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
Officer-Involved Shooting – Woodbridge:
On April 26, officers responded to Westminster at Lake Ridge Senior Living Home where a knife-wielding man, Joseph Anthony Cassell, 26, advanced on officers. After multiple shots were fired, the man attacked a 91-year-old female relative. Officers fired again, killing Cassell. The woman sustained serious injuries but is expected to recover. No officers were harmed. The Critical Incident Response Team is investigating.
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Prince William County
Juvenile Charged in Unlawful Filming and Sexual Battery at Hylton High:
Date: April 22–29
A 17-year-old male student at C.D. Hylton High School in Woodbridge was arrested after being found to have repeatedly filmed female students without consent and inappropriately touched one of them. The incidents occurred between March 25 and April 22. He is charged with unlawful filming and aggravated sexual battery and is being held at the Juvenile Detention Center?.
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Prince William County
Shooting Investigation – Gunfire Erupts Between Car Occupants and Pedestrians
Woodbridge (22191) – April 24, 2025
An argument escalated into an exchange of gunfire on Enterprise Ln. between individuals in a red sedan and pedestrians. A bullet struck a nearby home, slightly injuring a resident, and an unoccupied vehicle was also hit. No suspects were located.
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STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — Reckless street racing between a juvenile and his father resulted in a crash on Courthouse Road Tuesday evening, knocking out power to 2,000 Stafford County residents.
Deputies responded to the 1500 block of Courthouse Road at about 6:25 p.m. on April 22, 2025, after a Ford Mustang struck and toppled a utility pole. Witnesses told Deputy X.D. Bates, the Mustang, was speeding when the juvenile driver lost control, narrowly missing a child playing nearby. Moments later, a green Porsche arrived on the scene, driven by the juvenile’s father, who transported the teen from the area.
A witness followed the Porsche to a home on Brooke Road and alerted authorities. After a roughly hour-long standoff at the residence, deputies made contact with the suspects. Investigators determined the father had encouraged his son to race down Courthouse Road.
The father was arrested and faces multiple charges, including racing, child neglect, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, obstruction of justice, and hit and run. The 45-year-old is being held without bond at Rappahannock Regional Jail. The teenager is expected to face charges as well.
Authorities would not release the name of the father or the age and gender of the teen.
Here’s the full press release:
Reckless Racing Riders
Approximately 2,000 residents were without power due to the reckless nature of two Stafford drivers.
On April 22nd, at approximately 6:25 p.m., Deputy X.D. Bates responded to the 1500 block of Courthouse Road for an auto accident. Dispatch received numerous calls regarding a Mustang crashing into an electric pole, knocking it completely over. As Deputy Bates was on scene dealing with the crash site, multiple witnesses came forward to inform him what happened.
It was discovered the Mustang was traveling at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control. A juvenile playing in the area had to leap out of the way to avoid being struck before the vehicle crashed into the pole. Witnesses advised the driver appeared to be a juvenile. Shortly after the crash, a green Porsche arrived. The driver of the Porsche was identified as the Mustang driver’s father, who transported the juvenile off scene. Another witness called in to inform deputies they followed the Porsche to a residence on Brooke Road.
When deputies arrived, they located the suspect Porsche. Announcements were made for the residents to exit, but they did not comply. After an approximate hour standoff, residents complied with commands. Contact was made with both the Porsche driver and his son, the Mustang driver. It was discovered the father encouraged his son to race down Courthouse Road.
The father was charged with racing, child neglect, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, obstruction of justice, as well as, hit and run. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond. Criminal complaints for racing, failure to report a hit and run, as well as, driving without a license are pending for the juvenile.
Stafford County
April 17–22, 2025
“Horseplay” Pursuit:
A 48-year-old man was arrested Sunday afternoon after a high-speed chase along Richmond Highway. At about 4:01 p.m. on April 20, Deputy R.W. Stamm observed a Toyota traveling 71 MPH in a 50 MPH zone. The driver, Eric Boling of Stafford, told deputies he was just “monkeying around.” He was charged with felony eluding and reckless driving and held on a $1,000 secured bond.
Motorcyclist Struck by DUI Driver:
On April 17, a motorcyclist was injured after being struck by a red Hyundai during a hit-and-run near Onville Road and Ebenezer Church Road. The suspect, Derrick Edwards, 51, admitted to drinking heavily and fleeing the scene due to a revoked license. He was charged with multiple felonies including DUI (4th offense) and felony hit and run. He was held without bond.
DUI and Reckless Driving:
A 27-year-old man was arrested early April 22 on Richmond Highway after being clocked at 66 MPH in a 45 MPH zone. He admitted to having “one or two shots of whiskey.” He was charged with DUI and reckless driving and held without bond.
Fraud at 7-Eleven:
A woman attempted to pass a counterfeit bill at the 7-Eleven on Richmond Highway around 2:51 p.m. April 22. She fled when confronted. The case remains under investigation.
Alcohol Theft – Two Incidents:
One suspect stole alcohol from ABC on Publix Way, and another fled on a moped after stealing wine from Shoppers. The moped-riding suspect was apprehended nearby by Deputy R. Tully and charged with shoplifting.
Public Intoxication and More:
A man was arrested on Kelly Way after urinating on a tree, tossing items into a neighbor’s yard, and falsely claiming the neighbor was an FBI agent. He was charged with multiple offenses and held without bond.
Luggage Stowaway Located:
William Acors, 39, was found hiding in an RV luggage compartment on April 21 during a warrant service at Corbin’s RV. Suspected narcotics were found on him. He was held without bond, with drug charges pending.
Prince William County
April 22, 2025
Brandishing of a Firearm – Road Rage Incident:
At 7:06 p.m., officers responded to Minnieville Road near Smoketown Road in Woodbridge. A 23-year-old man reported a road rage incident in which the driver of a Honda Civic pulled alongside and brandished a firearm. No shots were fired, and no one was injured. The suspect is described as a Black male wearing a flat-brimmed hat.
Malicious Wounding Arrest:
A 17-year-old male from Woodbridge was arrested and charged with aggravated malicious wounding after a physical altercation on the 14800 block of Dining Way. The 38-year-old victim was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The juvenile is being held at the Juvenile Detention Center.
Sexual Assault Arrest – Child Victim:
Juan Edgardo Membreno Amaya, 55, of no fixed address, was arrested by the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force on April 22 in connection to repeated sexual assaults against a child under the age of 13 in the Triangle area between November 2024 and March 2025. He is charged with two counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of penetration of a child’s mouth with lascivious intent. He is being held without bond.
Strong-Arm Robbery – Woodbridge
Prince William County police arrested three individuals following a strong-arm robbery reported early Wednesday morning.
On April 17 at 12:33 a.m., officers responded to the area of Dale Boulevard and Minnieville Road (22193) after a 21-year-old woman reported being assaulted and robbed by three acquaintances. The suspects allegedly stole clothing and food items from the victim, who sustained minor injuries.
A coordinated search using a police K-9 and a Fairfax County police helicopter led officers to Gum Lane, where all three suspects were detained without incident.
Following the investigation, Ibrahim BARRIE Jr., 20, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with robbery and assault by mob. He is being held without bond. A 23-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man were also charged with assault by mob in connection with the incident.
Arrested on April 17:
Ibrahim BARRIE Jr., 20, of no fixed address
Charges: Robbery, Assault by Mob
Court Date: Pending
Bond: Held without bond
[No photo available]
Stafford County
DUI – Bells Hill Road
A driver was arrested for DUI after a traffic stop late Tuesday night. At 11:10 p.m. on April 16, Sergeant E.E. West observed a vehicle failing to maintain its lane and making an improper turn at a red light, cutting off another driver. West, a certified Drug Recognition Expert, noted signs of impairment in the driver. He was arrested and charged with DUI, a traffic lane violation, and improper turn. He is being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $1,500 secured bond.
Recovered Property – Penns Charter Lane
On April 16 at 12:23 p.m., Deputy C.D. Sullivan responded to a call about recovered property. A citizen reported buying a bicycle on Facebook Marketplace, only to later discover it had been reported stolen.
Trespassing – Smith Street
Deputy M.A. Holub responded to a report of unlawful entry at a residence on April 16 at 7:17 p.m. The victim reported finding his cousin’s ex-girlfriend crawling through a window. The suspect fled the scene in a red Ford hatchback. A warrant for unlawful entry has been issued.

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — Authorities are investigating a suspected case of mass pesticide poisoning at a local beekeeping operation, where more than 50 honeybee colonies were found dead in what the farm’s owner believes was an intentional act of vandalism.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office responded to Rock Hill Honeybee Farms, located at 45 Pinto Lane, on Monday, April 14, at 4:05 p.m. after the property owner discovered thousands of dead bees outside their hives. Deputy B.E. Vaughn took the report, and sheriff’s spokesman Ryan Wilbur confirmed a total of 50 hives were affected. The case remains under active investigation.
Gennaro “Jerry” Mattiaccio, owner of Rock Hill Honeybee Farms, said the discovery was made on Sunday when he and an employee noticed an unusually high number of dead bees near the entrances to the hives. Upon closer inspection, Mattiaccio said he recognized telltale signs of insecticide poisoning.
“The bees are hygienic by nature—when something harmful is introduced into the colony, they eject it,” said Mattiaccio. “We examined them and saw their tongues were protruding, which is a classic sign of poisoning.”
The financial toll of the attack is estimated between $15,000 and $20,000, with up to 520,000 bees lost. Each colony typically holds between 15,000 to 20,000 bees, and Mattiaccio says roughly half of his bee population has been wiped out.
Rock Hill Honeybee Farms, founded in 2010, serves customers across the region, producing local honey and providing pollination services for crops, including California’s almond orchards. The farm was preparing for peak production season, during which it bottles approximately 300 one-pound jars of honey per week.
“This isn’t just a business—it’s an environmental necessity,” Mattiaccio said. “Bees support agriculture, aid allergy sufferers, and even have battlefield medical applications as an antimicrobial. The loss here is devastating not only to us, but to the broader ecosystem.”
Beyond the dead bees, Mattiaccio also discovered that a gate on his property had been locked with a heavy-duty chain and combination lock—the fourth time he says someone has attempted to block access to his land. He suspects a neighbor may be responsible, citing previous incidents of verbal harassment and complaints to local officials about his beekeeping operations.
“They’ve testified against me having access to my own back road,” he said. “I’ve had neighbors yell at me and my workers just for having bees.”
Mattiaccio has filed a police report and says state pesticide inspectors will visit the farm to collect samples to determine what chemical was used. In the meantime, he and the community are offering a reward.
Rock Hill Honeybee Farms and Mason Dixon Cafe are jointly offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest, indictment, and conviction of those responsible for the incident.
Despite the setback, Mattiaccio remains determined to rebuild.
“I’m a soldier and a farmer,” he said. “We have setbacks all the time—but we rebuild. And that’s exactly what I intend to do.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.

Prince William County
Strong-Arm Robbery – ABC Store Employee Pushed
Woodbridge (22192) – April 8, 2025
A man entered the ABC store on Smoketown Rd., threatened the employee, and pushed her aside before stealing multiple bottles of alcohol. He fled the scene before officers and K-9 units arrived. The suspect has not been located.
Wanted for Domestic Strangulation
Manassas (20109) – April 7, 2025
Jordan Alan LOCKETT, 28, is wanted after allegedly beating and strangling a 36-year-old woman, temporarily taking her phone to prevent her from calling 911.
Charges: Strangulation, assault & battery, preventing the summoning of law enforcement
Arrest – Caretaker Strangled in Dispute
Woodbridge (22191) – April 8, 2025
Paramjeet Singh CHAHEL, 74, was arrested after dragging his 65-year-old caretaker and grabbing her by the neck during an argument.
Charges: Strangulation, assault
Bond: Unavailable
Stafford County
Fraud – Debit Card Theft at Wawa
Austin Park Dr – April 8, 2025
A woman left her debit card at Wawa and quickly received alerts of unauthorized charges. Surveillance footage helped deputies identify two suspects. Warrants are pending.
Fraud – Identity Theft Reported
Public Safety Building – April 8, 2025
A man reported receiving a Verizon bill for an account he never opened, leading deputies to open a fraud investigation for identity theft.
Larceny – $560 in Goods Stolen from Walmart
Washington Square Plaza – April 8, 2025
A woman wearing a Mountain Dew jacket was caught concealing over $560 in merchandise. She was detained and issued a summons for larceny.
Vandalism – Vehicle Damaged by Ex
Foxglove Way – April 8, 2025
A man’s vehicle was damaged shortly after receiving threatening messages from his ex. Deputies are investigating possible retaliation.
Juveniles Vandalize Vehicle and Flee
Gettysburg Court – April 8, 2025
Five juveniles damaged a vehicle while trespassing in a yard. They fled when confronted. The case remains open.
Found Property – Phone with Cute Stickers
Public Safety Building – April 8, 2025
A phone was turned in after being found in the parking lot. The owner can retrieve it from the Sheriff’s Office.
Teen robbed at gunpoint in Woodbridge
- Woodbridge — On April 5 at 7:24 p.m., officers responded to the Tackett’s Mill shopping center in the 2200 block of Tacketts Mill Drive for a robbery. A 14-year-old boy reported being approached by three men who robbed him at gunpoint. The suspects took the teen’s shoes, clothing, and electronics before fleeing in a white Acura sedan. They were described as one white male and two black males, all in their late teens, wearing dark clothing and masks. No injuries were reported.
Gunshots heard in Dumfries
- Dumfries — On April 6 at 9:41 p.m., police responded to Porters Inn Drive and River Ridge Boulevard for a report of gunfire. Officers found shell casings near a wooded area, but no injuries or property damage were reported.
Three businesses hit in Woodbridge burglary spree
- Woodbridge — On April 7 at 1:56 a.m., officers found shattered front doors at Pizza Hut and Chili On Top in Dillingham Square shopping center. No property was reported missing, and suspects were not located. Earlier on April 4 at 2:39 a.m., Concept Nails in the same center was burglarized. A cash register was stolen after the suspect shattered the front glass door. Investigators are working to determine if the incidents are related.
Apartment entered in Manassas
- Manassas — On April 5 at 3:43 a.m., police responded to Rosemary Ridge Apartments in the 10900 block of Wild Ginger Circle. A sliding glass door was used to enter the apartment sometime between April 4 at 11 a.m. and April 5 at 12:40 a.m. No property was reported stolen, and there were no signs of forced entry.
Storage unit burglarized
- Woodbridge — On April 4 at 9:17 a.m., a storage unit at Public Storage, 1365 Old Bridge Road, was found broken into. Tools and other items were stolen sometime between March 28 and April 4.
Domestic dispute leads to knife injury
- Manassas area — On April 6 at 1:36 p.m., officers arrested Tiffany Michelle Wyatt, 42, following a domestic dispute with a 43-year-old man at a residence on Community Drive. Police said Wyatt used a knife to injure the victim’s hand.
Charge: Malicious wounding
Bond: $3,000 secured | Court date: Pending
Man accused of holding woman at gunpoint
- Dumfries — On April 4 at 7:23 p.m., Kevin Jenkins, 20, was arrested after allegedly brandishing a gun, restraining, and biting a 19-year-old woman during a domestic dispute on Vidalia Court.
Charges: Abduction, brandishing a firearm, assault & battery
Bond: Held without bond | Court date: Pending
Woman spits on officer at hotel
- Woodbridge — On April 4 at 1:06 p.m., Yamilet Kassandra Glen, 28, was arrested at the Hilton Garden Inn in the 2500 block of Neabsco Common Place. Police said she and another occupant refused to leave after checkout, and Glen spat on an officer and hotel employee.
Charges: Assault & battery on a LEO, assault & battery, trespassing
Bond: Unavailable | Court date: Pending
Man found inside grocery store after break-in
- Manassas area — On April 6 at 4:16 a.m., police found and arrested Henry Paulino Rodas Reyes, 29, inside Global Foods on Festival Lane following an alarm. The front door had been left ajar, but no items were reported missing. Charge: Burglary. Bond: $7,000 secured | Court date: Pending
Stafford County
Pepper spray used during assault with cane
- Fleet Road — On April 4 at 6:08 a.m., a victim used pepper spray to defend himself after a suspect attempted to hit him with a cane. The suspect was charged with simple assault and held until sober.
Man assaulted by woman while drinking
- Cobblers Court — At 6:58 a.m. on April 4, a man reported being assaulted by a known woman while the two were drinking together.
Inmate hides drugs in boot
- Rappahannock Regional Jail — On April 4 at 2:55 p.m., jail staff found a suspected controlled substance hidden in an inmate’s boot. The substance was seized.
Teen stopped for DUI with open liquor
- Richmond Highway — On April 4 at 10:47 p.m., an 18-year-old was pulled over at the Last Stop Mart for speeding. The teen showed signs of intoxication and had an open liquor bottle. He was charged with DUI, underage possession, and other related offenses.
Don Julio stolen twice in same day
- ABC Store, Town and Country Drive — On April 4, deputies responded to two larcenies. At 5:36 p.m., two juveniles stole four bottles of Don Julio. At 7:44 p.m., a man stole two more bottles of whiskey.
Three women charged with public intoxication
- Brafferton Boulevard, April 4, 3:23 a.m.: A woman was knocking on a door while intoxicated.
- Stafford Courthouse, April 4, 10:32 a.m.: A woman arrived intoxicated and had an active warrant.
- Yellow Finch Way, April 5, 4:26 p.m.: A woman admitted to drinking Buzz Balls and vodka before deputies found her stumbling.
Text threats lead to arrest
- Dent Road — On April 5 at 3:08 p.m., a woman was arrested after sending threatening messages about burning down a house. She was held on a $2,500 secured bond.
Three warrant arrests in two days
- All Star Pawn, Kings Highway, April 4: A suspect tried to use a fake ID but was arrested for multiple larcenies and identity theft.
- Rappahannock Regional Jail, April 4: A man turned himself in while intoxicated, saying he got drunk to make surrender “easier.”
- Advance Auto Parts, Washington Square Plaza, April 5: A wanted man from Ashland was arrested during a traffic stop and charged with additional vehicle violations.