Prince William

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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Prince William Police Department: “Registration has opened for the 2024 Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Virginia. This year’s event is at Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.”

“The Prince William County Police Department is looking for individuals – or teams of family, friends, co-workers, or organizations– willing to brave the cold temperatures on land, and in the water, to help raise money for Special Olympics.”


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The investigation revealed the driver of a Kia Optima was traveling westbound on Lee Highway just prior to Webb Dr. and suffered a medical emergency. The driver disregarded the red light at the intersection and struck a 2023 Toyota 4-Runner that was traveling on Webb Dr.”

“The driver of the Optima was transported to an area hospital where he later died on November 27. At the time of the crash, the driver of the 4-Runner, a 60-year-old woman, was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Following the investigation, and due to indications the death resulted from the medical emergency and not from injuries from the collision, the case will be classified as a death, and not a fatal crash.”


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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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Prince William Police Department: Attempted Armed Robbery | Malicious Wounding – On November 21, officers concluded an investigation into an attempted robbery that was reported to have occurred in the 8800 block of Screech Owl Court in Gainesville on November 10 at around 12:30 a.m.”

“The investigation revealed the victim, identified as a 17-year-old male juvenile, was approached by a male acquaintance, identified as the accused. During the encounter, the accused brandished a firearm and demanded the victim’s property. The accused then fled towards a waiting vehicle being driven by a separate male juvenile acquaintance. The victim reported the incident to a 21-year-old family member, who then began to walk towards the vehicle which was parked nearby.”


Breaking News

Prince William police: “INCIDENT: Shooting | #Woodbridge; #PWCPD is on scene of a shooting in the 14300 block of Westminister Ln. One injured adult male victim located with life-threatening injuries. Area residents can expect an increased police presence.”

We’ll update this post with new information as we have it.


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