Police in Prince William County is investigating a series of armed robberies near Manassas. A press release states:

Armed Robbery – On December 23 at 1:13AM, officers responded to the Comfort Inn Suites located at 7530 Williamson Blvd. in Manassas (20109) to investigate a robbery. An employee reported to police that two unknown men entered the hotel lobby where one suspect went to the back office and approached an employee. During the encounter, the suspect brandished a firearm and demanded money. The second suspect went behind the counter, opened the cash register and took money before both men fled on foot. No injuries were reported. Officers, including a police K-9 and helicopter assistance from Fairfax County police, searched the area for the suspects who were not located.

Suspect Descriptions:

A black male, 5’10” in his mid-twenties, wearing all black clothing with his face covered

An unknown race male wearing all black clothing

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Armed Robbery – On December 21 at 1:02AM, officers responded to the Bowl America located at 10641 Balls Ford Rd. in Manassas (20109) to investigate a robbery. The manager reported to police that the business was closed with employees still inside, when two masked men entered and approached the counter. During the encounter, one of the suspects brandished a firearm and demanded money from the cash registers. The other suspect pulled out a baton and retrieved the money from the cash registers.

Both suspects fled on foot prior to police arriving at the business. No injuries were reported. A police K- 9 searched for the suspects who were not located.

Suspect Descriptions:
2 black males, both approximately 5’9”, with thin builds
Both suspects were last seen wearing all black clothing, masks and gloves

(Press Release) All four travel lanes on Route 630 (Courthouse Road) in Stafford County are now open to traffic from west of Austin Ridge Drive to the Winding Creek Road and Ramoth Church Road intersection.

Traffic began traveling on all four eastbound and westbound lanes after crews removed construction barrels and signs.

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(Press Release) There are no planned lane closures from noon on Tuesday, Dec. 24, through noon on Thursday, Dec. 26, for the Christmas holiday.

Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project construction continues throughout the corridor during daytime and overnight hours as weather conditions allow. Current activities include:

• Bridge demolition at Route 29 in Centreville
• Constructing bridge foundations at Compton Road, Route 28, Route 123, Vaden Drive, and I-495
• Bridge deck work for new collector-distributor road over Route 234 Business (Sudley Road) and new Route 28 bridges over I-66
• Relocating waterlines at Jermantown Road and Gallows Road
• Constructing new utility duct bank and relocating underground utilities along I-66 East between Jermantown Road and Cedar Lane
• Constructing retaining walls along I-66 and Route 28
• Corridor-wide roadway maintenance as needed

Police found Jacques Lamar Walker in Gainesville after they let him out of jail.

Police tell us he didn’t put up a fight when he was arrested again.

Walker was at the Prince Willam County Adult Detention Center in Manassas when he was mistakenly released on Thursday. A press release states:

Wanted Violent Offender – On December 20 at approximately 12:00PM, the Prince William County Police Department was notified of the inadvertent release of a prisoner from the Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center (ADC) located at 9320 Lee Ave in Manassas (20110) that occurred earlier the same morning.

The accused, identified as Jacques Lamar WALKER, was being held at the facility to face sentencing on prior convictions and was released in error by ADC staff. The accused has local ties to the area and should be considered dangerous.

The Prince William County Police Department is currently leading efforts to locate this individual. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of this suspect is asked to contact Prince William County police at 703-792-6500 or your local police department.

Wanted: [Photo from March 2018]

Jacques Lamar WALKER, 27, of no fixed address

Described as a black male, 5’11”, 180lbs with black hair and brown eyes

Wanted for escape without force

One person is dead after a car crash in Woodbridge. Prince William police tell us:

Fatal Crash Investigation – On December 20 at 6:48 PM, investigators from the Crash Investigation Unit responded to the area of Rippon Blvd and Old Coach Rd in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a single vehicle crash.

The investigation revealed that the driver of a 1999 Acura Integra was traveling westbound on Rippon Blvd approaching the intersection with Old Coach Rd when the driver lost control of the vehicle and struck a guardrail before overturning into the woods at the above intersection.

The driver was the lone occupant of the vehicle, and he was pronounced dead on scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Identified:

The deceased driver of the 1999 Acura Integra was identified as Anteneh Mohammed Desta AL-DAMARI, 31, of Woodbridge

Work on widening Route 1 in Woodbridge continued on Thursday as traffic was shifted to a new section of the highway. A press release from the Virginia Department of Transportation states:

Beginning about 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, the two through lanes of southbound Route 1 (Jefferson Davis Highway) between the Occoquan River bridge and the Marumsco Creek bridge will shift onto new pavement as part of the Route 1 widening project, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

The $165 million project includes adding a lane in each direction to Route 1 between Marys Way and Annapolis Way (about a mile), a new Route 1 bridge at Marumsco Creek, improvements to Occoquan Road, a shared-use path, sidewalk and other improvements. The project is financed with federal, state and county funding and is expected to be complete in fall 2020. Read more.

Route 1 averages 38,000 vehicles a day in this area.

Thanks to a reader’s tip, Potomac Local broke news earlier this year that the project’s completion is delayed by one year. Construction began in 2016.

From Prince William police:

Armed Robbery | Malicious Wounding – On December 19 at 1:43AM, officers responded to the 4700 block of Pearson Dr. in Dale City to investigate a shots fired call.

When officers arrived, they located one male victim, suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim, identified as a 33-year-old man, was located in the street of the above location with a gunshot wound and assault wounds to the upper body.

Responding officers provided immediate first aid to the victim until fire and rescue personnel
arrived and the victim was flown to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed that the victim and an acquaintance had just returned to the above area after being at the MGM Grand Casino. As they exited the car, they were approached by multiple masked men who had just pulled into the driveway behind them. During the encounter, the victim was assaulted and then shot in the upper body before the suspects took an undisclosed amount of money and a cell phone from him.

The suspects fled the scene in a dark-colored SUV prior to police arrival. At this time, no suspect information is available. The investigation continues.

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Girl, 15, charged with attempted robbery of gas station

Attempted Armed Robbery – On December 19 at 1:32AM, officers responded to the Exxon service station located at 12700 Minniville Rd. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate an attempted robbery. The store employee reported to police that two women, later identified as the accused, entered the store and approached the employee. During the encounter, one of the accused, identified as a 15-year-old female

juvenile, demanded money after brandishing a stun gun. The employee refused and threw merchandise at the suspect. The juvenile ran to the rear of the store while the other suspect fled the scene. The employee was able to detain the juvenile who was then detained by police upon their arrival. Following the investigation, the 15-year-old female juvenile was arrested. Daetectives from the Robbery Unit were able to identify and obtain petitions for the second suspect, also identified as a 15-year-old female juvenile. Attempts to locate the second suspect has been unsuccessful.

Arrested on December 19: [Juvenile]

A 15-year-old female juvenile of Manassas
Charged with attempted robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery and assault & battery
Court Date: Pending | Status: Held at the Juvenile Detention Center

Wanted: [Juvenile]

A 14-year-old female juvenile of Manassas
Wanted for attempted robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery

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Police nab 13-year-old boy in Woodbridge armed robbery, search for second suspect 

Attempted Armed Robbery *ARREST – On December 5, two of the suspects sought in connection to the armed robbery that was reported to have occurred in the 16600 block of Georgetown Road in Woodbridge earlier that day, were identified.

The accused, identified as a 13-year-old male juvenile, was taken into custody without incident. Detectives from the Robbery Unit obtained warrants for the arrest of the second suspect, identified as Michael Charles TALBERT, Jr. Attempts to locate the suspect have been unsuccessful at this time. The investigation continues as detectives seek to identify the other suspects involved.

Arrested on December 5: [Juvenile] A 13-year-old male juvenile of Woodbridge Charged with attempted robbery and use of a firearm in commission of a felony Court Date: Pending | Status: Held at the Juvenile Detention Center

Wanted:[Photo from May 2019] Michael Charles TALBERT, Jr., of the 2900 block of Fox Lair Dr. in Woodbridge Described as a black male, 5’10”, 140lbs., black hair and brown eyes Wanted for attempted robbery, conspiracy to commit a felony and use of a firearm in commission of a felony

The attempted armed robbery occurred on December 5 at 8:48PM, as officers responded to investigate a robbery that was reported to have occurred in a parking lot area in the 16600 block of Georgetown Rd. in Woodbridge (22191) earlier that evening.

The victim, a 17- year-old male juvenile, reported to police that he arranged to sell a pair of shoes to an unknown man through various mobile communications. The victim, who was accompanied by a friend, agreed to meet the buyer in the above area to conduct the transaction.

While conducting the transaction, a burgundy vehicle pulled up and several unknown individuals surrounded the victim. During the encounter, the buyer brandished a handgun towards the victim and demanded the shoes.

When the victim refused, he was assaulted and struck with the handgun which discharged allowing the victim to flee the area. The victim then went to a police station to report the incident.

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Montclair man, 18, charged in home burglary

Residential Burglary – On December 18, detectives with the Property Crimes Unit concluded an investigation into a burglary that was reported to have occurred at a residence located in the 4300 block of Jonathan Ct. in Dumfries (22025) on December 7 at approximately 7:00PM.

The investigation revealed that four suspects entered the unsecured home and took several pairs of shoes. The home was unoccupied at the time of the incident. During the investigation, officers identified one of the suspects as a 17-year-old male who was taken into custody without incident.

The investigation revealed one of the suspects was in possession of a firearm during the incident and two of the suspects wore masks. Following the investigation, detectives identified and arrested the remaining suspects in connection to the burglary on December 18.

Arrested on December 18: [Juveniles] Tra Shawn Christopher JONES, 18, of 5107 Spring Branch Blvd. in Montclair is charged with conspiracy to commit burglary, burglary and use of a firearm in commission of felony Court Date: February 11, 2020

Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

A 17-year-old male juveniles of Dumfries A 17-year-old male juveniles of Woodbridge A 16-year-old male juvenile of Woodbridge All were charged with conspiracy to commit burglary, burglary and use of a firearm in commission of felony

The Fredericksburg Nationals on Thursday announced their coaches for the team's inaugural season. A press release states:

The FredNats will be reunited with former Potomac Nationals Manager Tripp Keister, Hitting Coach Luis Ordaz, Athletic Trainer Don Neidig, and Strength and Conditioning Coach Shane Hill. The FredNats will be welcoming Justin Lordin his first year as their Pitching Coach.

Keister is entering his seventh consecutive season as Manager with the franchise, and has managed 846 games, the most in franchise history with 423 regular season wins. Keister has previously managedtwo other levels in Washington's system, the Class-A Hagerstown Suns, and the Gulf Coast League Nationals. He also played four seasons in the New York Mets' Minor League system.

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Have you ever wished you could ride a Virginia Railway Express train to Washington, D.C. on a weekend and skip the congestion on Interstate 95?

It appears Virginia is moving forward with a $3.7 billion plan to unlock a major sticking point on the region’s rail network, clearing the way for increased passenger rail service on Virginia Railway Express and Amtrak. A press release states:

Governor Ralph Northam announced a landmark agreement to expand reliability and service on Virginia’s rail lines, creating a pathway to separate passenger and freight operations along the Richmond to Washington, D.C. corridor. The parties will continue to work to finalize definitive agreements with execution planned in the second half of 2020.

The agreement between the Commonwealth and CSX outlines a $3.7 billion investment that includes:
Building a new Virginia-owned Long Bridge across the Potomac River, with tracks dedicated exclusively to passenger and commuter rail;

• Acquisition of more than 350 miles of railroad right-of-way and 225 miles of track
• 37 miles of new track improvements, including a Franconia-Springfield bypass.

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make our rail system work better for everyone, both in Virginia and along the entire East Coast,” said Governor Northam. “This agreement will change the future of transportation in Virginia, improving our ability to move people and goods across the state, and opening up potential rail service in underserved parts of the Commonwealth.”

Currently Long Bridge, built in 1904 and owned by CSX, carries every passenger, commuter, and CSX freight train that crosses the Potomac River. But it has only two tracks, and is at 98 percent capacity in peak times. The new bridge will relieve this bottleneck, providing track for passenger and commuter trains while freight trains exclusively use the existing Long Bridge.

The Commonwealth has negotiated improvements with CSX to increase service levels. These improvements will be phased in over 10 years, resulting in the additional service:

• Doubling the number of Virginia Amtrak trains;
• Providing nearly hourly Amtrak service between Richmond and Washington, D.C.;
• Increasing Virginia Railway Express (VRE) service by 75 percent along the I-95 corridor, with 15-minute intervals during peak periods and adding weekend service;
• Increasing Amtrak service to Newport News and allowing for an improved schedule of the third Amtrak train to Norfolk;
• Laying the foundation for Southeast High-Speed Rail through the acquisition of the abandoned S-Line which runs from Petersburg into North Carolina; and
• Preserving an existing freight corridor between Doswell and Clifton Forge for future east-west passenger service.

The Commonwealth is bringing together federal, state, and regional partners to fund the proposal, with Amtrak playing a critical role. The Amtrak Board of Directors has approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth that outlines their commitment to this program.

Studies show that highway expansion is increasingly unable to alleviate gridlock and congestion in Northern Virginia. The Commonwealth’s Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment is completing a study of the I-95 Corridor. One preliminary finding estimates a $12.5 billion cost to build one additional lane in each direction for approximately 50 miles—with congestion returning in the peak period the day it opens.

This rail expansion is expected to remove five million cars and one million trucks off Virginia highways each year, and propel the Port of Virginia toward its goal of moving 40 percent of containers by rail.

(Virginia Department of Transportation press release) Demolition of the I-66 bridges over Route 29 North in Centreville will require reducing Route 29 under I-66 to a single travel lane in each direction on Friday, Dec. 20, and Saturday, Dec. 21, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and on Sunday, Dec. 22, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Two-way traffic will run on Route 29 South during this period.

Drivers using ramps to and from I-66 will not be allowed to make left turns during this time. Detours will be posted. Drivers should expect delays if traveling in this area.

Closures are needed for bridge demolition activities over the roadway. All work is weather dependent and will be rescheduled if inclement conditions occur.

Details include:

Friday, Dec. 20, and Saturday, Dec. 21: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Sunday, Dec. 22: 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Route 29 North and South at I-66

Route 29 will be reduced to two lanes, one in each direction.
The two open travel lanes will use the northbound lanes of Route 29 under I-66.

Ramp from I-66 West to Route 29

No left turn to Route 29 North.
Drivers will be directed to turn right onto Route 29 South, stay to the left, and make a U-turn at O’Day Drive onto Route 29 North.

Ramp from I-66 East to Route 29

No left turn to Route 29 South.
Drivers will be directed to turn right on Route 29 North, stay to the left and continue to the intersection of Trinity Parkway/Centrewood Drive Road. At the traffic signal, drivers will use the left-most of the two left-turn lanes to make a U-turn onto Route 29 South.

Ramp from Route 29 North to I-66 East

The ramp from Route 29 North to I-66 East will be closed.
Drivers will continue farther north to the intersection of Trinity Parkway/Machen Road. At the traffic signal, drivers will use the left-most of the two left-turn lanes to make a U-turn onto Route 29 South, then stay to the right and follow signs to I-66 East.
As an alternate route, drivers can continue farther north to Route 28 North, stay to the right, and follow signs to I-66 East.

Turn lane from Route 29 South to I-66 West

The left turn lanes from Route 29 South to I-66 West will be closed.
Drivers will continue farther south, stay to the left and make a U-turn at O’Day Drive onto Route 29 North.

Similar weekend lane closures for bridge demolition over Route 29 are also scheduled to occur the first weekend of 2020, from 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3, through 5 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 6.

Demolition will occur during daytime hours on weekdays for portions of the bridges not directly over Route 29, and will not impact traffic on Route 29. No demolition activities will take place over the Christmas holiday, Dec. 24-25.

The I-66 bridges over Route 29 are being reconstructed as part of the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project. The bridges are being lengthened, widened, and raised to accommodate the new Express Lanes and provide room for any future mass transit along I-66 and future widening of Route 29. This work is being done in phases in order to maintain traffic on I-66 throughout demolition and reconstruction.