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Prince William police: “Sexual Assault Investigation on School Grounds – On October 18, detectives began an investigation into a sexual assault that was reported to have occurred at Gar-Field Senior High School located at 14000 Smoketown Rd. in Woodbridge (22193) earlier that day. The investigation revealed the victim, a female student who is under the age of 18, and another student, identified as the accused, were in a restroom together when the accused sexually assaulted the victim.

“The parties eventually separated, and the victim reported the incident to a family member who contacted the police. On November 27, following the investigation, the accused, identified as Lamine MELLOUK, was charged.”


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Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth: “The commonwealth attorney’s office announces the successful prosecution of Gentil Mwenze Banze arising from the June 18, 2022, accident that killed a Lake Ridge man and his dog. On July 6, 2023, Gentil Mwenze Banze pled guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter while Driving Under the Influence. The case was heard by Judge James A. Willett of the Prince William County Circuit Court.”

“On November 16, 2023, Mr. Banze was sentenced by Judge Willett to 10 years in prison, the maximum term allowable under the law, and three years of active probation following his release from prison. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Sarah Sami.”


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Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: “On November 23, at approximately 11:24 p.m. Deputy A De Hoyos and Deputy S.A. Fulford responded to a residence on Smith Street for a breaking and entering. The victim advised a neighbor was currently in her kitchen.”

“Deputies entered the residence and discovered the suspect to be wobbling as he was gobbling. The suspect had feasted not only with his eyes, but he stuffed himself with goods. He also had poured coffee grounds on some of the leftovers. The icing on the cake was in fact leftover cake. Deputies detained the mashed potato murderer before he set his eyes on the pie.”


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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.”


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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.”


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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]


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Prince William Police Department: “On November 26, a credit card skimming device was located at the 7-Eleven located at 6865 Wellington Road, inside gas pump #7. No additional skimming devices were located at the station. If you used pump #7, please monitor your finances for any fraudulent charges.”


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Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: “On November 23rd at approximately 8:34 p.m., Deputy A.T. Leckemby was traveling eastbound on Garrisonville Road near Onville Road when he observed a quick moving figure in front of him. It was difficult to make out the fact it was a minibike due to there being no lights on the bike at all. When Deputy Leckemby turned on his emergency equipment to conduct a traffic stop, the rider of the little red bike looked back towards Deputy Leckemby before proceeding to accelerate. This resulted in a pursuit.”

“Deputy Leckemby followed the minibike down Garrisonville Road, onto Richmond Highway, and into the Best Western parking lot, located at 2848 Richmond Highway. While the driver had no intentions of stopping, the minibike did. The rear tire flattened and the chain had popped off, rendering it disabled. That is when Deputy B.E. Vaughn arrived to assist and together they detained the driver.”


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Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: “On October 27th, Deputy X.D. Bates responded to a residence on Onville Road to answer legal questions. The victims advised they hired someone to complete construction on their home, but the suspect had yet to do so. While at first it appeared to be a civil matter, as Deputy Bates dove further into the investigation, he discovered the suspect might be defrauding the pair.”

“On November 2nd, Deputy Bates located the suspect and confronted him about the job. The suspect advised he ran out of money for the job, but that it was his responsibility to complete the job and he would ‘get it taken care of’. During their encounter the suspect provided a false identity, the same identity he gave to the victims.”


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