Residents are invited to attend a rededication ceremony to commemorate the enhancements made to the playground area at Birchdale Community Center. The ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 2 p.m. The Birchdale Community Center, located at 14730 Birchdale Avenue in Dale City, will host the event.

Key improvements to the playground include the replacement of the old equipment with a new playground and the addition of two shelters. These upgrades aim to enhance the recreational facilities available to the community.

The rededication ceremony provides an opportunity for residents to gather and celebrate the improvements made to the Birchdale Community Center playground. All are encouraged to attend and participate in the event.

A Prince William County judge dropped a rape charge against a man accused of raping a 10-year-old girl in Dale City.

Prince William County Circuit Court Judge Carroll A. Weimer Jr. dropped the charge on March 6. The suspect, 40-year-old Bernabe Garcia of Woodbridge, was set to appear for a jury trial on the rape charge from March 18 to 21, 2024.

Prince William County Commonwealth Attorney Amy Ashworth said she had no comment on the case and emailed:

“I do not comment on cases involving juveniles alleged to have been sexually abused as I believe their privacy should be respected. Speaking generally and not specifically about any case, I will tell you that we never “drop” charges – that is not a legal term used when speaking about criminal charges. The Commonwealth may elect to nolle prose or “not prosecute” the charges at this time. This does not prevent charges from being brought back at a later date. The decision to nolle prose a case can be made by a prosecutor for a variety of reasons, such as the unavailability of key witnesses to appear at trial, the need for additional evidence or investigation by the police, the discovery of evidence inconsistent with the original charges, the need for further testing of evidence at the forensics lab, the inability of witnesses to testify, the desire of a victim to not move forward with prosecution, etc. I can assure you that the decision to nolle prose a case is not made lightly and is done in consultation with the victim and the police.”

It’s the second time Ashworth has declined to comment in as many months. Last month, Ashworth refused to comment on The arrest of Jose Rafael Lizama, a 47-year-old resident of Manassas Park, charged in the death of Justin Burns, who was struck and killed while walking near the Old Town Sports Pub in Downtown Manassas on December 2, 2023.

Police arrested Lizama immediately following the crash on December 2, 2023, when he was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Astonishingly, he was released the next day on a personal recognizance.

Police arrested Lizama a second time on February 2, 2024, when Lizama, this time facing charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection to Burns’ death. However, Lizama was released on February 5, 2024, upon posting a $5,000 secured bond.

For the rape case, police charged Garcia On February 16, 2023, when detectives with the Prince William County Police Special Victims Bureau concluded an investigation into a sexual assault that was reported to have occurred at a home in Dale City on January 16 and February 12, 2023. The investigation revealed the female victim, who was under the age of 10 at the time of the offenses, was sexually assaulted by the accused on more than one occasion, police said.

Police said Garcia knew his victim. The victim reported the incident to a family member, who contacted the police, prompting the investigation.

On Friday, March 8, 2024, units were dispatched to the 6100 Block of Oust Lane in Dale City for a reported house. Crews arrived at about 1:30 p.m. to find the occupants out of the home and located the fire in a second-floor bedroom.

Find more information in a Prince William County Fire and Rescue press release:

Hose lines were advanced quickly, and extinguishment was performed. The structure unfortunately sustained moderate damage. No injuries were reported.

The Building Official declared the home unsafe to occupy. The Red Cross responded and assisted the family of 5 adults and 15 children who were displaced. The Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire was caused by a candle igniting bedding material.

Allowing an open flame near any combustible material is dangerous. The Fire Marshal’s Office warns against the use of candles. If candles are used special precautions should be taken.

• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Never positioned a candle where it can be easily disturbed or knocked over. Keep the candle at least 3’ from any combustible material.
• Ensure the candle is secured in a sturdy holder where the flame is contained and protected.
• Children and pets should always be monitored in the vicinity of a burning candle.

Suppose the latest idea on the Interstate 95 E-ZPass Lanes comes to fruition. In that case, drivers can access lanes in both directions during rush hours, creating a busier highway transportation system while offering more choices to drivers.

In the plan, there will be two lanes heading in the rush hour direction and one the opposite way. The details for this more accessible travel plan, as are many other factors, including construction, are still in the works.

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Authorities have apprehended the suspect linked to a reported sexual assault in Dale City. Identified as Alexander Maximiliano Soto Hernandez, 42, of Dale City, the individual was taken into custody on February 27 in North Plainfield Borough, New Jersey.

Soto Hernandez faces charges including two counts of aggravated sexual battery, one count of forcible sodomy, and one count of abduction with intent to defile. His court date is pending, and he remains incarcerated.

The incident, which occurred on February 26 at 7:50 a.m., prompted law enforcement response to a residence in Dale City. A female victim, awakened by the accused wielding a knife in her room, endured a sexual assault.

Managing to escape, she sought refuge with a neighbor who promptly notified authorities. The suspect fled the scene in a Dodge Caravan, originally silver but later painted black aftermarket, bearing New Jersey license plates.

Further investigation revealed that the accused had been renting the basement of the same residence as the victim.

Rape Investigation Leads to Arrest

A suspect sought in connection with a sexual assault reported in the Woodbridge area of Prince William County has been apprehended. The incident, which occurred on November 26, 2023, prompted an extensive investigation by the Prince William County Police.

The initial incident occurred at a residence in the Woodbridge area of Prince William County on November 26, 2023. At 12:26 AM, officers responded to a report of a sexual assault. The investigation revealed that a man inside the home had sexually assaulted a female juvenile victim. The victim and the accused had arranged to meet through a social media app.

In the initial release regarding the incident, it was disclosed that a family member intervened during the assault and separated the victim from the accused, who subsequently fled the residence.

Dimas Alexis LAZO, 26, residing at 9226 Limestone Pl. in College Park, Md, was arrested on February 20, 2024, and faces charges of rape in connection with the incident, police said.

LAZO’s court date is pending, and information regarding bond availability is currently unavailable. The Prince William County Police continue encouraging anyone with information regarding this incident or similar cases to contact the department. Ensuring the safety and well-being of all community members remains a top priority for law enforcement officials in Prince William County.

Shots fired at Cloverdale Park

February 20, 2024 – Woodbridge

At approximately 5:41 AM on February 20, law enforcement officers swiftly responded to a shots fired call in the vicinity of Cloverdale Road and Crescent Drive in Woodbridge (22193). Upon arrival, investigations revealed that multiple gunshots were heard near Cloverdale Park, followed by the rapid departure of a dark-colored sedan with tinted windows from the area. Subsequent checks of the area unveiled damage to a residence and an unoccupied vehicle parked in the 15100 block of Cloverdale Rd, indicating that they had been hit by gunfire. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or additional property damage. Notably, multiple shell casings were discovered in the intersection above.

Commercial Burglary Incident

February 20, 2024 – Woodbridge

In another incident on the same day at approximately 6:42 AM, authorities were summoned to the Don Sebas Taqueria situated at 3908 Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge (22192) to probe a burglary. Security footage revealed an unidentified individual, described as a white male between 5’9” and -6’0” in height, wearing all dark-colored attire, including a hooded sweatshirt, sweatpants, face covering, gloves, and “Yeezy” shoes, forcibly entering the restaurant through a rear glass door around 4:26 AM. The suspect proceeded to abscond with cash before fleeing the scene on foot.

Reckless Handling of a Firearm and Drug-Related Arrest

February 20, 2024 – Manassas area

Later that evening, at approximately 7:14 PM, law enforcement authorities responded to the 8000 block of Sudley Rd near Manassas (20109) following reports of shots fired. Upon investigation, it was determined that an individual, later identified as Vinzel Pierce BROWN, had brandished a firearm and discharged it at an unoccupied U-Haul truck parked in the area, police said.

Brown attempted to flee the scene in a vehicle but subsequently fled on foot upon the arrival of additional officers. Following a thorough search aided by a police K-9 unit and a Fairfax County police helicopter, Brown surrendered to the authorities without further incident, police said. During the investigation, both a firearm and suspected illegal narcotics were seized. Brown, who was found to be under the influence, was subsequently arrested and faces multiple charges, including reckless handling of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute narcotics, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, police said.

Domestic Violence Arrest

February 17, 2024 – Woodbridge

On February 17, Kenny THACH, sought in connection with a previous domestic assault incident reported on February 7 at an apartment located in the Misty Ridge Apartments on Sequoia Ct. in Woodbridge (22191), was apprehended. THACH faces charges of strangulation and abduction stemming from the earlier altercation.

Abduction Arrest

February 15, 2024 – Manassas area

Gabriel Anthony TRIGLIA, wanted in connection with an abduction incident reported on January 20 at a residence on Community Dr. near Manassas (20109), was arrested on February 15. TRIGLIA faces charges of abduction and assault & battery related to the incident.

Other Incidents

Other incidents reported included a residential burglary on February 19 in the 2300 block of Marline Ct in Lake Ridge and an aggravated malicious wounding incident on the same day in the area of Old Bridge Rd and Oakwood Dr in Lake Ridge.

These incidents underscore the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to maintain public safety and uphold the rule of law within Prince William County and its surrounding areas. Suspects apprehended in connection with these incidents await court proceedings as investigations continue.

Aggravated Malicious Wounding Incident

On February 19 at 4:19PM, authorities responded to a reported altercation in the vicinity of Old Bridge Rd and Oakwood Dr in Lake Ridge. According to the Prince William County Police Department, the victim, a 26-year-old male, sustained multiple injuries following an unprovoked assault by an unidentified individual while both were traveling on an OmniRide bus. Law enforcement officers promptly intervened when the bus stopped in the area above.

The accused, identified as Deybi Ismael ESPINOZA, 34, residing at 5470 Bradford Cr #132 in Alexandria, was found to be intoxicated at the time of the incident and was subsequently apprehended without further issue, police said. The victim, whose injuries were determined to be non-life threatening, received medical treatment at a local hospital.

Deybi Ismael ESPINOZA faces charges of aggravated malicious wounding and public intoxication. He remains in custody without bond pending a court date.

Arrested on February 19:
Deybi Ismael ESPINOZA, 34, of 5470 Bradford Cr #132 in Alexandria

Charges:

• Aggravated malicious wounding
• Public intoxication

Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

Assault & Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer 

On February 19 at 10:32AM, officers were dispatched to Croppers Auto Care at 17662 Main St in Dumfries (22026) in response to an attempted vehicle theft. Upon investigation, it was determined that the accused was apprehended by employees while allegedly attempting to steal a vehicle from the establishment’s parking lot.

Upon the arrival of law enforcement, the accused initially provided false identification, police said. Subsequent verification revealed active arrest warrants against the individual. The accused, identified as Christopher David LIMING, 35, residing at 17675 Washington St #204 in Dumfries, was transported to a nearby hospital for an injury sustained before police contact.

While in custody, Christopher David LIMING assaulted an officer by kicking them in the chest, police said. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with this incident.

Arrested on February 19:
Christopher David LIMING, 35, of 17675 Washington St #204 in Dumfries

Charges:

• Assault & battery on a law enforcement officer
• Attempted grand theft auto
• Providing false ID to police
• Court Date:Pending | Bond: Unavailable

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There was a time in the 1970s when kids would get a plastic hockey blade, screw it on a broomstick, and run around the street, hitting the ball into the homemade goal.

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A townhouse fire on Lambsgate Lane shook the neighborhood late yesterday afternoon, Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, at 3:36 p.m., as units from Prince William County Fire and Rescue rushed to the scene following a distress call.

Battalion Chief Matt Smolksy reported that upon arrival, smoke was visible from the front of the structure, prompting a swift response from firefighters.

The occupants, returning home to their address in the 5000 block of Lambsgate Lane, were met with smoke permeating the residence. No injuries were reported as the fire was promptly extinguished by responding crews. However, the home sustained moderate damage, leading the Building Official to deem it unsafe for occupation.

According to the Fire Marshal’s Office, the blaze’s cause was the incorrect use of a battery charger. The misuse of this equipment serves as a reminder of the importance of following safety protocols and manufacturer guidelines when handling electronic devices.

Police have apprehended a suspect believed to be responsible for a carjacking near Gar-Field Senior High School in Woodbridge.

On February 18 at 5:40 p.m., officers responding to an unrelated call for service spotted the suspect, and apprehended him after a foot pursuit.

Police said the carjacking occourred at 5:55 p.m. February 11. Officers responded to reports of a robbery in the 14200 block of Smoketown Road in Woodbridge. According to the initial report, the victim, an 18-year-old man, had been accosted by a group of individuals, one of whom was later as the suspect.

The victim had provided the suspect and others a ride, only to be targeted for robbery shortly thereafter, police said. The confrontation escalated when the suspect and another individual from the group pursued the victim to the median area of Smoketown Road, ultimately resulting in the victim being tackled and assaulted. During the altercation, the suspects forcibly took the victim’s phones, wallet, and keys.

A Good Samaritan intervened, preventing further harm to the victim. However, the suspects managed to escape in the victim’s vehicle, prompting a search by law enforcement. While the vehicle was later found abandoned near Westminister Lane in Lake Ridge, the suspects remained at large.

Ibrahim Barrie Jr., 18, of the 14615 Earlham Court in Dale City, faces charges of including carjacking, robbery, and fleeing from law enforcement. He is currently being held without bond, with a court date pending.

The investigation into this incident remains ongoing as authorities work to identify any additional suspects involved. In this case, the prompt action of law enforcement underscores their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the community, particularly near our schools.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact police to aid in the ongoing investigation.

More reports from Prince William police

Additional Arrest in Burglary While Armed

• Incident:Kevin Vincent Brown, 25, was apprehended after a home invasion that happened in January.
• Location: The burglary occurred in a residential area on Sudley Rd in Manassas, VA.
• Charges: Brown is charged with burglary while armed, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, among other felonies. He is held without bond.

Shooting Investigations

• Dale Blvd Shooting: A shooting was reported, with the victim sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.
• Location: The incident took place on Dale Blvd near the intersection with Minnieville Road in Dale City.
• Balls Ford Rd Shooting: Another shooting incident occurred, with the victim also resulted in a non-life threatening injury.
• Location: This incident was reported on Balls Ford Rd near Ashton Ave, near Manassas.
  Both shootings are under investigation with no suspects identified as of the report.
• Police said the the incidents do not appear to be random and there is no threat to the community.

Strong-Armed Robbery and Domestic Assault

• Robbery Incident: A strong-armed robbery was reported without specific charges or arrests mentioned.
• Location: Occurred in a commercial area on Smoketown Road in Woodbridge.
• Domestic Assault: A domestic assault case was reported, involving property destruction and physical altercation.
• Location: This incident happened in a residential neighborhood on Bristow Road in Bristow

Attempted malicious wounding of a law enforcement officer

On Feb. 17, 2024, in Gainesville, a domestic dispute escalated when Jessy William Szypulski, 34, armed with a handgun and in conflict with family members, fired at police and relatives from his home’s upper floor, police said.

• No injuries occurred as officers secured the scene, safely evacuating all, including four children. Szypulski was arrested, facing multiple charges, including attempted malicious wounding of a law enforcement officer and reckless handling of a firearm. He is held without bond, with a court date pending.

American Family Care (AFC), a leading provider of urgent care and occupational medicine services, has opened a new center in Dale City, expanding its national care network. The ribbon cutting ceremony for the latest AFC Urgent Care facility, located at 4101 Cheshire Station Plaza, Dale City, took place on February 8.

The new AFC Urgent Care center in Dale City offers a range of medical services aimed at providing efficient and cost-effective care for families. Staffed with skilled medical professionals, the center boasts an on-site laboratory capable of conducting various lab tests with rapid results. With extended hours of operation, AFC Dale City accommodates patients' schedules, opening from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

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