Fire and rescue crews were called to a fire at Lake Ridge Orthodontics today, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 5:31 a.m.
Prince William County Fire and Rescue units were dispatched to the 2000 block off of Old Bridge Road in Lake Ridge earlier this morning for a report from a passerby of fire through the roof of an office building.
Crews arrived with heavy fire showing from a two-story office building. Large master streams were utilized to extinguish the blaze. No injuries were reported, but four businesses have been displaced.
Crews are still on the scene, extinguishing hot spots and conducting overhauls. The Fire Marshal’s Office is conducting the fire cause investigation.
Police found the body of a woman in a trash truck in Lake Ridge after she didn’t pick up her child from daycare.
On Thursday, March 21, at 8:49 p.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 12200 block of Stevenson Court in Lake Ridge to investigate a missing person.
The investigation revealed family members were concerned over the welfare of the victim, Taty’ana Zakiyyah Cooks, 30, who had not picked up her child from daycare.
During the investigation, detectives learned the victim’s vehicle was being driven by an acquaintance of the victim, later identified as the accused, in Newport News and that the victim’s belongings were still inside her Lake Ridge home.
On March 22, detectives were looking for the missing woman and stopped at a trash truck. Inside, they found the woman’s body.
Additional evidence was discovered which indicated the accused was involved in the victim’s death.
Following the investigation, detectives obtained a murder warrant for the accused, identified as Brendon Devon White, 28, who was located and arrested by Newport News and charged with murder. He’s now in jail.
Flames were seen after bushes outside the Woodbridge Islamic School, at 13385 Minniveille Road, caught fire at about 8:20 p.m. It’s unclear how the fire started, and we don’t have any reports of injuries.
A county fire and rescue spokesman said they don’t know how the fire started.
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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.
The recognition came as a result of the Woodbridge High cross-country team’s performance, including scores and placements at state championships, victory margins, and their rankings comparison. The association particularly valued leaders who achieved significant milestones like first-time or consecutive championships, the Prince William County Public Schools division notes in a press release.
Since becoming coach in 2011, McGreal has led the team to district, regional, and state titles through her commitment and coaching methods.
McGreal stated, “I’ve been interested in coaching, always looking for ways to remain involved. My coaching at Woodbridge started in 2010, and it has been a path of growth for me and the athletes I coach.”
Woodbridge athlete, Hayden, said, “Training under Coach McGreal is effective. She customizes training for each athlete. I’ve learned the importance of consistency and that success requires time, effort, and hard work.”
McGreal’s coaching philosophy is about fostering a love for track and field and helping students develop into confident individuals through sports. This year’s achievements, she believes, are due to the team’s dedication to their training and each other.
“The most fulfilling part of coaching is seeing the athletes’ growth personally and athletically. It’s guiding them to achieve success by their own standards, through dedication,” McGreal added, highlighting the impact of sports.
Being named state coach of the year by the USTFCCCA is a recognition of McGreal’s work and the collective effort of her team. “This acknowledgment affirms the extensive preparation and the shared dedication to excellence among coaches and athletes,” she commented.
Assistant coach Andrew McCarthy commended McGreal’s detailed training approach and adaptability to individual athlete needs. “Kelly stands out for building trust and encouraging athletes to manage their training, leading to significant achievements,” McCarthy noted.
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Aggravated Malicious Wounding Arrest:
Michael Carlos DUNCAN, aged 43 and a resident of Woodbridge, was apprehended on February 8. He faces charges including abduction, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and aggravated malicious wounding. Duncan’s arrest stems from an incident on October 16, 2023, when a shooting occurred outside a residence on Earlham Ct. in Woodbridge. Montgomery County police assisted in locating and apprehending Duncan, who is slated for a court appearance on April 30, 2024. Previously, Michael Carlos DUNCAN was identified as the suspect in connection to a shooting incident that took place on October 16, 2023, in Woodbridge. During the incident, a 39-year-old man sustained a non-life-threatening injury. The investigation into this matter is ongoing.
Shooting Incident:
On February 13, at approximately 5:01 PM, authorities responded to a shots fired call in the 15300 block of Gatehouse Terrace in Woodbridge. The investigation revealed that during a physical altercation between two men, one of them brandished a firearm and fired multiple rounds, injuring a 21-year-old man who later sought medical treatment. Despite efforts, both individuals involved had fled the scene prior to law enforcement’s arrival.
Armed Robbery:
A robbery occurred on February 10 in Woodbridge, where a 19-year-old man was assaulted while sitting in his vehicle. Three unidentified men approached the victim, brandishing firearms, and proceeded to steal his belongings, including marijuana, before fleeing on foot. The victim sustained minor injuries.
Strong-Arm Robbery:
At an ABC Store located at 4255 Cheshire Station Plaza in Woodbridge, a robbery took place on February 11. The suspect, described as a black male wearing all-black clothing and a ski-style mask, threatened an employee and absconded with unpaid merchandise. No injuries were reported.
Sexual Assault Arrest:
Edward GARRETT, aged 59 and residing in Vienna, was arrested on February 9 for sexual battery. The incident occurred on December 12, 2023, at a residence in Woodbridge, where Garrett allegedly assaulted an adult female employee.
Threats to Bomb:
Authorities responded to a threat of bombing at NOVEC, located at 10432 Balls Ford Rd. in Manassas, on February 12. Damien Michaeal BROCKWAY, aged 46 and a resident of Warrenton, was apprehended the following day. The investigation confirmed no active threat.
Impersonating Law Enforcement & Residential Burglary Arrest:
Genie RHINEHART, aged 51 and from Evans, GA, was arrested on February 13 for burglary and impersonating law enforcement. Rhinehart was found inside a residence on Cebu Island Ct. in Lake Ridge and initially claimed to be law enforcement. Further investigation revealed false information, leading to her arrest.
In the late hours of February 11, a disturbing incident unfolded in the 14200 block of Smoketown Road, near Potomac Mills mall in Woodbridge, when an 18-year-old man fell victim to a carjacking and robbery. According to reports, the victim had offered a ride to a group of men, one of whom was identified by police as Ibrahim Jr., an acquaintance. However, what began as a seemingly routine gesture quickly turned violent.
As the victim parked the vehicle in a nearby lot, the situation took a turn when Barrie, Jr. and another individual from the group pursued and tackled the victim in the median of Smoketown Road, police said. The assailants assaulted the victim and took his personal belongings, including phones, wallet, and keys, police said. Fortunately, a Good Samaritan intervened, allowing the victim to escape with only minor injuries.
Officers later discovered the victim’s vehicle abandoned in the vicinity of Westminister Lane. Despite the swift apprehension of Barrie Jr. through the issuance of arrest warrants, the search for other involved parties remains ongoing as authorities diligently pursue leads to ensure all responsible individuals are brought to justice.
Reckless Handling of a Firearm
On the morning of February 10, residents in the area of Orkney Ct. near Knightsbridge Drive in Lake Ridge were rattled by the sound of gunfire, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. An investigation uncovered evidence of reckless firearm use, as shell casings littered the roadway, accompanied by damage to a nearby fence and tree, police said. Miraculously, no injuries or additional property damage were reported, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by irresponsible firearm handling.
Malicious Wounding in Domestic Dispute
Police were called to a domestic altercation on February 11; authorities were summoned to a residence in the 2500 block of Transom Place in Woodbridge to address an incident that escalated into a violent act of malicious wounding, police said. The altercation between a 31-year-old man and a family member, later identified as Virgile Lofton Barber, erupted into physical violence, resulting in the victim sustaining non-life-threatening injuries from a knife attack.
Prompt intervention by other residents halted the assault, allowing for the victim’s medical treatment and the subsequent arrest of Barber, police said. Charged with malicious wounding and domestic assault & battery, police added.
On January 22 at 8:24 a.m., police responded to a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Old Bridge Road and Oakwood Drive in Lake Ridge.
The incident unfolded when the driver of a 2013 Nissan Juke lost control of the vehicle, causing it to leave the roadway and roll onto its roof.
Upon arrival at the scene, Good Samaritans acted swiftly, extracting the driver and providing first aid until fire and rescue personnel arrived. Despite the prompt response, the driver, identified as 39-year-old Demetria Yvette Lee of Woodbridge, succumbed to injuries sustained in the collision on January 24.
The investigation revealed that the Nissan Juke was traveling east on Old Bridge Rd, just after the intersection with Oakwood Dr, when the tragic incident occurred. A 7-year-old boy, properly restrained inside the vehicle, was unharmed.
No other vehicles were involved in the collision.
Crash investigators, who do not currently suspect speed or impairment as factors, are urging anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward and assist in their inquiries.
Woodbridge Senior High School administrators kept students inside today as police searched Lake Ridge for a killer.
A school division spokeswoman told Potomac Local News that eight Prince William County Public schools in the Lake Ridge area were placed into a secure-the-building status today for more than an hour due to police activity.
During a secure-the-building status, students who may have been outside during recess or P.E. are brought inside the building. Exterior doors remain locked as usual, but entry in and out of the building is limited.
“This is a different status than a lockdown status. None of our schools were in a lockdown status,” said spokeswoman Megan Silas. “[Prince William County Public Schools] has a great relationship with Prince William County PD, who kept us informed.”
The school division notified parents via email and text messages after they limited entry to the school buildings’ doors.
Police are searching for 37-year-old Karen Nicole Pollard, a homeless woman, who is wanted in connection to the shooting death of Patrica Belgin, 51, also homeless, on December 28, 2023.
Police said Pollard shot and killed Belgin after an argument over fentanyl pills, in the 1200 block of Easy Street, just off Route 1 in Woodbridge.
Pollard remains on the loose.
Meanwhile, sheriff’s deputies briefly closed a portion of Interstate 95 near Garrisonville Road in neighboring Stafford County for a chase that started at a Walmart on Warrenton Road (Route 17) in south Stafford.
The theft occurred about 12:30 p.m., and detectives followed the suspect’s car to I-95 north. Additional deputies were called in, and police were able to stop the suspects after a brief chase.
Several people have been arrested, said Stafford Sheriff’s Major Shawn Kimmitz. We’ll post more about this one when we have it.
