Shooting Incident in Woodbridge

On February 15 at 8:05PM, police responded to a residence on Scotch Ct. in Woodbridge following reports of shots fired. Investigation revealed two unidentified males fired rounds at a home before fleeing. No injuries were reported. Suspects described as black males, one wearing a white jacket and the other dressed in all black.

Assault with an Axe near Manassas

At 10:45PM on February 15, officers arrived at the Days Inn on New Market Ct. in Manassas to investigate an assault. A 35-year-old man was assaulted by two unknown individuals, with one wielding an axe and damaging the victim’s vehicle. Minor injuries were reported.

Commercial Burglary in Woodbridge

Police responded to a burglary at Smoketown Tobacco on Smoketown Rd. in Woodbridge on February 15 at 10:27AM. Entry was forced through a damaged glass door, and an undisclosed sum of money and vape products were reported missing.

Road Rage Incident Leads to Arrest

A road rage incident on Mulcaster Ter. in Dumfries on February 15 resulted in the arrest of Juana Adriana FLORES-MONTERO. The 73-year-old victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being struck by FLORES-MONTERO’s vehicle. Charges include malicious wounding, felony hit and run, and hit and run.

Domestic Dispute Ends in Arrest

Following a domestic dispute at Woodbridge Forest Apartments on Tyler Cl. in Woodbridge, Rudy Brandon RODRIGUEZ PIEROLA was arrested on February 15. Charges against RODRIGUEZ PIEROLA include strangulation, abduction, preventing the summoning of law enforcement, and domestic assault & battery.

Assault on Law Enforcement Officer

Jose Danilo PORTILLO, 32, of Woodbridge, was arrested on February 15 in Manassas for assaulting a law enforcement officer. PORTILLO resisted arrest and grabbed an officer after being treated for intoxication. Charges include assault & battery on LEO, obstruction of justice, and being intoxicated in public.

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Caruthers Properties withdrew its rezoning application, effectively concluding the developer’s effort to construct 1,400 new housing units at Belmont Bay, located in Woodbridge.

The Board of Concerned Citizens United welcomed the news for Belmont Bay, with President KP Lau expressing gratitude for the decision. “Personally, I would like to express my appreciation to the Caruthers for this momentous action. I believe it is appropriate at this juncture to take stock on where we are and what the future will hold for Belmont Bay,” said Lau.

The rezoning application, filed with Prince William County in June 2021, aimed to add 1,400 housing units to Belmont Bay, primarily on one-third of the former golf course land. Additionally, the proposal included the establishment of two public parks on the remainder of the golf course and replacing the Ospreys Event Center with 244 housing units. The plan also outlined the construction of 800 apartments in the Marina District and additional homes in various areas of Belmont Bay.

A vision of a hotel and conference center and a thriving business district once envisioned for Belmont Bay when construction began in the early 2000s was never realized, driving the developer’s desire for the rezoning.

The developer had hoped to build the final development phase on the land it acquired in the 1960s at the confluence of the Potomac and Occoquan rivers. A new boardwalk would have extended nearly 1,000 feet from the patio of the Beacon building to the George Mason University Science Center for river studies, which opened in 2018. Also, a new tree-lined urban plaza, performance space, and a new green space would span the length of Harbor Side Street between Beacon and the science center.

The proposed development faced opposition from environmental organizations, including the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia, citing concerns over habitat destruction and adverse environmental impacts. Rob Hartwell, Vice President of the Riverbend Estate Association, joined forces with concerned citizens to oppose the rezoning application, emphasizing the need to preserve open space and protect wildlife habitats.

The application withdrawal follows months of deliberation and critique from the Prince William County Planning Office. The Planning Department raised 87 critical issues for the applicant, including concerns about open space allocation, amenities for current residents, and traffic implications. Despite a revised application presented in May 2022, which made minor technical adjustments, the proposal failed to adequately address the Planning Department’s concerns or engage with affected residents.

While acknowledging Caruthers Properties’ rights as landowners, Belmont Bay residents emphasize the importance of transparent dialogue and consideration for the community’s well-being in any future development plans. Moving forward, residents look forward to collaborative efforts with developers, environmental organizations, and local authorities to ensure responsible development that preserves the quality of life and natural environment in Belmont Bay.

After nearly a year of investigation, law enforcement officers have apprehended the suspect in connection to a stabbing incident that occurred in Dale City on March 4, 2023. Robert Dejell Rufus Jackson, 43, of 13206 Haddock Rd. in Dale City, was taken into custody by Alexandria City police on January 24, 2024.

The incident, which occurred at a residence in the 13700 block of Greenwood Drive near Minnieville Elementary School, left a 41-year-old man with multiple stab wounds. Authorities were alerted to the situation at 4:32 a.m. when a caller reported finding the front door of the residence ajar. Upon entering, they discovered the victim suffering from severe injuries.

Emergency services were immediately contacted, and the victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Thankfully, his injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening.

Jackson faces charges of malicious wounding and abduction in connection to the incident. Despite the passage of nearly a year since the attack, authorities continued to pursue leads diligently, ultimately leading to Jackson’s arrest.

A court date for Jackson is pending.

Strong-Arm Robbery

On February 14 at 7:43 p.m., authorities responded to a robbery near Miramar Dr. and Streamwalk Ln. in Manassas (20109). A 51-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man were approached by two unidentified men who demanded money. One suspect seized the woman’s purse before both fled. No injuries were reported.

Suspect Descriptions:

• White male, approximately 5’10”, skinny build, dark brown hooded sweatshirt
• White male, approximately 5’9”, skinny build, red hooded sweatshirt

Reckless Handling of a Firearm

On February 13 at 8:47 p.m, police were called to the 1500 block of Sandpiper Bay Lp. in Dumfries (22026) for reported gunshots. Shots were heard near the riverbank, followed by the rapid departure of two vehicles. No evidence of shooting, injuries, or property damage was found.

Commercial Burglaries

On February 14 at 9:16 a.m., authorities responded to Rahama African Market at 12778 Darby Brooke Ct. in Woodbridge (22192) for a burglary. Around 11:30 p.m. on February 13, an unknown individual smashed the front glass door to enter the business. Money was stolen from the cash register before the suspect fled. A neighboring business was also burglarized in a similar manner. No suspect description is available at this time.

Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) has emerged as one of the 24 distinguished school divisions to be awarded the coveted "Grow Your Own" grant by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), a step towards nurturing local teaching talent.

With cumulative grants to school divisions totaling $1.52 million, PWCS, in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), is set to establish registered teacher apprenticeship programs aimed at alleviating teacher recruitment challenges and fostering a robust talent pool within the community.

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Aggravated Malicious Wounding Arrest:

Michael Carlos DUNCAN, aged 43 and a resident of Woodbridge, was apprehended on February 8. He faces charges including abduction, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and aggravated malicious wounding. Duncan’s arrest stems from an incident on October 16, 2023, when a shooting occurred outside a residence on Earlham Ct. in Woodbridge. Montgomery County police assisted in locating and apprehending Duncan, who is slated for a court appearance on April 30, 2024. Previously, Michael Carlos DUNCAN was identified as the suspect in connection to a shooting incident that took place on October 16, 2023, in Woodbridge. During the incident, a 39-year-old man sustained a non-life-threatening injury. The investigation into this matter is ongoing.

Shooting Incident:
On February 13, at approximately 5:01 PM, authorities responded to a shots fired call in the 15300 block of Gatehouse Terrace in Woodbridge. The investigation revealed that during a physical altercation between two men, one of them brandished a firearm and fired multiple rounds, injuring a 21-year-old man who later sought medical treatment. Despite efforts, both individuals involved had fled the scene prior to law enforcement’s arrival.

Armed Robbery:
A robbery occurred on February 10 in Woodbridge, where a 19-year-old man was assaulted while sitting in his vehicle. Three unidentified men approached the victim, brandishing firearms, and proceeded to steal his belongings, including marijuana, before fleeing on foot. The victim sustained minor injuries.

Strong-Arm Robbery:
At an ABC Store located at 4255 Cheshire Station Plaza in Woodbridge, a robbery took place on February 11. The suspect, described as a black male wearing all-black clothing and a ski-style mask, threatened an employee and absconded with unpaid merchandise. No injuries were reported.

Sexual Assault Arrest:
Edward GARRETT, aged 59 and residing in Vienna, was arrested on February 9 for sexual battery. The incident occurred on December 12, 2023, at a residence in Woodbridge, where Garrett allegedly assaulted an adult female employee.

Threats to Bomb:

Authorities responded to a threat of bombing at NOVEC, located at 10432 Balls Ford Rd. in Manassas, on February 12. Damien Michaeal BROCKWAY, aged 46 and a resident of Warrenton, was apprehended the following day. The investigation confirmed no active threat.

Impersonating Law Enforcement & Residential Burglary Arrest:
Genie RHINEHART, aged 51 and from Evans, GA, was arrested on February 13 for burglary and impersonating law enforcement. Rhinehart was found inside a residence on Cebu Island Ct. in Lake Ridge and initially claimed to be law enforcement. Further investigation revealed false information, leading to her arrest.

Rape Investigation

On November 26, 2023, at 12:26 AM, officers responded to a residence in the Woodbridge (22192) area of Prince William County to investigate a sexual assault. The investigation revealed a female juvenile victim was being sexually assaulted by a man, identified as Dimas Alexis LAZO, inside the home. A family member intervened, separating the victim from the accused who fled the residence. Detectives determined the victim and the accused had previously met on a social media app and arranged to meet at the residence. Dimas Alexis LAZO, 26, of the 9200 block of Limestone Pl. in College Park, MD, is wanted for rape.

Reckless Handling of a Firearm

On February 11 at 1:42 PM, officers responded to the area of Sudley Manor Dr. and Ashton Ave. in Manassas (20109) to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed the driver of a blue van struck the rear end of a white Jeep and attempted to drive away. When the driver of the Jeep stopped the van from leaving, two occupants of the van appeared to don masks and approached the other driver who retrieved a firearm and fired multiple rounds into the air. The parties separated and left the area prior to police arriving on the scene. No injuries or property damage were reported. Following the investigation, no criminal charges will be sought.

Shooting into a Residential Dwelling

On February 13 at 4:38 AM, officers responded to a residence located in the 2200 block of Scotch Ct. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed residents of the home heard loud noises just before the home was struck with gunfire. No injuries or additional property damage were reported.

Strong-Arm Robbery

On February 12 at 3:30 PM, officers responded to the 4200 block of Glendale Rd. in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 42-year-old man, was in a parking lot of the above area when he was approached by an unknown man. During the encounter, the suspect asked the victim for money. When the victim declined, the suspect struck the victim in the face and took his money before fleeing on foot. The victim was treated for minor injuries. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, approximately 50 years old, wearing a green jacket, blue jeans, and red shoes.

Carjacking and Strong-Arm Robbery

In the late hours of February 11, a disturbing incident unfolded in the 14200 block of Smoketown Road, near Potomac Mills mall in Woodbridge, when an 18-year-old man fell victim to a carjacking and robbery. According to reports, the victim had offered a ride to a group of men, one of whom was identified by police as Ibrahim Jr., an acquaintance. However, what began as a seemingly routine gesture quickly turned violent.

As the victim parked the vehicle in a nearby lot, the situation took a turn when Barrie, Jr. and another individual from the group pursued and tackled the victim in the median of Smoketown Road, police said. The assailants assaulted the victim and took his personal belongings, including phones, wallet, and keys, police said. Fortunately, a Good Samaritan intervened, allowing the victim to escape with only minor injuries.

Officers later discovered the victim’s vehicle abandoned in the vicinity of Westminister Lane. Despite the swift apprehension of Barrie Jr. through the issuance of arrest warrants, the search for other involved parties remains ongoing as authorities diligently pursue leads to ensure all responsible individuals are brought to justice.

Reckless Handling of a Firearm

On the morning of February 10, residents in the area of Orkney Ct. near Knightsbridge Drive in Lake Ridge were rattled by the sound of gunfire, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. An investigation uncovered evidence of reckless firearm use, as shell casings littered the roadway, accompanied by damage to a nearby fence and tree, police said. Miraculously, no injuries or additional property damage were reported, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by irresponsible firearm handling.

Malicious Wounding in Domestic Dispute

Police were called to a domestic altercation on February 11; authorities were summoned to a residence in the 2500 block of Transom Place in Woodbridge to address an incident that escalated into a violent act of malicious wounding, police said. The altercation between a 31-year-old man and a family member, later identified as Virgile Lofton Barber, erupted into physical violence, resulting in the victim sustaining non-life-threatening injuries from a knife attack.

Prompt intervention by other residents halted the assault, allowing for the victim’s medical treatment and the subsequent arrest of Barber, police said. Charged with malicious wounding and domestic assault & battery, police added.

Updated 1:35 p.m. — Prince William County authorities are investigating a pedestrian crash on February 11 at approximately 7:32 p.m. Crash investigators were called to the scene at the intersection of Prince William Parkway and Worth Avenue in Woodbridge, near Potomac Mills, following the crash.

According to the preliminary police investigation, a 2020 Hyundai Tucson was traveling eastbound on the Prince William Parkway towards the intersection with Worth Avenue when it collided with a pedestrian. The pedestrian, who was reportedly crossing the roadway outside of a designated crosswalk and wearing dark-colored clothing, sustained severe injuries in the collision. Emergency services transported the pedestrian to a nearby hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries.

The driver of the vehicle involved in the incident remained at the scene and did not sustain any injuries. Initial findings by investigators suggest that neither speed nor impairment were contributing factors on the part of the driver.

The victim is Lon Thomas Osborn, 49, of no fixed address.

The start of the construction for the H.L. Mooney Advanced Water Reclamation Facility-Wide Improvements Project, known as the Mooney Design-Build Project, signals a significant milestone for the Prince William County Service Authority.

With an investment nearing $200 million, this multi-year initiative is poised to revolutionize the plant’s wastewater treatment processes, paving the way for enhanced operational resiliency.

At the groundbreaking ceremony held at the Mooney facility in December 2023, key stakeholders, including Service Authority’s General Manager and CEO Calvin D. Farr, Jr., Director of Environmental Services & Water Reclamation Glenn Pearson, and Director of the Project Management Office Shannon Spence, shared their insights. Representatives from construction firms involved in the project, such as Ulliman Schutte Construction, HDR Inc., and AECOM, also attended the event.

Calvin Farr, General Manager of the Service Authority, emphasized the project’s historic significance, stating, “This project is a critical development for the Service Authority, and it’s the largest single project that we have ever undertaken, so we’re making history.”

Erin Hunt, President of Global Water Program at HDR Inc., underscored the project’s alignment with the Service Authority’s values, particularly in environmental leadership and sustainable operations, saying, “This project really capitalizes on the Service Authority’s key Areas of Excellence including, among others, environmental leadership, community engagement, continuous improvement and innovation, and sustainable operations.”

The Mooney Design-Build Project comprises 19 components, primarily focused on rehabilitating existing infrastructure. Notable upgrades include the construction of a new pretreatment facility, expansion and centralization of the odor control system, and various electrical and structural enhancements.

Addressing concerns about potential disruptions, Shannon Spence, Director of the Project Management Office, reassured stakeholders that construction activities would be contained within the H.L. Mooney AWRF property line, minimizing impacts on customers and neighbors.

Looking ahead, the completion of the Mooney Design-Build Project is expected to enhance the Service Authority’s ability to meet regulatory standards and ensure operational resiliency. By investing in aging infrastructure, the Service Authority aims to continue delivering treatment services, protecting the environment, and maintaining strong community partnerships.

The H.L. Mooney Advanced Water Reclamation Facility is 1861 Rippon Boulevard in Woodbridge.