OmniRide: “OmniRide invites families to join them for the Transit and Treats Halloween Bus on October 28 from noon-4 pm. The event includes giveaways, snacks, candy, fun activities, and a chance to learn more about OmniRide’s Family of Transit Services. The event is FREE and open to the public.”

“Transit and Treats will take place at two locations along the Route 1 corridor:”

• Triangle Plaza (near Rosie’s Casino), 18050 Triangle Shopping Plaza, Dumfries, VA 22026
• Prince William Plaza (near Americana grocery store), 14490 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Woodbridge, VA 22191

I’m Nelson Head, owner of Dixie Bones

The Prince William County Supervisors are up for re-election this year.

As part of the campaign, the challengers and I have visited more than a hundred restaurants throughout the county. There they learned firsthand what happened when the meals tax forced restaurants to add a collective $35 million of new charges to their checks. Not surprisingly, their customers found the food suddenly too expensive, and they stopped coming in.

They heard from servers how their tips fell by half. They saw empty dining rooms, skeleton crews, and managers and owners disheartened by the struggle to survive. They listened to customers angry over having to pay yet another tax and this one for simply eating out.

These challengers know they must end the Meals Tax if our restaurants are to survive.

In the other case, only odious, meanspirited persons would attack the livelihood of small, popular restaurants and their employees and then reward themselves with a 70% pay raise. But that is exactly what incumbent supervisors did.

Well, at least these guys can still afford to eat in a restaurant if they dare to show their face.

These incumbents expect us to believe that they gave the meals tax money to schools when anyone can plainly see the $30 million of tax money sitting idle and unused in a surplus account in the county’s coffers.

This crop of self-serving supervisors, masquerading as Democrats protecting the little guy, is way, way past their sell-by dates.

We can fix this.

Please go to endmealstax.com to meet the new supervisors who will clean up this mess.

Voting is already underway. So please go to the polls and vote for candidates who will Save Our Restaurants.

Nelson Head
Founder, Dixie Bones BBQ
Woodbridge

The Office of the Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney: “On October 16, 2023, the Honorable Judge Kimberly A. Irving, Chief Judge of the Prince William County Circuit Court, found Desmond Daniel guilty of two counts of first-degree murder following his guilty plea to the charges. The Defendant will be sentenced on March 14, 2024. Members of the victims’ families will present victim impact testimony at that time. The Defendant faces a maximum sentence of two life terms in prison.”

“On November 16, 2022, Prince William County Police responded to Isle Royale Terrace, in [near Dumfries] after neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots. Police arrived at the scene to find two gunshot victims in the basement of the home. One victim, a 22-year-old Woodbridge woman, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other, a 24-year-old Woodbridge man, was taken to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead. A family dog was also located in the basement suffering from gunshot wounds and had to be euthanized.

“Through Ring camera footage recovered at the scene, it was determined that Desmond Daniel had shot through the basement window, entered through the window, shot in the direction of the victims, and left through the same window. The investigation revealed that Mr. Daniel was involved in a romantic relationship with the 22-year-old woman, who had broken up with him a few days earlier. The 24-year-old man that was killed was her friend. Investigation also revealed several posts on social media by Mr. Daniel displaying his firearms and making threats several hours before the shooting. Investigators, in partnership with Virginia State Police, were able to locate Mr. Daniel near Dulles International Airport following Mr. Daniel’s purchase of a one-way ticket to Panama.”

“Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth offered the following comment: “This case was such a horrible tragedy. Our community lost two young adults to senseless gun violence. We are grateful for the hard work done by the police who worked quickly to apprehend Mr. Daniel before he left the country. Excellent police work allowed us to resolve this case without putting the victims’ families through a trial. Mr. Daniel accepted responsibility for his actions by entering guilty pleas to two first-degree murder charges. He will face the consequences of his actions on March 14, 2024, at the sentencing hearing.”

“The Office of the Commonwealth Attorney would like to commend and thank the Prince William County Police Department, particularly Detectives Matthew Andersen and Shailee Davis, for their investigation and work that successfully resulted in convictions in this case. In addition, the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney would like to thank Christy Reynolds, Case Manager for the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney Victim/Witness Program, for the assistance that she provided to the victim’s family. This case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Kathleen Bilton.”

On Saturday, October 21, stop by the Sentara Drive-Thru Flu event to receive your free flu shot.

WHO: Adults (18+). Open to the general public.

COST: FREE

TIME: 8 a.m. until all shots are given. First come, first served while supplies last. No appointment needed!

WHERE: Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, 2300 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge, Va. 22191

Only the standard dose vaccine will be offered. Public Health experts have not recommended one type of flu vaccine more highly than another for people 65 and older. They advise getting any type of flu vaccination as the first and more important step in protecting against the flu.

Prince William Times: "Two new Prince William County schools — a high school in Woodbridge and an elementary school in Potomac Shores — that are coincidentally planned near sites once considered by the Washington Commanders for a new stadium, will be delayed by more than a year and are now slated to open in 2027."

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Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department: “OWL VFD Open House event is scheduled for Saturday, October 14th from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Fire Station 14 (12400 Hedges Run Drive, Woodbridge). OWL VFD welcomes the community to visit the station.

OWL VFD President Dave Williams shared, “This event is a traditional favorite for OWL VFD to host. The community is invited to visit “our house” to see fire and rescue apparatus up close, talk with firefighters and EMTs, and enjoy refreshments provided by the OWL VFD Auxiliary.”

Sparky the Fire Dog will also be hanging out. At approximately 2:00 p.m., OWL VFD members and Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue personnel will demonstrate a vehicle extrication.

OWL VFD Department Chief Wayne Haight explained, “The demonstration is one of the highlights of our Open House event. We’ll have a team of technical rescue firefighters who will show the audience how they use various tools to remove an entrapped patient from a car.”

OWL VFD has proudly served the community for over 85 years. To learn more, join or donate, visit www.owlvfd.org

Prince William Police Department: “Murder Investigation *ARREST – On September 27, the suspect sought in connection to shooting death of a 25-year-old man following an altercation that occurred at the Misty Ridge Apartments located in the 15000 block of Lost Canyon Court in Woodbridge on May 21, was arrested. The suspect and victim were involved in an argument in front of the complex when the victim was fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire. In June, the suspect was identified, and warrants were obtained for his arrest with a reward offered for information leading to his whereabouts and conviction. On September 27, the suspect, identified as Jeffrey Donelle HAMPTON, turned himself in to police without incident. Arrested on September 27: Jeffrey Donelle HAMPTON, 34, of the 13902 Roanoke Street in Woodbridge. Charged with 1 count of murder, 1 count of use of a firearm in commission of a felony, 1 count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and 2 counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond. Identified: The deceased was identified as Michael Eugene HAWKINS, III, 25, of Woodbridge.”

“Murder Investigation *REWARD INCREASED [Previously Released] – The Prince Wiliam County Police Department has increased the reward offered regarding the whereabouts of the suspect sought in connection to shooting death of a 25-year-old man following an altercation that occurred at the Misty Ridge Apartments located in the 15000 block of Lost Canyon Court in Woodbridge on May 21. The involved parties were in an argument when the victim fatally shot as gunfire was exchanged. In June, the suspect was identified as Jeffrey Donelle HAMPTON. Detectives obtained arrest warrants for the suspect and an initial reward amount was offered for information leading to his arrest and conviction. Further attempts and leads in locating the suspect have been unsuccessful. The Police Department are now offering an increased reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of this suspect. The investigation continues.”

“Murder Investigation *SUSPECT IDENTIFIED | WANTED [Previously Released] – Detectives have identified the suspect sought in connection to the shooting death of a 25-year-old man following an altercation that occurred at the Misty Ridge Apartments located in the 15000 block of Lost Canyon Court in Woodbridge on May 21. The involved parties were in an argument when gunfire was exchanged. The victim was ultimately struck and later died from his injuries at an area hospital. The suspect fled the scene immediately after the encounter. Following the investigation, detectives obtained arrest warrants for the suspect, identified as Jeffrey Donelle HAMPTON. Attempts to locate the suspect have been unsuccessful. The Police Department is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of this suspect. The investigation continues.”

“Murder Investigation [Previously Released] – On May 21 at 2:43 p.m., officers responded to the Misty Ridge Apartments located in the 15000 block of Lost Canyon Court in Woodbridge to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed the victim, a 25-year-old man, and another man were involved in a verbal altercation in front of the complex over an ongoing dispute. At one point, gunfire was exchanged between the parties, and the victim was struck in the lower body. The suspect fled the scene following the encounter. Officers arrived on scene and provided first aid to the victim until fire and rescue personnel arrived. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he later died from his injuries. Detectives are currently following up on leads into the investigation and suspect. More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.”

“Malicious Wounding | Assault by Mob | Brandishing of a Firearm – On September 27 at 10:17 p.m., officers responded to the Bayvue Apartments located in the 1400 block of Bayside Avenue in Woodbridge to investigate a fight with weapons. The investigation revealed two victims, a 21-year-old man and a 17-year-old male juvenile, were outside the building when they were approached by multiple masked men, possibly juveniles. During the encounter, the suspects struck both victims multiple times, one of which was struck with a shovel. At one point, a firearm was brandished towards the victims before the suspects fled the area in a black sedan and a white sedan. A police K-9 and Fairfax County police helicopter searched the
area for the suspects who were not located. One of the victims reported minor injuries. The suspects were only described as wearing all-dark colored clothing including face masks.”

“Residential Burglary – On September 27 at 4:48 p.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 11100 block of Soldiers Court in Manassas to investigate a burglary. The investigation revealed sometime
between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., entry was made into the home through an unsecured rear sliding door. Two cell phones were reported missing.”

Prince William Police Department: “Malicious Wounding *ARREST – On September 21, one of the suspects sought in connection to the shooting that was reported to have occurred at the Potomac Ridge Apartments located in the 2800 block of Woodmark Drive in Woodbridge on September 20, was arrested. The accused, identified as Haley Shron JACKSON, was taken into custody without incident. Two other suspects, identified as Emmanuel BOATENG and Gideon OWUSU Jr., are still being sought. Arrested on September 21: Haley Shron JACKSON, 36, of 2814 Woodmark Drive in Woodbridge. Charged with accessory after the fact. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond. Wanted: Emmanuel BOATENG, 34, of the 100 block of Executive Close in Stafford. Described as a black male, approximately 5’11, 200lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. Wanted for malicious wounding, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.  Gideon OWUSU Jr., 29, of the 16800 block of Flotilla Way in Woodbridge. Described as a black male, approximately 5’11, 220lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. Wanted for accessory after the fact.”

“Malicious Wounding [Previously Released] – On September 20 at 10:59 p.m., officers responded to the Potomac Ridge Apartments located in the 2800 block of Woodmark Drive in Woodbridge to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed, the victim, a 26-year-old man, and two male acquaintances were involved in a verbal altercation inside an apartment which continued in the parking lot where one of the parties retrieved a firearm and fired multiple rounds which ricocheted and struck the victim to the lower body. Both

men fled the parking lot in a vehicle driven by a female acquaintance. Officers provided first aid to the victim who was flown to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. No additional injuries or property damage were reported. Following the investigation, officers obtained warrants for all three suspects, identified below. Attempts to locate the suspects have been unsuccessful.”

“Shooting Investigation *ARREST – On September 13, officers concluded the investigation into the shooting that was reported to have occurred at the Woodbridge Station Apartments located in the 13600 block of Wasp Way in Woodbridge on July 22. The investigation revealed a second juvenile, identified as the accused, was with the victim, mishandling a firearm when a round discharged. Both parties were known to one another and left the scene together after the shooting. While investigating the incident, officers recovered a firearm with a trigger activator and an extended magazine near the above location. Further analysis will be conducted to confirm if the firearms were used in the incident. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as a 17-year-old male juvenile, was arrested. Arrested on September 13: [Juvenile]. A 17-year-old male juvenile of Woodbridge. Charged with shooting into an occupied dwelling, underage possession of a firearm, possession of a machine gun for aggressive purposes, failure to register a machine gun, carrying a loaded extended-round firearm in public areas, and possession of a plastic firearm. Court Date: Pending | Status: Held at the Juvenile Detention Center.”

“Shooting Investigation [Previously Released] – On July 22 at 5:17 p.m., officers responded to the Woodbridge Station Apartments located in the 13600 block of Wasp Way in Woodbridge to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed gunshots were heard in the area. When officers arrived on scene, shell casings and a blood trail were located. As officers were searching the area for a possible victim or other parties involved, a 17-year-old male juvenile arrived at an area hospital with a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his hand. The juvenile initially stated the injury was accidental, self-inflicted and became uncooperative. Evidence at the scene and witness accounts refute the juvenile’s claim. Surveillance footage from the area showed the juvenile walking with a second individual before both parties got into a white SUV and left the area. The incident does not appear to be random. The investigation continues as detectives seek to identify the other party seen with the juvenile.”

“Assault & Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer [LEO] – On September 21 at 6:49 p.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 4600 block of Telfair Court in Woodbridge to assist with a person in crisis. While attempting to take the individual, identified as the accused, into custody on an emergency custody order, he refused to follow officers’ commands and assaulted an officer during a brief struggle. The accused was then transported to an area hospital for further treatment. While at the hospital, the accused became aggressive towards officers and kicked an officer before being re-secured. The officers reported minor injuries. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Timothy Andre CARRUTHERS, was arrested. Arrested on September 21: Timothy Andrew CARRUTHERS, 33, of 4622 Telfair Court in Woodbridge. Charged with 2 counts of assault & battery on LEO. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable.”