[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]On June 18, police were called to Misty Ridge Apartments, Woodbridge, following reports of a shooting at 12:44 a.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 17-year-old male from Spartanburg, South Carolina, with gunshot wounds in an outdoor stairwell. Despite immediate aid, he was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Detectives launched a homicide investigation, which led to the arrest of a 15-year-old boy from Gaffney, South Carolina, on June 23. The investigation revealed that the deceased, along with the 15-year-old and potentially other accomplices, planned to rob an 18-year-old resident of the apartment complex. The group, having traveled from South Carolina, targeted the resident for marijuana and money.
On the evening of June 18, the suspects approached the apartment but found no response at the door. The deceased then attempted to break in by smashing a window. The resident, asleep inside, responded by firing his handgun, striking the 17-year-old intruder fatally. The 15-year-old suspect fired back towards the complex as he fled the scene. No additional injuries or significant property damage was reported during the incident.
The juvenile suspect was apprehended in Fredericksburg with the collaboration of Virginia State Police and various Virginia and South Carolina law enforcement agencies. He faces charges of felony murder, burglary with intent to commit a felony, and shooting into an occupied dwelling. He is currently held at a juvenile detention center pending further court proceedings.
Recovered from the scene were two firearms and the investigation continues with assistance from local and state authorities.
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]A 17-year-old was fatally shot at Misty Ridge Apartments in Woodbridge on June 18, with the suspect fleeing the scene on foot. Police are actively investigating the incident, which appears not to be random, and are seeking information from the public to assist in the investigation.
Homicide Investigation – On June 18 at 12:44AM, officers responded to the Misty Ridge Apartments located in the 15000 block of Lost Canyon Ct in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a shooting. Responding officers located a 17-year-old male juvenile in an outdoor stairwell suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers provided aid to the juvenile who was transported to an area hospital where he later died. The investigation revealed the suspect had fled on foot after the shooting. A police K-9 and Fairfax County police helicopter searched the area for the suspect who was not located. An apartment in the complex was also struck during the encounter. No other injuries or property damage were reported. Detectives are actively investigating the incident to determine what led up to the shooting and are seeking to speak with anyone who has information to assist in the investigation. Preliminarily, this incident does not appear to be random. Due to the age of the deceased, their identity will not be disclosed by law enforcement at this time. More information will be released as it becomes available. The investigation continues. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Prince William County police at 703-792-6500 or submit a tip online at pwcva.gov/policetip.
A woman visiting Potomac Mills on Saturday, June 15, 2024, was abducted and forced to withdraw money from an ATM.
From Prince William police:
Strong-Arm Robbery – On June 15 at 10:52AM, officers responded to Potomac Mills located at 2700 Potomac Mills Cl. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 42-year-old woman, was inside the mall when she was approached by three men. After a brief verbal encounter, the suspects demanded the victim remove money from an ATM. One of the suspects followed the victim to the ATM where she withdrew the money. When the victim attempted to leave, all three suspects
physically blocked her until she gave them the money. The suspects then left the area in two separate vehicles and the victim contacted the police. No injuries were reported.
Suspect Descriptions:
A black male, with facial hair, wearing a black hat, a white shirt, gray jeans, and black/white/red Jordan shoes
A black male with a short afro-style haircut, facial hair, and wearing all-black clothing
A black male with facial hair and wearing a colorful jacket
Police responded to a shooting at Woodwind Villa Apartments in Woodbridge on Thursday, June 13, where a 31-year-old man was found with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. The investigation revealed two separate shooting incidents, with multiple individuals involved, and the victim later refusing to cooperate with detectives.
More from Prince William police:
Shooting Investigation – On June 13 at 3:00PM, officers responded to the Woodwind Villa Apartments located in the 14500 block of Piccolo Ln. in Woodbridge to investigate a shooting. Responding officers located a 31-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound in the 1440 block of Richmond Hwy. and provided first aid. Fire and rescue personnel responded and transported the victim to an area hospital with a non-life threatening injury. The investigation revealed an initial shooting occurred on a nearby walking path before multiple individuals were seen running from the path. Shortly after a second shooting incident occurred involving the victim and two unknown men. The victim ran towards Richmond Hwy. where he was located suffering from a gunshot wound. The other two men ran from the area before police arrived on scene. While investigating the incident, officers located two separate apartments that were struck by gunfire and shell casings. No additional injuries or property damage were reported. The victim refused to cooperate further with detectives regarding the incident. Anyone with information that could aid investigators in this investigation is asked to contact police.
NOVA BMX is hosting a registration event on June 8, 2024.
USA BMX is hosting a “National Registration Week” in Woodbridge on June 8, offering a glimpse into the world of BMX racing. Participants can try out the track, borrow equipment, and learn about the opportunities available through USA BMX. The organization, with over 70,000 members across the US and Canada, aims to promote cycling from grassroots to Olympic levels through various programs and events.
NOVA BMX is hosting the free event. Participants need long pants, long-sleeved shirts, closed-toe shoes, a bike, and a helmet. Limited rental bikes will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. All participants will receive a certificate.
Open House and Race Registration begin at 10 a.m., ending at 11:30 a.m. Registration is in-person only. The race will begin at noon.
On June 3 at 10:41 AM, officers responded to Crystal Smoke and Vape in Woodbridge to investigate a robbery where an unknown man reached behind the counter, struck an employee, and stole vape products. The suspect, described as a black male around 5’9″ and 20-25 years old, was last seen wearing all black with a white Under Armor backpack.
More from Price William police:
Strong-Arm Robbery – On June 3 at 10:41AM, officers responded to Crystal Smoke and Vape located at 2680 Opitz Blvd. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed an unknown man reached behind the counter and opened the sliding door to retrieve merchandise. When the employee
attempted to intervene, the suspect struck the employee and took additional vape products before leaving the store. No injuries were reported.
Suspect Description:
A black male, approximately 5’9”, and possibly between 20-25 years old Last seen wearing all black clothing with a white Under Armor backpack
Reckless Handling of a Firearm – On June 2 at 7:46AM, officers responded to investigate found property that was located in the 15700 block of Forest Park Dr. in [Dale City] earlier that morning. The investigation revealed sometime between 11:00PM on June 1 and 12:01AM on June 2, residents heard
gunshots before finding shell casings in the neighborhood the following morning. No previous reports of gunfire were received in the area during the above timeframe, and no injuries or additional property damage were reported.
Alonso
Felony Child Neglect – On June 3 at 11:59AM, officers responded to the Bayvue Apartments located in the 1400 block of Bayside Ave. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a found child. The investigation revealed the victims, a 4-year-old girl and a 9-year-old girl, were left unattended for an extended period of time by their mother, identified as the accused. Officers responded to the apartment complex when a Good Samaritan located the 4-year-old girl outside unclothed and unsupervised. The caller contacted the police and officers located the 9-year-old other child. The children were assessed by fire & rescue
personnel and did not appear to be injured before being released to the custody of known parties. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Sara Carolina ALONSO, was arrested. Arrested on June 3:
Sara Carolina ALONSO, 24, of the 1400 block of Bayside Ave. in Woodbridge
Charged with 2 counts of felony child neglect
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond
Carlos Castro, founder of Todos Neighborhood Market
The National Grocers Association (NGA) presented the Spirit of America Award to Carlos Castro, owner of the Hispanic supermarket chain Todos Supermarkets based in Woodbridge, Virginia.
A townhouse fire broke out at 10:39 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, in the 1900 block of Old Post Terrace, Woodbridge. Heavy fire and smoke resulted, requiring a second alarm response. One firefighter and one occupant sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and three townhomes were declared unsafe to occupy, displacing four adults.
From Prince William fire and rescue:
Late last evening units were dispatched to the 1900 block of Old Post Terrace (Woodbridge) for a report of a townhouse fire. Crews arrived with heavy fire and smoke showing prompting the need for a 2nd alarm. Fire attack followed limiting the spread of the fire. An occupant of the townhome was alerted to the fire by a smoke detector activation. Both occupants were then able to safely evacuate the home before units arrived. One firefighter is being treated for a non-life-threatening injury and one occupant was transported to a nearby medical facility with a non-life-threating injury. A total of 3 townhomes (2 with fire damage, 1 with water damage) were posted unsafe to occupy by the Building Official. A total of 4 adults were displaced. The Red Cross is assisting 2 of those displaced. The Fire Marshal’s Office is still on the scene attempting to determine the cause of the fire.
Had it not been for a smoke detector this incident could have ended tragically. Smoke detectors SAVE LIVES. A smoke detector will provide sufficient time for you and your family to safely escape in the event of a fire in your home or business. Is your home protected by smoke detectors? Make sure your family is protected by smoke detectors. Contact the Fire Marshal’s Office (703-792-6360) or your nearest fire station for more information.
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]A second suspect, a 17-year-old male, was arrested on May 22, 2024, in connection to the July 2023 murder of an 18-year-old in Woodbridge during a marijuana transaction. The suspect faces multiple charges, including murder and robbery, and is currently in custody.
Murder Investigation *ADDITIONAL ARREST – On May 22, 2024, a second suspect was identified and arrested in connection to the murder of an 18-year-old man that occurred in the 14100 block of Big Crest Ln. in Woodbridge (22191) on July 18, 2023. While continuing to investigate the incident, detectives learned of a second juvenile suspect involved in the incident and obtained detention orders. Further investigation revealed that a group of males, including the victim and the suspect, met in the above area to conduct a marijuana transaction when rounds were fired, fatally striking the victim. Detectives identified the suspect as a 17-year-old male juvenile. On May 22, the accused was located and arrested in Stafford County by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. Another juvenile suspect was previously arrested in connection to the incident on July 21, 2023.
Arrested on May 22: [Juvenile]
A 17-year-old male juvenile of Stafford
Charged with murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, robbery, and shooting at an occupied vehicle
