Malicious Wounding Arrest in Manassas
On March 14, authorities arrested Eric Yovany MELARA, 34, in connection to a brutal assault that took place on November 28, 2024, outside Columbus Grill in Manassas. The victim, a 27-year-old man, was repeatedly struck and kicked before the suspects fled. The first suspect, Christopher Osbaldo AGUIRRE-ARGUETA, was previously apprehended in January.
Commercial Burglary at Jersey Mike’s
On March 12, a burglary occurred at Jersey Mike’s in Woodbridge around 10:15 PM. The suspect, identified as Tyjaun Cattrell SMITH, 19, entered through an unlocked rear door and stole money from the cash register. He remains at large.
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The Board of County Supervisors has directed staff to review agreements between the Prince William County Police Department and incorporated towns regarding using the Mike Pennington Scenario-Based Training Center. The move comes after Gainesville District Supervisor Bob Weir requested a formal review of the Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) governing town law enforcement agencies' access to the facility.
At a March 4, 2025 board meeting, Supervisor Weir, a former Haymarket Town Council member, emphasized that town residents are also county residents and contribute to county taxes. He proposed an amendment to the existing MOAs allowing town police departments to use the facility at no cost, shifting the financial burden to the county’s police department budget.
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- [Photo: Alan Gloss]
Snake Stabber Stopped
A pet snake suffered life-threatening injuries after a breaking and entering on Lakeview Drive.
On March 12 at 11 a.m., Stafford deputies responded to a reported burglary in progress. A female suspect was inside the residence armed with scissors and knives. Deputies C.S. Harding and J.L. Jones arrived swiftly and detained Nina Zarin, 21, of Fredericksburg.
During a search, deputies found suspected controlled substances in Zarin’s possession. Further investigation revealed that she unlawfully entered the residence intending to harm a pet snake. While two snakes were unharmed, a four-year-old banana ball python suffered multiple stab wounds, with a knife still lodged in its body.
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The regional Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) conducted the investigation and presented its findings to Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth. After a thorough evaluation, Ashworth determined that the officer acted lawfully and that no charges would be pursued.
Following the criminal investigation, the Prince William County Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards will now review the case internally. Additionally, the department’s Use of Deadly Force Review Board will conduct a final assessment to determine whether the shooting was justified and by department policy.
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Teen Arrested for Two Strong-Arm Robberies in Woodbridge
A 17-year-old male has been arrested in connection with two robberies in the 14800 block of Winding Loop in Woodbridge.
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Stafford County Incidents
Mass Overdose Scene
Edison Lane, Stafford (March 9, 12:16 a.m.) – First responders arrived at a home for a reported overdose and found an unresponsive man. While treating him, four additional people overdosed and required immediate care. All five were transported to the hospital and are expected to recover. A partygoer allegedly brought a controlled substance, which some guests consumed. Anne Pates, 36, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and is being held without bond. The investigation is ongoing.
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Prince William County police crash investigators responded to the incident at 5:46 a.m. on March 7 near Old Stage Road in Dumfries (22025). Their investigation revealed that the victim, identified as Jack Leo Burdette Jr., was walking back across Dumfries Road after securing the dog when he was hit by a westbound 2022 Ram ProMaster van approaching Old Stage Road.
At the time of the crash, Burdette was wearing dark clothing and was walking in an unlit section of the roadway, outside of a designated crosswalk, police said.
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Arrest: Abduction & Strangulation (Domestic) – Woodbridge (March 5, 11:12 PM)
A 39-year-old woman was assaulted and prevented from leaving a room. Mikael Lee Thomason, 42, was arrested and charged with strangulation, abduction, and domestic assault & battery.
Strong-Arm Robbery – Woodbridge (March 6, 1:41 AM)
A 27-year-old woman was robbed after an altercation with Salman Rahman, 29, who took her phone by force before fleeing. An arrest warrant has been issued, but Rahman remains at large.
Abduction & Assault Arrest – Gainesville (March 3)
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Stafford County
Update: Malvern Lakes Shooting
Investigators have provided an update on the recent shooting in Malvern Lakes. The Stafford County Sheriff's Office confirmed the victim was a 21-year-old male who suffered non-life-threatening injuries. No further details have been released at this time.
