a vehicle. Troopers also cited 124 drivers for violating Virginia’s “hands free” law.  

Virginians are also reminded to follow Virginia’s “Move Over” law.  State law requires motorists to either move over a lane, or if that is not safe, slow down, for any vehicle on the shoulder with emergency markings such as flares, emergency lights, emergency triangles, or flashing lights.

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VA State Police Motor Troops will conduct the safety courses.

Virginia State Police are offering a free skills and safety course taught by VA State Police Motors Troops. The announcement follows the death of five motorcyclists on VA roads this week.

Five Motorcyclists Killed on Virginia Roads This Week

Fairfax, Va. – Warmer weather traditionally leads to an increase of motorists of all kinds on the roads, especially motorcycles. With that increased traffic comes the increased likelihood of motorcycle and vehicle interactions. Virginia State Police is once again offering its “Ride 2 Save Lives” motorcycle self-assessment courses across the Commonwealth in hopes of making those interactions as safe as possible.

This week, five motorcyclists have been killed on Virginia roadways (one in Alexandria, three in Henrico County, and one in Campbell County). Virginia State Police is investigating two of them, including one that occurred Tuesday (April 9, 2024) on Campbell Highway in Campbell County and one that occurred on Interstate 295 in Henrico County. The Alexandria crash is being investigated by the Alexandria Police Department.

The “Ride 2 Save Lives” self-assessment courses allow current riders the opportunity to learn and practice rider safety, how to handle hazards, special situations, interstate highways, curve negotiation and much more. The courses are conducted by Virginia State Police Motors Troopers in a safe and controlled environment.

There is also a course available in Manassas (Northern Virginia Community College – Manassas Campus, 6901 Sudley Road, Manassas, Va., 20109) on April 20th. To register, and to find additional courses, you can visit virginiastatepolice.eventbrite.com. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. All participants must have a valid operator’s license with a Class ‘M’ endorsement, appropriate riding attire, and helmet and eye protection. Motorcycles must be street legal and helmets must be USDOT approved to participate in this program.

Additional courses are available through October.