WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Police carried out a major multi-agency operation today tied to a violent gang-related shooting outside a popular hookah lounge earlier this year.
According to a release from the Prince William County Police Department, officers executed around 14 search warrants early Tuesday, July 16, as part of their ongoing investigation into the April 13 shooting at Babylon Café, located at 3081 Golansky Boulevard in Woodbridge.
The investigation revealed that members of the Wheels of Soul motorcycle gang were involved in assaulting a 42-year-old man outside the café. Police say the man was forcibly removed from the business into the parking lot, where he was severely beaten. Shortly after, an acquaintance of the victim approached the group, leading to a shootout with more than 80 rounds fired.
In the coordinated operation today, law enforcement conducted searches at locations across Prince William County—including Woodbridge, Manassas, and Nokesville—as well as in Stafford, Linden, Falls Church, the Hampton Roads area, and two sites in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
So far, 19 individuals have been arrested or are being sought in connection to the case.
The large-scale effort involved hundreds of personnel from multiple agencies, including the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and Virginia State Police, among others.
Police say additional information about those arrested will be released when available.
STAFFORD, Va. – A man is dead after his car flipped into a ditch early this morning on Route 3 (Kings Highway), near River Bend Drive, about five miles west of Duff McDuff Memorial Park.
According to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the scene shortly after 3 a.m. and found a Honda Civic off the roadway. The car’s driver, a 32-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Crash investigators say the vehicle had been heading westbound when it overcorrected, causing the driver to lose control. Speed is believed to have played a role in the crash.
As of 7:30 a.m., all lanes on Route 3 reopened to traffic after the crash scene was cleared.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy S.C. Martin at 540-658-4450.
According to a message from police, the incident was reported at 3:11 p.m. No one was injured, and no weapons were seen during the incident. The vehicle was not taken.
The suspect fled the scene on foot, and their direction of travel is unknown.
Officers are actively searching the area with assistance from K-9 units and a police helicopter. Authorities are urging anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it to the police immediately.
This is a developing story.
STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – A man suffered minor injuries after being hit by a vehicle in the parking lot of the Fas Mart on Cambridge Street (Route 1) Tuesday afternoon.
According to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the convenience store at 620 Cambridge Street at 2:26 p.m. for a report of a pedestrian struck. The driver of the vehicle left the scene before authorities arrived.
The suspect is described as a male wearing a white shirt, dark pants, and a hat. He was last seen driving a white truck with a black bed cover, believed to be a late 1990s Dodge Dakota or Dodge Ram 1500.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is asked to contact Deputy S.A. Russo at 540-658-4450.
DUMFRIES, Va. – The Town of Dumfries has postponed the kickoff of its free Summer Movie Nights series due to rainy weather in the forecast.
Originally set for Wednesday, July 16, the showing of Moana 2 at Garrison Park will now take place on Tuesday, July 23 at 8:30 p.m. The town is also keeping an eye on a recent bear sighting in the area but says it’s prepared on all fronts to keep the event safe and enjoyable.
In a Facebook post, the town invited families to bring blankets, chairs, snacks, and coolers for a fun night under the stars. Each movie night includes free hot dogs and popcorn while supplies last, as well as restrooms and free on-site parking at each location.
The rest of the series remains as planned:
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Tuesday, July 23 – Moana 2 at Garrison Park
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Wednesday, August 6 – Minecraft at Ginn Memorial Park
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Wednesday, August 13 – Inside Out 2 at Merchant Park
The movie titles were chosen through a community vote held on the Dumfries Citizens Connect App, social media, and the Neighborhood App. According to Town Manager Tangela Innis, the event is meant to bring neighbors together in a fun, inclusive setting. While no outside sponsors are involved this year, the town is seeking local partners for future events.
“We want every person who attends to feel welcomed, included, and proud to be part of the Dumfries community,” Innis said.
You can view the updated flyer and stay informed by visiting the Town of Dumfries website.
GAINESVILLE, Va. – A Gainesville man is facing multiple charges after police say he sexually assaulted a juvenile girl sometime earlier this summer.
According to Prince William County Police, officers were called on July 10 to investigate a sexual assault that reportedly happened at a home on the 6700 block of Stapleton Place. The incident is believed to have occurred between June and July 2025.
Police said a juvenile female reported she had been sexually assaulted by a family friend. After disclosing the incident to a family member, police were contacted.
Following an investigation, police arrested Ronald F. Wynkoop, Jr., 58, of the same street, on July 11. He is charged with aggravated sexual battery and taking indecent liberties with a minor.
Wynkoop is being held without bond. His court date is pending. Police did not release the age of the victim.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. – California Tortilla is diving into summer fun with the return of its popular Shark Week promotion, just in time to celebrate the brand’s 30th anniversary.
Starting Wednesday, July 23, anyone who buys a fish taco at a participating California Tortilla location will receive a free Shark Fin Hat—available in-store while supplies last. Guests who return with their fins by July 31 and make a purchase will receive a free fish taco in return. And for those ready to show off their fin flair online, posting a photo with the hat and tagging @caltort on social media will earn them another free taco through the Burrito Elito loyalty program.
The promotion is part of a series of fun throwbacks celebrating the brand’s 30-year milestone—an era known for quirky perks like Pop-Tart giveaways and the Wall of Flame hot sauce bar.
NOKESVILLE, Va. – Burnside Farms is gearing up for its 2025 Summer of Sunflowers, opening Friday, July 11.
Located at 11008 Kettle Run Road in Nokesville, just 40 miles west of Washington, D.C., Burnside Farms is a family-run business known for its vibrant flower festivals. Founded by Leslie and Michael Dawley, the farm has been welcoming visitors since 2012, offering seasonal events like the Festival of Spring and the Summer of Sunflowers.
This summer, guests can explore over 70 acres of sunflowers, featuring more than 30 varieties planted in successive crops to ensure continuous blooms. The farm operates with split hours to help visitors avoid the midday heat: weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon and 4 p.m. to dusk, and weekends from 6 a.m. to noon and 4 p.m. to dusk. The farm is closed daily from noon to 4 p.m.
Tickets are available for purchase online starting today at noon. Visitors can enjoy activities like pick-your-own sunflowers, sunflower mazes, and the new 4,400-square-foot Tulip and Sunflower-themed playground. The farm also hosts events such as the Tribute to Summer Saturday Concert Series and Foamy Fridays, featuring live music and bubble-filled fun.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Burnside Farms’ website.
Officers responded to the intersection of Portsmouth Road and Ashland Avenue at 8:58 p.m. on July 9, where a 2020 Dodge Journey collided with a Ninebot KickScooter. According to police, the Dodge was making a left turn onto Ashland Avenue when the e-scooter, traveling southbound on the sidewalk along Portsmouth Road, entered the intersection without stopping.
The operator of the scooter, identified as 40-year-old Eric Corrales of Manassas, was not wearing a helmet. He was taken to a hospital, where police were notified of his death the following day.
The driver of the Dodge and the adult passengers were not injured. Investigators determined the driver, 37-year-old Little David Arris Bowser Mason, also of Manassas, did not have a valid driver’s license. He was charged with driving without a valid operator’s license and released on a court summons. A court date is pending.
Police say the investigation is ongoing as they determine whether to file additional charges.
VFW Post 1503 in Dale City, known as the General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller Post, has been named Virginia’s National Community Service Post Award recipient for 2024–2025. This honor recognizes the post’s outstanding service to veterans and the broader community over the past year.Â
According to a memorandum from the VFW National Programs Office, the award is based on a post’s “total impact,” which includes volunteer hours, mileage, and financial contributions toward community service efforts. Post 1503 stood out for its extensive outreach, including school supply drives for local elementary schools, support for youth sports, and assistance to veterans filing benefit claims.
The post also hosted events such as the Department of Virginia’s 3rd Annual VFW Riders Rally and multiple VFW Day of Service projects. Notably, Post 1503 partnered with Mr. Handyman to provide home improvement services to a veteran family in need.
As part of the award, Post 1503 will receive a commemorative street sign and be featured in an upcoming issue of VFW Magazine. The post, which is the largest VFW post in the world, continues to embody the VFW’s mission of “Veterans helping veterans” through its dedicated community service.Â
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