The Dumfries Town Council will begin updating the town's comprehensive plan.

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Dumfries residents are getting a Wawa gas station.

The new station will sit at 3500 Pointe Center Court in Dumfries, just off Possum Point Road. In October 2023, the town council approved a conditional use permit to allow the gas station.

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It's parade day in Dumfries, as the town will welcome the season during its 49th annual Christmas Parade.

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Prince William County Community Foundation: “The Prince William County Community Foundation (PWCCF) announces the appointment of Monaé Nickerson as the new Chair of the Board of Directors.”

“Nickerson’s journey as Vice Mayor of Dumfries, and her history of public service and advocacy, mark her as a leader for this role. Elected to her second term as Vice Mayor in 2022, Nickerson has been a force in the community, initiating programs and advocating for the needs of residents.”

“Nickerson’s experience in organizing community events, such as the one-stop-shop expungement clinic, has set a model across Northern Virginia. This initiative has opened new employment and housing opportunities for individuals. Additionally, her leadership in organizing the inaugural Pink and Purple Brunch and Men’s Health Event has raised health awareness in the community.”

 

Dumfries Town Government: Derrick Wood, Mayor of Town of Dumfries, VA, has been elected as the 2024 first vice president of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO), a constituency group of the National League of Cities (NLC). NBC-LEO serves as a forum for communication and networking among African-American municipal officials and their colleagues to share ideas and develop leadership experience. Mayor Wood was elected in November at NLC’s 2023 City Summit conference in Atlanta, GA.

“NBC-LEO plays a crucial role in connecting leaders and also in empowering us to work collaboratively to bring effective change and innovation to our respective communities.” – Mayor Derrick R. Wood.”

“Established in 1970, NBC-LEO provides a platform for municipal leaders to connect, share best practices, and advocate for the needs of their communities. The group also contributes to NLC’s leadership development, policy formulation, advocacy, and program activities.”

Wood won a second term as mayor in November 2022 and has served on the town council since 2012.

Bay Journal: “The effect of coal ash on the environment has been studied and debated for more than seven years now in Virginia. Utilities have spent those years looking for long-term disposal solutions for huge volumes of the industrial waste product, much of it located near major rivers.”

“Frankel and his team studied surface water, sediment, species diversity and fish tissue from Quantico Creek, which runs into the Potomac River next to the Possum Point Power Station in Dumfries. They found elevated concentrations of several trace metals in the sediment and in the muscle tissues of banded killifish, which are food for striped bass, birds and other predators. The researchers also found reduced species diversity in the stretch of Quantico Creek closest to the power station, compared with samples taken at upstream and downstream locations.”

“Sexual Assault Investigation – On November 22, detectives concluded an investigation into a sexual assault that was reported to have occurred in the Gainesville area of Prince William County between July 2021 and June 2023. The investigation revealed the victim, who was under the age of 18 during the time of the offenses, began a relationship with the accused after meeting on a social media app in July 2021. During that timeframe, the accused provided the victim with marijuana before he sexually assaulted her on more than one occasion. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Justin GARCIA, was arrested. Arrested on November 22: Justin GARCIA, 23, of 2352 Basin View Lane in Woodbridge. Charged with carnal knowledge of a child, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and distribution of marijuana to underage person. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable.”

“Sexual Assault Investigation – On November 18, detectives concluded an investigation into a sexual assault that was reported to have occurred at the Melrose Apartments located in the 18100 block of Purvis Drive in Triangle on May 13. The investigation revealed the victim, an adult female, was attending a gathering at the above apartment with an acquaintance, identified as the accused. At one point during the gathering, the victim became incapacitated before being sexually assaulted by the accused. Additionally, the accused was found to have video recorded the encounter without the victim’s permission. On November 18, following the investigation, detectives obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Douglas ESCOBAR SOTO, who turned himself in to police without incident. Arrested on November 18: [No Photo Available] Douglas ESCOBAR SOTO, 23, of 18155 Purvis Drive in Triangle. Charged with rape, aggravated sexual battery, forcible sodomy, and unlawful filming. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.”

Prince William Police Department: “Strong-Arm Robbery *ARREST – On November 22, the suspect sought in connection to the robbery that was reported to have occurred at the Potomac Mills Nordstrom Rack located at 2700 Potomac Mills Circle, suite #972, in Woodbridge on November 13, was arrested. The accused, identified as Dwayne EDWARDS, was located in the Woodbridge area and taken into custody without incident. The case remains active as officers attempt to identify the second suspect involved in the incident. Arrested on November 22: Dwayne EDWARDS, 60, of 3983 Antwerp Court in Woodbridge. Charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit a felony, and grand larceny. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable. Suspect Description: Black male, unknown age, 5’10, 180lbs with a medium build. No clothing description available.”

“Strong-Arm Robbery [Previously Released] – On November 13 at 11:37 a.m., officers responded to the Potomac Mills Nordstrom Rack located at 2700 Potomac Mills Circle, suite #972, to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed loss prevention staff observed a man conceal merchandise and exit the store through an employee door. The staff member confronted the man in the parking lot loading the merchandise into a vehicle. During the encounter, a second man exited the vehicle before both men struck the staff member. The suspects then got into the vehicle and fled the area. Minor injuries were reported, and various handbags were taken. During the investigation, officers identified the second man involved as Dwayne EDWARDS and obtain arrest warrants. The initial suspect who concealed the merchandise has not been identified. Attempts to locate EDWARDS have been unsuccessful.”

“Shooting into a Residential Dwelling – On November 27 at 11:14 p.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 4500 block of Kentmore Drive in Woodbridge to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed a residence was struck by gunfire as a black four-door sedan was seen fleeing the area. Officers located shell casings in the roadway. No injuries or additional property damage were reported.”

“Malicious Wounding – On November 28 at 2:44 a.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 18500 block of Cabin Road in Triangle to investigate a stabbing. The preliminary investigation revealed the victim, a 43-year-old man, was stabbed following an altercation with an alleged unknown individual(s). Another occupant of the home contacted the police. The victim was treated at an area hospital for non-life threatening injuries. There is no suspect description at this time.”

“Reckless Handling of a Firearm – On November 27 at 3:50 p.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 4300 block of Kentland Drive in Woodbridge to investigate a destruction of property. The
investigation revealed at approximately 1:00 p.m., a resident of the home woke to loud noises before discovering their vehicle parked in the roadway had been struck by gunfire. No injuries or additional property damage were reported.”

“Reckless Handling of a Firearm – On November 26 at 11:07 a.m., officers responded to investigate a shots fired call that was reported to have occurred in the 10600 block of Flory Road in Nokesville earlier that morning. The investigation revealed at approximately 2:00 a.m., gunshots were heard in the above area before the caller located shell casings in the roadway later that morning. No injuries or property damage were reported.”

“Reckless Handling of a Firearm – On November 27 at 12:03 p.m., officers responded to the 12400 block of Hedges Run Drive in Woodbridge  to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed witnesses had observed an unknown man retrieve a firearm from the trunk of a white BMW in the above area. While handling the firearm, the man fired two rounds before leaving the area. No injuries or property damage were reported. The suspect was described as a black male wearing a dark-colored hat, a green sweat suit, and a white vest.”

“Brandishing of a Firearm – On November 26 at 10:54 a.m., officers responded to Gordon Blvd. near Horner Road in Woodbridge to investigate a brandishing. The investigation revealed the victim, a 73-year-old man, followed a truck to the above area where he confronted the driver for allegedly dumping trash in a nearby parking lot. During the encounter, the driver brandished a firearm towards the victim who contacted the police as the suspect fled the area. No shots were fired. The suspect was described as an 18–25-year-old Hispanic male with short black hair.”

“Indecent Exposure – On November 26 at 11:28 p.m., officers responded to the Princeton Woods Apartments located in the 3300 block of Dry Powder Close in Dumfries to investigate an indecent exposure. The investigation revealed the victim, a 26-year-old woman, was in the parking lot when she observed an unclothed man making inappropriate gestures. No interaction occurred between the victim and the suspect who left the area a short time later. Suspect Description: A white male, approximately 5’7, 165lbs., with short curly black hair, and tattoos on his shoulders.”

“Malicious Wounding | Domestic Related – On November 26 at 2:54 a.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 3500 block of Shandor Road in Woodbridge to investigate a stabbing. The investigation revealed the victim, a 39-year-old man, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the accused threw a phone striking the victim before she retrieved a knife and attempted to cut the victim. When another occupant of the home, a 33-year-old man, intervened, the accused cut the with the knife. The parties eventually separated, and the police were contacted. Minor injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Kelly Jhohana MENESES ROJAS, was arrested. Arrested on November 26:
Kelly Jhohana MENESES ROJAS, 24, of the 3500 block of Shandor Road in Woodbridge. Charged with malicious wounding, attempted malicious wounding, and domestic assault & battery. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.”

Prince William police: “Murder Investigation *REWARD – The Prince William County Police Department is offering

a reward for information on the whereabouts of the suspect sought in connection to shooting death of a 26-year-old man that occurred in the 3700 block of Wharf Ln. in Triangle (22172) on November 14. During the investigation, the suspect involved in the shooting was identified as Tyus James TERRELL. Attempts and leads in locating 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.”

Wanted: [Photo from January 2023]

• Tyus James TERRELL, 27, of the 100 block of Mansfield St. in Fredericksburg
• Described as a black male, approximately 5’11”, 200lbs., with black hair, brown eyes, and a tattoo on his chest
• Wanted for murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
• Identified:
• The deceased was identified as Quatrail Raynard SMALLS, 26, of Big Stone Gap, VA

Prince William Police Department: “Fraud Investigation – “On November 16 at 1:51 p.m., officers responded to investigate a scam that was reported to have occurred to a resident located in the 16000 block of Fairway Drive in Dumfries earlier that morning around 9:30 a.m.”

“The investigation revealed the victim, a 65-year-old woman, gave a large amount of money under the false pretenses of helping a family member who was allegedly involved in a vehicle crash. The victim reportedly received a phone call and spoke to different individuals who claimed to be the family member involved in the crash, a police officer, and a public defender.”

“The victim was then coerced into putting the money inside a box which was then given to an unknown person who was later determined to be a ride-share driver believed to be uninvolved in the scheme. Law enforcement warns residents not to provide personal information or money to individuals claiming to be the police or affiliated with the court system. Always contact loved ones directly through known means if you are concerned about their wellbeing. Additional information on similar scams is available online.”

“Armed Robbery *ARREST – On November 20, the suspect sought in connection to the robbery that was reported to have occurred at the Super 8 located at 17416 Fraley Boulevard in Dumfries on November 5, was arrested. The accused, identified as Bryce Laron HENRY, was located and taken into custody in Fairfax County. Arrested on November 20: [No Photo Available] Bryce Laron HENRY, 24, of 5794 Gilesburg Drive in Manassas. Charged with robbery, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, abduction, and domestic assault & battery. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable.”

“Armed Robbery [Previously Released] – On November 10 at 9:02 p.m., officers responded to investigate a robbery that was reported to have occurred at the Super 8 located at 17416 Fraley Boulevard  in Dumfries on November 5. The investigation revealed the victim, a 33-year-old woman, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the accused struck the victim multiple times and physically prevented her from leaving their room. At one point during the encounter, the accused brandished a firearm and demanded the victim’s money before leaving the room. Minor injuries were reported. No shots were fired. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Bryce Laron HENRY. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful.”

 

“Strangulation | Domestic Related – On November 20 at 1:32 a.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 12900 block of Kingswell Drive in Woodbridge to investigate a domestic dispute. The investigation revealed the victim, a 39-year-old woman, and a family member, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the accused grabbed the victim and then grabbed her neck. Eventually the parties separated, and the accused fled prior to police arriving at the residence. While checking the area, officers located the accused nearby and took him into custody without incident. The victim reported minor injuries. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Tamiko RIVERA, was arrested. Arrested on November 20: Tamiko RIVERA, 36, of the 12900 block of Kingswell Drive in Woodbridge. Charged with strangulation and domestic assault & battery. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.”