The Prince William County Criminal Justice Academy’s Basic Recruit Session #56 Graduation was marked by personal connections and unwavering dedication to public service.

County Supervisor Victor Angry of the Neabsco District recounted the journey of Officer Carla Coleman, his goddaughter, who had been a part of his wife’s daycare since she was five years old.

“Carla is homegrown. She’s now going to be protecting the community, staying in the area, and protecting the community that she loves. I think that is a success story that she loves her community so much.” Despite his initial surprise at her decision to join the Army National Guard and subsequently become a police officer, he celebrated her success and commitment to serving her local community.

For Angry, public safety and law enforcement were deeply intertwined with personal connections and a sense of homegrown responsibility. He emphasized the importance of officers like Coleman, who understand the community they serve on a personal level, fostering trust and cooperation among residents.

Reflecting on previous debates about defunding the police, Angry expressed his opposition to any defunding.

“That’s a dead idea, I never really liked that term ‘defund’ anyway,” Angry said.

He highlighted the diverse and demanding nature of police work, emphasizing the importance of supporting officers in their mission to maintain public safety. “Our officers, are doing a lot. And I think 9-1-1 has turned more into a 4-1-1 line where people call the police for things officers should not be dealing with,” said Angry. “We need to be smarter about how we route calls to our over-stretched officers.”

Officer Carla Coleman, inspired by her positive experiences with law enforcement, spoke passionately about her decision to join the Prince William County Police Department. She emphasized the strong sense of community and family within the department, particularly praising the impact of School Resource Officers like First Sergeant Jensen, who had played a significant role in her life. “First Sergeant Jensen had a huge impact on me, and that’s the impact every Prince William County officer in the SRO (School Resource Officer) role has in schools. They just made me feel like I was in a family environment. And that’s the best part for me.”

“I Couldn’t be more proud,” County Police Chief Peter Newsham said of his son, newly minted Sheriffs Deputy Nicholas Newsham. The county has both a police department that patrols the streets, and a sheriff’s office that serves court papers and protects the judicial center in Manassas.

Deputy Newsham shared his pride in following in his father’s footsteps and joining the Sheriff’s Office. Despite the weight of his family legacy, he expressed gratitude for the support of his fellow recruits and instructors, who had made his journey a fulfilling and rewarding experience despite his famous name.

Sheriff Glen Hill, welcoming Deputy Newsham into his department, emphasized the importance of comprehensive training programs that prepare officers for the challenges they may encounter on the job. He underscored the need for continuous learning and adaptation in law enforcement, ensuring officers are equipped to handle diverse situations with professionalism and confidence.

“The scenario based training presented in the academy are things these officers may encounter. They improve their skills, but also improve their confidence in handling each unique case,” said Hill. “I’ve been a law enforcement officer for a long time, and the basic things I learned were the same. The training we prepared for, sometimes we prepare for the worst, but also, at the same time, you learn how to control yourself when you’re in those situations, and it makes you both a better person and a better officer.”

County Supervisor Yesli Vega of the Coles District, a county reserve sheriff’s deputy, was the keynote speaker. She emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in policing.

She decried efforts to defund the police, highlighting the sacrifices made by officers and their families in service of public safety.

“When you vilify folks who are willing to put their life on the line in service of others, you create an environment that’s both hostile and dangerous. When I hear ‘defund the police’ I hear two things: these brave and honorable men and women are not supported, and public safety is not a priority. It greatly disheartens me, and I’m sure many others, who sacrifice not only time from their families but risk their lives to serve and protect their community,” said Vega.

In her address to the graduating class, Vega urged the new officers to uphold the values of integrity and service as they embark on their careers.

“Our young people are challenged, I think more than many of us have ever experienced. Technology, social media, and cameras being everywhere – our kids are consistently faced with an immense amount of pressure. Integrity is just one character trait of many that embody police officers. We live in a world where people, especially the media, like to paint a picture that is not necessarily the whole picture of police,” said Vega. “One thing I wanted these graduates to understand is that if you have integrity in everything you do, at the end of the day you know you’re making good decisions and can live with yourself, no matter what others say.”

She underscored the significance of their role in building trust and cooperation within the community, emphasizing the importance of supporting law enforcement officers in their mission to protect and serve.

The graduation ceremony took place Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the Grace Life Church, 3560 Linton Hall Road, in Bristow. A total of 17 Prince William County Police Officers and 2 Prince William County Sheriff’s Deputies were in the class.

The starting annual salary for a county police officer is $62,000, while a starting sheriff’s deputy will make $57,500.

Alan Gloss is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.

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Prince William Police: On April 13 at 8:12 p.m., officers responded to the Walmart located at 14000 Worth Avenue in Woodbridge to investigate an unattended child.

The investigation revealed a good Samaritan observed the victim, a two-month-old infant boy, unattended inside a vehicle in the parking lot. Upon arriving at the scene, officers observed the parents with the victim who had been taken out of the vehicle.

Officers determined the father, identified as the accused, and other family members went into the store, leaving the victim inside the vehicle. The victim was unharmed.

Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Mirwais ALIZADA, was arrested. Arrested on April 13: Mirwais ALIZADA, 45, of the 3500 block of Crag Mews in Woodbridge. Charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Court Date: Pending | Bond: $3,000 Unsecured.

Read the full April 17 report here.

Prince William Police: On April 13, the suspect, identified as Sartisha Elexus Carter, who was sought in connection to the attempted assault that was reported to have occurred at the Bayvue Apartments located in the 1300 block of East Longview Drive in Woodbridge on March 24, was arrested.

Arrested on April 13: Sartisha Elexus Carter, 38, of 1365 East Longview Drive in Woodbridge. Charged with attempted malicious wounding. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable.

Attempted Malicious Wounding (Domestic) [Previously Released] – On March 24 at 5:37 p.m., officers responded to investigate a domestic dispute that was reported to have occurred at the Bayvue Apartments located in the 1300 block of East Longview Drive in Woodbridge earlier that afternoon.

The investigation revealed the victim, a 31-year-old man, and a family member, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated.

During the encounter, the accused retrieved a knife leading to a struggle before both parties fell to the floor. When the accused retrieved a larger knife, the victim left the apartment. No injuries were reported. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Sartisha Elexus CARTER, who remains wanted.

Read the full April 16 report here.

Prince William Police: On April 12 at 8:56 p.m., officers responded to the Longhorn Steakhouse located at 9695 Liberia Avenue in Manassas to investigate an assault.

The investigation revealed an employee and a patron, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the accused pushed the victim before grabbing his neck.

Eventually the parties separated, and the police were contacted. Minor injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Gregory Scott Boros, was arrested.

Arrested on April 12: Gregory Scott BOROS, 58, of 13280 Silver King Court in Nokesville. Charged with strangulation and assault. Court Date: Pending | Bond: $5,000 Unsecured.

Read the full April 15 report here.

The investigation revealed the driver of a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze was traveling westbound on Dale Blvd. approaching Cherrydale Dr. at a high rate of speed when the driver crossed over the median into the eastbound lanes and struck a guardrail. The vehicle continued through the intersection before driving down into a barrier on Cranmer Mews.

The vehicle struck a tree, flipped over, and rested upside down. The driver of the car and the only occupant of the Chevrolet was pronounced deceased at the scene. Speed and impairment appear to be factors in the crash.

“We do not have toxicology back yet so we can’t say specifically what the impairment was,” a police spokeswoman told us.

Investigators with the Crash Investigation Unit are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash to contact police. The investigation continues.

The deceased driver of the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze was identified as Lavone Rasheed RICHARDSON-CROSBY, 34, of no fixed address.

Prince William Chamber of Commerce press release: The Prince William Chamber of Commerce is proud to be hosting the 38th annual Valor Awards on May 21st at the Hylton Preforming Arts Center. These awards highlight the dedication of these brave individuals and the work they do for the community. Award-winning NBC4 anchor Juliana Valencia emcees the Valor Awards for the third year.

The Valor Awards is a special event that honors first responders that serve the local community and go above and beyond to ensure the safety of others. “BFPE International is proud to support the 2024 Prince William Valor Awards,” said Michelle Thompson, Director of Marketing at BFPE International. “We are in awe of each Valor Award recipient; their dedication and selfless act of heroism is inspiring.”

Award recipients have been nominated by their respective chiefs and selected by a committee of colleagues and members of the business community. This year’s awards will recognize members of the first responder community in the City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park and in Prince William County.

This event is free, and it is open to all in the community. Attendees can expect to hear the inspiring stories of award recipients as they are recognized for their heroic actions. For more information about the event, visit the Chamber’s website at: https://bit.ly/4avWxRh or on their Facebook page at: https://bit.ly/43RlVik.

Prince William police: On April 9, 2024, detectives concluded an investigation into the solicitation of a minor that was reported to have occurred in the Woodbridge area of Prince William County in February 2023.

The investigation revealed during the above timeframe, the victim, who was under the age of 18 at the time of the offenses, received sexually explicit messages from an acquaintance, identified as the accused, via text messages.

Following the investigation, detectives obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Lamar Bobby HOPKINS.

On March 25, the accused was served while incarcerated in Prince George’s County on an unrelated matter. The accused was extradited to Prince William County on April 9.

Arrested on April 9: Lamar Bobby HOPKINS, 47, of 2214 Alice Avenue., Apartment. 103 in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Charged with 4 counts of use of communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.

Read the full April 11 report.

Prince William police: On April 4, detectives arrested in connection to an unconscious man who had been dropped off at an area hospital on March 8 at approximately 4:30 p.m.

The initial investigation revealed the victim, a 46-year-old man, had sustained significant injuries by unknown means while at a property located in the 4200 block of James Maddison Highway in Haymarket on
March 8.

During the ongoing investigation, detectives learned the victim had been
assaulted by multiple male acquaintances, including the accused.

At one point during the encounter, the accused struck the victim in the head with a baseball bat, which rendered him unconscious. The victim was then dropped off at the hospital, where the police were contacted.

Multiple search warrants were served with the assistance of local and federal partners, resulting in firearms and scheduled I/II narcotics being seized.

On April 4, following the investigation, the accused, identified as Juan Manuel MATA BENAVIDES, was arrested. The investigation continues as detectives continue to identify the other individuals involved in the incident.

Arrested on April 4: Juan Manuel MATA BENAVIDES, 28, of 11251 Lady Jane Loop. Apartment 103 in Manassas. Charged with aggravated malicious wounding, malicious wounding by mob, malicious wounding, assault by mob, assault & battery, abduction, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and possession of schedule I/II drugs. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.

Read the full April 12 report here.

Two women were found dead in an apartment near Manassas.

The incident occurred on Porters Ridge Lane, in the Portsmouth neighborhood, behind Global Food, near Manassas.

Police discovered the bodies inside an apartment at 5:12 a.m. Both victims succumbed to gunshot wounds, sparking an investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths, according to initial information from county police.

Authorities swiftly moved forward with the case, resulting in an arrest made in Shenandoah County. Reports indicate that the suspect, in an attempt to flee the crime scene, resorted to carjacking a passerby’s car. However, their flight was short-lived as their vehicle malfunctioned while driving through Shenandoah County.

Law enforcement officials have emphasized that the incident does not appear to be random, indicating that there may be underlying motives behind the shootings.

Nine people have been shot and killed in Prince William County so far this year.

More as we have it.

Prince William County Commonwealth Attorney Amy Ashworth ruled a fatal police shooting at a union worker training center justified.

An independent criminal investigation into the shooting and the moments that led up to shots fired on Feb. 13, 2024, an alteration began in a classroom inside the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). In this apprenticeship training center, several students had assembled for a class.

In a seemingly unprovoked attack, the suspect, Philip Austin Brant, 26, of Woodbridge, approached one victim, identified as a 23-year-old Fairfax man, and pulled a knife from a backpack before repeatedly stabbing the victim. The other students present inside the room dispersed as the victim attempted to separate from Brant, who continued the attack.

At one point, Brant exited the classroom where he encountered and repeatedly stabbed a second victim, 23-year-old Elijah Islam Safadi of Manassas, in a hallway. As officers arrived, Brant moved to the front entrance lobby of the building, where he eventually encountered officers who shot him, according to details released in a March 28, 2024, police report.

The initial stabbing victim collapsed inside the classroom where the altercation began, while Safadi exited the building before collapsing in the parking lot. Emergency crews rushed both to area hospitals with multiple stab wounds, where Safadi died from his injuries. The surviving victim suffered critical injuries.

The investigation was conducted by the regional Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), which is comprised of investigators from multiple law enforcement agencies in Northern Virginia. No members of the Prince William County Police Department were involved in the investigation led by CIRT.

Here’s the full report.