A fatal crash investigation is underway following an incident on September 5 at 3:27 p.m. in Woodbridge, near Old Bridge Road and Occoquan roads. A 2023 Kawasaki motorcycle, operated by 23-year-old Melanie Ruby Morales of Woodbridge, was traveling at high speed when she lost control and slid under a 2009 Roll-off Dumpster truck.
Morales, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the truck, a 56-year-old man from Triangle, remained on-site and was uninjured. Speed was determined to be a factor in the crash. Investigators are seeking witnesses as the investigation continues.
Press release:
Fatal Crash Investigation – On September 5 at 3:27PM, officers responded to the area of Old Bridge Rd. near Occoquan Rd. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a crash involving a motorcycle. The investigation revealed the operator of a 2023 Kawasaki motorcycle was traveling westbound on Old Bridge Rd. approaching Occoquan Rd. at a high rate of speed when the operator lost control and separated from the motorcycle before sliding under and being run over by a 2009 Roll-off Dumpster truck. The motorcycle operator was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Mack truck remained at the scene and was not injured. Investigators determined speed was a factor in the collision. Crash investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash to contact police. The investigation continues.
Identified:
The deceased operator was identified as Melanie Ruby MORALES, 23, of Woodbridge
The driver of the Roll-off Dumpster truck was identified as a 56-year-old man of Triangle
A child was treated for severe burns at a local hospital, and now a 36-year-old woman faces charges.
Press release:
Felony Child Neglect – On August 30, detectives concluded an investigation into a child neglect that was reported to have occurred at the Woodbridge Station Apartments located in the 1300 block of Eisenhower Cl. in Woodbridge (22191) on August 17. The investigation
revealed hot water was spilled onto the victim, a 5-year-old girl, while in the care of her mother, identified as the accused. The child was treated at an area hospital with severe burns. Further investigation revealed the victim was burned in a similar manner previously and appropriate safety precautions had not been taken. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Julia Joyce WILLIAMS, was arrested.Arrested on August 30: [No Photo Available]
Julia Joyce WILLIAMS, 36, of the 1300 block of Eisenhower Cl. in Woodbridge
Charged with felony child neglect
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable
Press Release:
Edutainment Productions at OSA (Open Space Arts) is proud to announce “Harmony of Horizons,” an innovative multidisciplinary performance that pushes the boundaries of artistic collaboration and explores the future of arts institutions. This captivating 25-minute production, written by veteran broadway theatre artist Herb Williams, will debut on September 14th, opening up the 2024 PWC Arts Alive Festival at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.
“Harmony of Horizons” seamlessly blends music, dance, visual art, Fashion, and spoken word to create a unique and immersive experience. The performance features a diverse ensemble of talented artists, including singers, rappers, dramatic actors, ballet dancers, and live visual artists, all coming together to showcase the power of artistic synergy. Notably, Harmony of Horizons is set to spotlight a diverse cast including students from across Prince William County as they take the stage alongside seasoned professionals.
Key highlights of the performance include:
- Original musical scores arranged specifically for this production
- Live musicians (piano, bass, drums, saxophonist) accompanied by vocalists and a rapper
- Ballet dancers interpreting the music through expressive choreography
- Visual artists creating a live works
- A thought-provoking dialogue on the future of arts institutions, emphasizing accessibility, technology, and multidisciplinary collaboration
Christopher James, Development Director at Edutainment Productions, states, “With ‘Harmony of Horizons,’ we’re not just putting on a show; we’re presenting a vision for the future of the arts. This performance demonstrates how traditional and contemporary art forms can come together to create something truly extraordinary.”
The production aims to entertain while also informing the audience about the importance of forward-thinking in arts institutions. It serves as a model for how varied artistic expressions can unite to create an experience greater than the sum of its parts.
Open Space Arts invites media representatives to attend a special preview rehearsal of “Harmony of Horizons” on [Last Rehearsal]. This event will provide an opportunity for interviews with the creative team and performers.
For more information about “Harmony of Horizons” or to schedule an interview, please contact Isaiah Luckey at admin@openspaceartspwc.com or (703) 586-2540.About Open Space Arts: Open Space Arts is a leading cultural institution dedicated to promoting artistic expression and fostering creativity in Northern Virginia. Through innovative programming and community engagement, Open Space Arts strives to make the arts accessible to all while pushing the boundaries of artistic collaboration.
Potomac River Orthodontics, led by Dr. Owais Naeem, will mark its first anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 4 p.m. The event will occur at 12701 Galveston Court, near Hoadly Road and Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge.
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On August 24, officers responded to multiple residential shootings in Woodbridge, where gunfire struck homes on Yawl Court, Lost Colony Drive, and Minnie Court, leading to the arrest of an 18-year-old man, who faces charges including nine counts of attempted aggravated malicious wounding and three counts each of shooting into an occupied dwelling and using a firearm in the commission of a felony, with no reported injuries or additional property damage.
From Prince William police:
Attempted Aggravated Malicious Wounding – On August 24 at 3:46AM, officers responded to a residence located in the 5100 block of Yawl Ct. in [Woodbridge area(22193)] to investigate a shots fired call which struck the home. A short time later, officers were informed of a second shots fired call in the 6100 block of Lost Colony Dr. involving another residence struck by gunfire. During the investigation, officers identified a suspect known to residents in both homes and who was believed to be involved in both incidents. Officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused and began seeking his whereabouts. Later that evening, officers responded to a third residential shooting in the 5600 block of Minnie Ct. also involving the accused. Officers eventually located the accused in the area of Roundtree Dr. where he was detained without incident. No injuries or additional property damage were reported at any of the incident locations. Multiple shell casings were recovered. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Caden Sebastian MILLER, was arrested. Detectives also executed a search warrant at the residence of the accused where evidence was recovered.
Arrested between August 24-26: [No Photo Available]
Caden Sebastian MILLER, 18, of 5676 Roundtree Dr. in [Dale City]
Charged with 9 counts of attempted aggravated malicious wounding, 3 counts of shooting into an
occupied dwelling, 3 counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, 2 counts of
shooting from a vehicle, and 3 counts of destruction of property
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond
From Prince William police:
The Prince William County Police Department will host a community fair on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, to celebrate the county’s diversity, to embrace unity among the various communities in the county and showcase the many facets of police work in the county with displays, fun activities, appointments with a recruiter, pet adoptions and much more.
The event is from noon to 4 p.m. at the Sean
Connaughton Plaza, 1 County Complex Court,
Woodbridge, VA 22192. County residents are
cordially invited to the community fair, which also
will feature displays from numerous County public
safety agencies and other County government
organizations, live music and food trucks.
Background investigators and recruiters will be
present to speak to anyone interested in a career as a police officer. The Department is committed to a diverse workforce and encourages all interested applicants to contact the Prince William County Police Personnel Bureau at (703) 792-6580 or visit the Department’s recruiting website at www.joinpwcpd.org.
The Prince William County Police Department is urgently seeking public assistance to locate Caleb Anthony Beer, a missing endangered adult last contacted on April 6, known to frequent areas in Culpeper, Stafford, Woodbridge, and Dumfries, with his safety currently in question due to undisclosed reasons.
*MISSING ENDANGERED ADULT: The Prince William County Police Department is asking for the public’s help locating Caleb Anthony BEER who was reported missing by family members on April 19. Family members became concerned after not hearing from Caleb for several days with the last known contact with Caleb being on April 6. During the ongoing investigation, additional information was recently obtained by detectives leading to increased concern for Caleb’s wellbeing and has prompted him to now be considered endangered. Currently, it is undetermined if Caleb is missing due to voluntary reasons, or possible foul play. Caleb is unhoused and known to frequent Culpeper, Stafford, Woodbridge, and Dumfries, and unhoused encampment areas. Anyone who has information regarding the whereabouts of this person or information that can otherwise aid in the investigation is asked to contact Prince William County police at 703-792-6500 or your local police department.
Caleb Anthony BEER is described as a black male, 22, 6’1”, 150lbs with black hair and brown eyes
Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin led the groundbreaking ceremony today for the new segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail at Featherstone Wildlife Refuge. Addressing community members and representatives from various agencies, Franklin emphasized the significance of this project in enhancing local recreation and connectivity.
Franklin highlighted the collaborative efforts that made this new trail segment possible, involving Virginia Railway Express, the Virignia Department of Transportation, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. “This project represents the strong collaboration efforts for which our community is known,” Franklin said. She outlined the trail’s features, including approximately one mile of natural surface trails, 1,100 linear feet of wetland boardwalk, and two pedestrian bridges that navigate delicate ecosystems.
The construction, with a budget of $3.5 million, includes funds from ARPA, development proffers, and the NVTA. Franklin expressed pride in the county’s commitment to expanding the trail network and meeting the high demand for recreational trails among residents. “I look forward to returning to its grand opening,” she added, underscoring the community’s anticipation for the completed trail.
The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail within Prince William County aims to link several parks and historic sites across 20 miles, enhancing the county’s identity as a destination for outdoor activities. This segment will connect Leesylvania State Park to Belmont Bay, further integrating the county’s scenic and wildlife areas into the broader trail network.
The trail stretches from the mouth of the Potomac River at the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia to the Allegheny Highlands in Pennsylvania and became part of the National Scenic Trail system of the National Park Service in 1983.
Officers responded to a stabbing at Elevations One Apartments in Woodbridge, where a 33-year-old woman was stabbed in the arm while attempting to intervene in a fight between two women, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries.
From Prince William police:
Stabbing Investigation – On August 22 at 9:59AM, officers responded to the Elevations One Apartments located in the 10400 block of Bellona Rd. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a stabbing. The investigation revealed the victim, a 33-year-old woman, attempted to intervene in a physical fight between two unknown women. During the encounter, the victim was stabbed in the arm by one of the women before the parties separated. The victim was treated at an area hospital for a non-life threatening injury where police were contacted. The suspects were described as black females, approximately 5’8”, with small builds.
