Led by Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta, the ceremony included remarks by Representative Abigail Spanberger, read by a staff member, in addition to a tribute by Tamika Joy Harris-Russell, a descendant of Ogle Harris. Members of the Harris family were also invited to share stories and memories.

“Ogle Harris and his extended family were a cornerstone of Occoquan’s commercial and social community, and at the heart of the town’s African-American community, for the first 75 years or more of the 20th century,” said Mayor Porta. “It was an honor and pleasure to be able to recognize them for their contributions to our history,” he continued.


Balmore Ortiz Guardado, 36, of Dale City, will spend at least 35 years in prison after Prince William County Circuit Court Judge Kimberly A. Irving sentenced him to a life sentence. Guardado was charged with drugging and raping women and girls.

From Prince William County Commonwealth Attorney Amy Ashworth’s office:


The Prince William County Police Department is partnering with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the United States Coast Guard over the July Fourth weekend to combat boating under the influence.

According to a press release, the county will actively participate in Operation Dry Water, a year-round campaign focused on awareness and enforcement of boating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Since the upcoming Fourth of July has a heightened public presence on the water, law enforcement agencies will prioritize educating boaters about safe practices.


On Wednesday, June 26, at 9:07 p.m., officers responded to a domestic dispute at the Elevations One Apartments in the 14300 block of Bellona Road in Woodbridge.

The investigation revealed that a 26-year-old man and an acquaintance were involved in a verbal altercation in the parking lot. The situation escalated, and during the encounter, the woman sprayed the victim in his face and upper body with an unknown substance before driving away.


Both drivers and passengers in the vehicles were taken to the hospital. On June 27, crash investigators were notified that the male passenger who was injured in the Edge died as a result of injuries sustained during the crash. All other involved parties are expected to survive. Investigators determined that speed, alcohol, and drugs were not factors for the driver. At the time of the collision, the driver of the Edge, identified as Doris Ann Grosskopf, was charged. The investigation continues.

Doris Ann Grosskopf, 82, of the 12100 block of Clipper Drive in Woodbridge, is charged with failure to follow a traffic signal. She is due in court on August 26, 2024, and was released on a court summons.


The Town Council of Dumfries received details of a new housing project presented by Reginald Tabor, the town’s planning director.

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On Tuesday, June 25, at 10:40 p.m., officers responded to Tackett’s Mill Shopping Mall in the 2200 block of Old Bridge Road in Lake Ridge. The response was to investigate a shots fired call.

The investigation revealed that two victims, a 22-year-old male and a 21-year-old female, were in the parking lot when a black SUV drove by and fired BB or other pellet-type rounds from the vehicle, striking both victims. No injuries were reported. No additional injuries or property damage were reported.


The Prince William County Criminal Justice Academy Basic Law Enforcement 57th Session graduated on June 21, 2024, at Gainesville High School.

Prince William County Police Department: The class consisted of nine Prince William County Police officers and two Prince William County Sheriff’s deputies. They completed a 24-week training course covering firearms, use-of-force decision-making, driver training, legal training, patrol techniques, criminal investigation, and crash investigation.


The Prince William Conservation Alliance held its “People Who Make a Difference” Awards on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

This year’s event recognized four community members whose efforts have significantly contributed to the local environment’s preservation and enhancement. The awards honor individuals who embody the principle that people who care can make a difference.


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