|
Prince William Police
This one’s for the people who really care about local news.
Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.
Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in
Lawson previously served with the Fairfax County Police Department and joins PWCPD’s western district operations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in humanities from Roberts Wesleyan College and a law degree from Rutgers School of Law.
|
Gunfire reported near a Woodbridge shopping center led police activity in Prince William County during the first days of February, according to police.
Officers responded to the 14200 block of Smoketown Road in Woodbridge after callers reported hearing multiple gunshots. Investigators found several shell casings in an alley behind the Prince William Square Shopping Center. No injuries or property damage were reported, and police did not release suspect information.
A 17-year-old male was shot in the arm during an encounter at an intersection near Manassas on Thursday afternoon, according to police.
Officers were called around 4:55 p.m. to the area of Strasburg Street and Copeland Drive in Manassas (20109). Investigators say the teen was sitting in his vehicle at the intersection when three males approached him.
The shooting occurred in the Manassas area. Police said the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information or who observes suspicious behavior to contact authorities.
The graduation ceremony was held at Grace Life Community Church in Bristow. Officials said the department continues recruiting qualified applicants as demand for trained law enforcement officers grows.
“Our office is committed to dismantling criminal enterprises that profit from human suffering.” “These arrests stem from a joint investigation between the FBI, the Prince William County Police Department, and the Virginia State Police,” U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia said.
Following a raid yesterday, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, federal authorities allege that since May 2023, Kosha and Tarun Sharma, who operate the Red Carpet Inn in Dumfries, took a cut of profits from illegal activity on the motel’s third floor. Between May and December 2025, law enforcement conducted controlled buys of fentanyl and cocaine and prostitution encounters tied to the location. Four other individuals — Margo Waldon Pierce, Joshua Reddick, and Rashard Perrish Smith — were arrested on related charges. All defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, facing a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison if convicted.
Federal and local law enforcement conducted a joint operation at the Red Carpet Inn on Dumfries Road on January 15, targeting suspected drug distribution and sex trafficking activity.
The FBI and Prince William County Police Department executed multiple search warrants at the motel, located at 17005 Dumfries Road in Dumfries. Authorities say the action stems from a multiyear investigation focused on criminal activity at the location. Several arrests were made, though officials did not immediately release the number or names of those taken into custody.
The crash happened around 6:52 p.m. in the 10700 block of Kettle Run Road. The man was taken to a hospital where he later died. Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to come forward.
Here’s the full press release: