The FBI Washington Field Office and Prince William County Police Department are renewing their efforts to gather information regarding the murder of G. Marisol Coca-Romero, who was fatally shot a decade ago at a convenience store in Woodbridge.
On this day in 2014, three unidentified men entered the store where Coca-Romero and her co-worker were working and opened fire, resulting in her death. Her co-worker was also injured in the incident and was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
The incident occurred at Platanillos Grocery and Jewelry, located at 14342 Jefferson Davis Highway, around 9 p.m. Both victims, employees of the store, were shot during a robbery attempt. Despite the violence, nothing was reported stolen from the store.
Security camera footage from inside the store captured the moments leading up to the shooting, but the identities of the perpetrators remain unknown. Witnesses reported seeing three males entering the store before the gunshots rang out. The suspects, possibly on foot, fled the scene and have evaded capture since then.
In commemoration of the 10-year anniversary of Coca-Romero’s murder, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Individuals can provide tips anonymously by calling 703-792-7000.
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 primary suspect, identified as Jaquan Mincy, 24, a resident of Fredericksburg, was apprehended at the scene. Mincy faces charges including possession, manufacture, or distribution of a weapon of terrorism containing fentanyl, and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana. He is currently being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
This successful raid was the culmination of an extensive investigation conducted by the Fredericksburg Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Unit. Police Brian Chief Layton emphasized the department's commitment to combatting the distribution and usage of illegal drugs within the community. "The Fredericksburg Police Department is committed to actively investigating the distribution and use of illicit drugs and arresting those offenders," stated Chief Layton in a press release. "I’m very proud of our detectives and officers for removing these dangerous drugs from our community."
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is seeking assistance from the public in locating a suspect involved in an incident that resulted in injuries to a deputy following a crash on Thursday morning.
On February 15 at 1:34 a.m., Sergeant J.T. Forman observed a Scion disregarding a red traffic signal at the intersection of Butler Road and Chatham Heights Road. Forman attempted a traffic stop, but the suspect failed to yield and initiated a pursuit, police said.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
The arrest of Jose Rafael Lizama, a 47-year-old resident of Manassas Park, has stirred concerns following the death of Justin Burns on December 2, 2023.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
Shooting Incident in Woodbridge
On February 15 at 8:05PM, police responded to a residence on Scotch Ct. in Woodbridge following reports of shots fired. Investigation revealed two unidentified males fired rounds at a home before fleeing. No injuries were reported. Suspects described as black males, one wearing a white jacket and the other dressed in all black.
Assault with an Axe near Manassas
At 10:45PM on February 15, officers arrived at the Days Inn on New Market Ct. in Manassas to investigate an assault. A 35-year-old man was assaulted by two unknown individuals, with one wielding an axe and damaging the victim’s vehicle. Minor injuries were reported.
Commercial Burglary in Woodbridge
Police responded to a burglary at Smoketown Tobacco on Smoketown Rd. in Woodbridge on February 15 at 10:27AM. Entry was forced through a damaged glass door, and an undisclosed sum of money and vape products were reported missing.
Road Rage Incident Leads to Arrest
A road rage incident on Mulcaster Ter. in Dumfries on February 15 resulted in the arrest of Juana Adriana FLORES-MONTERO. The 73-year-old victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being struck by FLORES-MONTERO’s vehicle. Charges include malicious wounding, felony hit and run, and hit and run.
Domestic Dispute Ends in Arrest
Following a domestic dispute at Woodbridge Forest Apartments on Tyler Cl. in Woodbridge, Rudy Brandon RODRIGUEZ PIEROLA was arrested on February 15. Charges against RODRIGUEZ PIEROLA include strangulation, abduction, preventing the summoning of law enforcement, and domestic assault & battery.
Assault on Law Enforcement Officer
Jose Danilo PORTILLO, 32, of Woodbridge, was arrested on February 15 in Manassas for assaulting a law enforcement officer. PORTILLO resisted arrest and grabbed an officer after being treated for intoxication. Charges include assault & battery on LEO, obstruction of justice, and being intoxicated in public.
If you rely on us for local news and haven’t already, please support us by becoming a member!
- Join our Locals Only Membership Today! In a world filled with everyday heroes and extraordinary tales, Potomac Local is your trusted source for news and stories that matter in our community.
- Our Local Spotlight Membership is perfect for businesses and non-profits to increase sales, donations, and branding awareness in the community.
Assault at Bank of America
At the Bank of America, located at 1525 Stafford Market Place on February 14, 2024, at 2:17 p.m., deputies were dispatched following a disturbance report involving a weapon. The victim claimed to have been assaulted, strangled, and threatened with a weapon by her romantic partner. The suspect managed to flee the scene but was later apprehended by Deputy A.J. Layug at Circle K, 34 Prosperity Lane. A firearm was confiscated during the detention, and the suspect faced charges of assault and battery, strangulation, and carrying a concealed weapon. He was subsequently released on personal recognizance by the magistrate.
Larceny reports
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
The weapon was safely confiscated without further issues. This marks the second such incident in recent months, despite the school district’s $11 million investment in safety screening technology. The school district emphasized its commitment to student and staff safety, indicating ongoing evaluations of security measures.
A knife was discovered in the possession of a 15-year-old student at Colgan High School, prompting swift action by school authorities and law enforcement on February 14. According to reports, the incident unfolded at approximately 9:15 a.m. when the School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to Colgan High School was alerted to the weapon’s presence.
It was revealed during the subsequent investigation that the accused student had allegedly brandished the knife toward fellow students within a classroom setting.
Upon being informed of the situation, school personnel promptly notified the SRO, who, along with school staff, located and safely confiscated the knife from the student without further escalation. Fortunately, it was determined that the knife did not pose an immediate threat to other students, faculty, or staff members.
Following protocol, the 15-year-old male, identified as the accused, was placed under arrest and charged with possession of a weapon on school grounds. The accused is currently held at the Juvenile Detention Center, pending a court date.
This occurrence marks the second incident within as many months involving the possession of a knife on school premises, despite the recent deployment of $11 million in safety screening technology. The previous incident, which occurred at Potomac Senior High School on January 3, saw a similar discovery of a knife in a student’s possession, bypassing the implemented metal detectors.
In response to the incident, Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) spokeswoman Megan Silas emphasized the ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of students and staff. She highlighted the recent implementation of safety screening technology at middle and high schools across the district to enhance security measures. However, Silas acknowledged that despite the significant investment in such technology, incidents like these underscore the need for continuous evaluation and improvement of safety protocols.
“This situation remains under review,” stated Silas in an email to Potomac Local, emphasizing the district’s dedication to refining its processes in light of emerging challenges.
The installation of metal detectors, part of an $11 million investment in school safety measures, was undertaken by Prince William County Public Schools in collaboration with Evolv. The decision to adopt this technology at the division’s middle and high schools followed extensive deliberation, with school board members conducting firsthand assessments of the equipment’s efficacy in other jurisdictions.
With 92,000 students, Prince William County is Virginia’s second-largest public school division.
After nearly a year of investigation, law enforcement officers have apprehended the suspect in connection to a stabbing incident that occurred in Dale City on March 4, 2023. Robert Dejell Rufus Jackson, 43, of 13206 Haddock Rd. in Dale City, was taken into custody by Alexandria City police on January 24, 2024.
The incident, which occurred at a residence in the 13700 block of Greenwood Drive near Minnieville Elementary School, left a 41-year-old man with multiple stab wounds. Authorities were alerted to the situation at 4:32 a.m. when a caller reported finding the front door of the residence ajar. Upon entering, they discovered the victim suffering from severe injuries.
Emergency services were immediately contacted, and the victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Thankfully, his injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening.
Jackson faces charges of malicious wounding and abduction in connection to the incident. Despite the passage of nearly a year since the attack, authorities continued to pursue leads diligently, ultimately leading to Jackson’s arrest.
A court date for Jackson is pending.
Strong-Arm Robbery
On February 14 at 7:43 p.m., authorities responded to a robbery near Miramar Dr. and Streamwalk Ln. in Manassas (20109). A 51-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man were approached by two unidentified men who demanded money. One suspect seized the woman’s purse before both fled. No injuries were reported.
Suspect Descriptions:
- White male, approximately 5’10”, skinny build, dark brown hooded sweatshirt
- White male, approximately 5’9”, skinny build, red hooded sweatshirt
Reckless Handling of a Firearm
On February 13 at 8:47 p.m, police were called to the 1500 block of Sandpiper Bay Lp. in Dumfries (22026) for reported gunshots. Shots were heard near the riverbank, followed by the rapid departure of two vehicles. No evidence of shooting, injuries, or property damage was found.
Commercial Burglaries
On February 14 at 9:16 a.m., authorities responded to Rahama African Market at 12778 Darby Brooke Ct. in Woodbridge (22192) for a burglary. Around 11:30 p.m. on February 13, an unknown individual smashed the front glass door to enter the business. Money was stolen from the cash register before the suspect fled. A neighboring business was also burglarized in a similar manner. No suspect description is available at this time.
