PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – The Prince William County Police Department is hitting the streets for two important missions in the coming weeks: keeping drivers safe and supporting Special Olympics athletes.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – A man has been arrested and charged with murder following a deadly shooting that took place in a wooded area behind a shopping center on Smoketown Road Wednesday evening.

Prince William County Police say officers responded to the 14200 block of Smoketown Road at 5:13 p.m. on May 21, 2025. Initially, there were no signs of injuries in the area, but a search led officers to discover three adult males with gunshot wounds in a secluded wooded section behind the shopping complex.

Fire and rescue crews pronounced one victim, 29-year-old Tevon Dean Haskins of Woodbridge, dead at the scene. The two other victims, both 42 years old, were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to investigators, Haskins was approached by a man he had previously encountered. The two got into a verbal argument, which escalated until the suspect fired multiple shots, killing Haskins and injuring the others. Police say the suspect fled the area before officers arrived.

The next morning, detectives located the suspect, Dean Campbell, 45, of Fredericksburg, and arrested him without incident.

Campbell is charged with murder, malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is being held without bond. A court date is pending.

Police emphasized that this was not a random act.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Police say three men were injured in a shooting that broke out Wednesday afternoon, May 21, 2025, in a wooded area behind a busy shopping center on Smoketown Road.

According to an update from Prince William County Police, the incident occurred in the 14200 block of Smoketown Road, behind the center that includes stores such as Mom’s Organic Market and Ross Dress for Less. Officers responded to reports of a shooting and found two men with gunshot wounds. A third victim was later confirmed.

The extent of their injuries remains unknown, and no suspect information has been released at this time.

The scene has since been secured, but a heavy police presence remains as the investigation continues. Authorities emphasized that the incident was “contained to the wooded area” and does not pose an ongoing threat to the public.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Prince William County Police.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – The Prince William County Police Department has announced the completion of the criminal investigation into the fatal officer-involved shooting that happened on December 5, 2024, outside Fire & Rescue Station 26 on Davis Ford Road in Woodbridge.

According to a press release from the department, the investigation was conducted by the Northern Virginia regional Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), which is made up of investigators from multiple area agencies. Their findings were presented to Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth, who concluded that no criminal charges will be filed against the officer involved.

This incident made headlines last December when a man reportedly approached police officers outside the fire station armed with a knife and ignored multiple commands to drop the weapon. Officers ultimately shot the man, who later died at the hospital. No officers or bystanders were injured in the confrontation.

With the criminal review now complete, the department says an internal administrative review will begin. The Office of Professional Standards will examine the incident to ensure it complied with department policies. The department’s Use of Deadly Force Review Board will also conduct a final assessment to determine whether the officer’s actions were justified under agency guidelines.

The police department has provided additional information on its website about how critical incidents like this are investigated.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – A motorcyclist was killed Friday night in a collision at the intersection of Minnieville Road and Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge.

According to the Prince William County Police Department, the crash occurred around 10:30 p.m. on May 10. Investigators say the rider of a 2019 Indian FTR 1200 motorcycle was heading east on Minnieville Road when he ran a red light at Prince William Parkway. At the same time, a 2019 Kia Soul, traveling westbound, began turning left onto Prince William Parkway when the two vehicles collided.

Police say the impact threw the rider from the motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Kia Soul, a 61-year-old woman from Woodbridge, and her passenger were treated for minor injuries.

The motorcyclist has been identified as 28-year-old Christian Alexis Zayas of Woodbridge.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact the department as the investigation continues.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Police have charged a Woodbridge man with involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving after a crash earlier this month that killed a 32-year-old woman.

According to a press release from the Prince William County Police Department, the crash happened on May 1 at the intersection of Dale Boulevard and Barksdale Street in Woodbridge. Investigators say the driver of a 2020 Honda Civic, identified as 23-year-old Luis Alejandro Anariba, was speeding more than 20 miles per hour over the posted 45 mph speed limit when the collision occurred.

Police said the driver of a 2008 Honda Civic was making a left turn toward Barksdale Street when the two vehicles collided. A passenger in the 2008 Honda, identified as Evangelina Castro, 32, of Woodbridge, had to be extricated from the vehicle. She later died at the hospital. The driver of that car, a 34-year-old man from Woodbridge, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Anariba, who remained at the scene and was not injured, was arrested on May 8. He is being held without bond, and a court date is pending.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact them.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – After more than three decades of dedicated service, Major Kevin Hughart is retiring from the Prince William County Police Department, closing a chapter defined by integrity, mentorship, and community leadership. Stepping into his role is Major Jaime Pavol, a 22-year department veteran and county native who will serve as the new Assistant Chief of the Support Services Division.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

DUMFRIES, Va. – A two-year-old girl was found dead at the Red Roof Inn in Dumfries earlier this month, prompting a homicide investigation that led to the arrest of both of her parents on multiple felony charges, including murder and child neglect.

According to Prince William County Police, officers were called to the hotel at 17113 Dumfries Road on April 16 at 4:29 p.m. after fire and rescue crews reported the child was deceased. Preliminary findings showed no visible signs of trauma or immediate medical issues. A second child, under the age of six, was also in the room and was unharmed. That child has since been placed in the care of trusted parties.

Police found an unsecured firearm inside the hotel room. An autopsy later revealed the toddler had fentanyl in her heart blood, according to toxicology results received on April 29.

The investigation found that while the child’s mother contacted emergency services, the father allegedly removed items from the room before first responders arrived. Authorities worked in coordination with Child Protective Services and the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office before issuing arrest warrants.

On May 1, police arrested William Nathaniel Fuller, 28, and Markita Ayanna Williams, 25, both of no fixed address. They were taken into custody in the Dumfries area without incident by detectives and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force.

Fuller is charged with felony murder, felony child neglect, possession of schedule I/II drugs, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm while in possession of illegal drugs. Williams faces charges of felony murder, felony child neglect, and possession of schedule I/II drugs. Both are being held without bond, and court dates are pending.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Prince William County Police at 703-792-6500 or submit a tip at pwcva.gov/policetip.

A black snake found inside the Stafford County Courthouse was safely removed Thursday morning without objection—or appeal.

Deputies discovered the snake slithering down a hallway and quickly intervened. First Sergeant E.D. Chinault apprehended the reptile, humorously dubbed “Rocky Bal-Boa,” and relocated it to nearby woods.

The courthouse remained open, and no injuries were reported during the unconventional eviction.

Woodbridge

Fatal crash in Dale City

A woman died following a two-car crash on Dale Boulevard in Prince William County.

The crash occurred at 6:57 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at the intersection of Dale Boulevard and Barksdale Street. Investigators said the driver of a 2008 Honda Civic was heading east on Dale Boulevard and attempted to turn left toward Barksdale Street while the signal flashed amber. As the car turned across westbound lanes, it collided with a 2020 Honda Civic.

The passenger in the 2008 Honda, Evangelina Castro, 32, of Woodbridge, was extricated from the vehicle and taken to a local hospital, where she later died. The driver, a 34-year-old Woodbridge man, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the 2020 Honda, a 23-year-old Woodbridge man, remained at the scene and was uninjured. Police say speed appears to have been a factor.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact Prince William County Police.

Stafford 

Springfield man assaults deputy outside Stafford motel

Deputies were called to the Motel 6 on Richmond Highway around 9:36 p.m. for a report of a man sleeping on the cement outside. They found 28-year-old Jacob Jones curled in the fetal position, smelling of alcohol. Jones admitted to having “one or two drinks” before becoming combative and assaulting a deputy twice. The deputy was not injured.

Jones resisted during his transport to the magistrate and was charged with public intoxication, two counts of assault on law enforcement, and obstruction of justice. He is being held on a $10,000 secured bond.

Truck not stolen—just forgotten, say Stafford deputies

Deputies responded to a reported stolen truck on Laurel Drive at 4:13 p.m. May 1. The caller, who showed signs of intoxication, claimed his vehicle had been stolen.

Security footage later revealed the man had simply forgotten where he parked. The truck was found a short distance away. The man was charged with public intoxication and filing a false police report and held on a $1,000 secured bond.

iPad thief caught en route to court

At 9:10 a.m. May 1, a distributor at Sheetz on Wyche Road reported his iPad had been stolen. Surveillance footage helped identify a suspect who was later stopped on his way to court. The man admitted to the theft, and the iPad was recovered in nearby woods. He was charged with larceny and held without bond.

Three vehicles broken into in Stafford

Deputies responded to three separate larcenies on May 1:

Duff Park: A Ram truck’s window was broken and a wallet was stolen.
Sol to Soul Yoga: An Acura’s window was smashed and a gym bag was taken but later recovered nearby.
Meadows Farms Nursery: A Mercedes had its window shattered and a purse was stolen.
Investigations are ongoing.

Walmart employee drinks on the job, cited for shoplifting

At 10:40 a.m. on May 1, deputies responded to Walmart on Garrisonville Road, where staff reported an employee had opened a six-pack of beer in the breakroom and consumed it without paying. The employee was issued a summons for shoplifting.

Unknown suspect assaults man on Olympic Drive

At 1:22 a.m. May 1, a man reported being assaulted by a stranger on Olympic Drive. The victim sustained minor injuries. Deputies located the suspect, who was charged with assault and battery and held on a $5,000 secured bond.

Fugitive from Indiana turns himself in

A man wanted in Indiana for violating felony probation turned himself in at the Ford T. Humphrey Public Safety Building on May 1. He was charged as a fugitive from justice and is being held without bond.

Prince William County police have identified Joseph Anthony Cassell, 26, as the man who died during an officer-involved shooting on April 26, 2025, inside an apartment at Westminster at Lake Ridge Senior Living Home, located at 12191 Clipper Drive. The investigation remains active and is being led by the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). More information will be released when available.

Here’s the full press release:

Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation DECEASED IDENTIFIED – Prince William County police have identified the man who died during an officer-involved shooting that occurred inside an apartment within the Westminster at Lake Ridge Senior Living Home located at 12191 Clipper Drive in Woodbridge (22192) on April 26. The deceased was identified as Joseph Anthony CASSELL, 26. The investigation into the encounter between the officers and the deceased remains active and led by the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.

Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation [Previously Released] – On April 26 at 9:58AM, two Prince William County police officers were involved in an officer-involved shooting at the Westminster at Lake Ridge Senior Living Home located in the 12100 block of Clipper Drive in Woodbridge (22192).

Preliminarily, officers were called to the scene in reference to a male in crisis who was armed with a knife. Upon making contact with the male inside the residence he approached the officers with the knife.

Officers gave the man commands which he disregarded. The officers discharged their service weapons firing multiple rounds. After the initial confrontation with the officers, the man then began to attack the victim, identified as a 91-year-old woman, leading to officers discharging their weapons again. Officers provided first aid to both the male and the female. The female was flown to an area hospital for serious injuries and is expected to recover. The male died at the scene.

No officers were injured during the incident, which remained contained to the residence. During the investigation officers determined the parties involved were related.

Subscribe to our FREE email newsletter to get local news you can trust.
https://www.potomaclocal.com/email-subscription/