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Special Olympics Virginia spokeswoman Holly Claytor shared that the event saw participation from more than 280 plungers alongside approximately 400 spectators. In total, an impressive $140,000 was raised to support the cause.

Although adverse weather conditions prevented the scheduled 5K race, attendees still enjoyed various activities and amenities. A food truck offered sustenance, while Starbucks provided complimentary hot drinks and Wawa supplied snacks. Additionally, numerous exhibitors were present, offering diverse goods and services. Attendees could also indulge in the classic treat of s’mores.


Originals

Rick Canizales, the county’s Director of Transportation, outlined the scope of the improvements during a recent briefing. “We are focused on transforming Route 1 into a more efficient and safer corridor for all users, including motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. This includes widening portions of the road, upgrading traffic signals, and adding pedestrian crosswalks and sidewalks,” Canizales explained.

Among the notable projects is the widening of Route 1 from Featherstone Road to Mary’s Way, which has been underway for several years and aims to alleviate congestion along this busy section. New pedestrian crosswalks and upgraded traffic signals are also being introduced to enhance safety and accessibility for non-motorized road users.


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On February 15 at 8:05PM, police responded to a residence on Scotch Ct. in Woodbridge following reports of shots fired. Investigation revealed two unidentified males fired rounds at a home before fleeing. No injuries were reported. Suspects described as black males, one wearing a white jacket and the other dressed in all black.

Assault with an Axe near Manassas


Originals

Caruthers Properties withdrew its rezoning application, effectively concluding the developer’s effort to construct 1,400 new housing units at Belmont Bay, located in Woodbridge.

The Board of Concerned Citizens United welcomed the news for Belmont Bay, with President KP Lau expressing gratitude for the decision. “Personally, I would like to express my appreciation to the Caruthers for this momentous action. I believe it is appropriate at this juncture to take stock on where we are and what the future will hold for Belmont Bay,” said Lau.


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After nearly a year of investigation, law enforcement officers have apprehended the suspect in connection to a stabbing incident that occurred in Dale City on March 4, 2023. Robert Dejell Rufus Jackson, 43, of 13206 Haddock Rd. in Dale City, was taken into custody by Alexandria City police on January 24, 2024.

The incident, which occurred at a residence in the 13700 block of Greenwood Drive near Minnieville Elementary School, left a 41-year-old man with multiple stab wounds. Authorities were alerted to the situation at 4:32 a.m. when a caller reported finding the front door of the residence ajar. Upon entering, they discovered the victim suffering from severe injuries.


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With cumulative grants to school divisions totaling $1.52 million, PWCS, in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), is set to establish registered teacher apprenticeship programs aimed at alleviating teacher recruitment challenges and fostering a robust talent pool within the community.

Expressing enthusiasm for the initiative, Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons stated, “I am proud to continue our commitment to helping school divisions find ways to put exceptional people from their own communities in their local classrooms.” Coons emphasized the pressing need for innovative approaches in addressing teacher shortages and highlighted the collaborative efforts with the National Center for Grow Your Own to tailor effective apprenticeship programs to local contexts.


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Aggravated Malicious Wounding Arrest:

Michael Carlos DUNCAN, aged 43 and a resident of Woodbridge, was apprehended on February 8. He faces charges including abduction, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and aggravated malicious wounding. Duncan’s arrest stems from an incident on October 16, 2023, when a shooting occurred outside a residence on Earlham Ct. in Woodbridge. Montgomery County police assisted in locating and apprehending Duncan, who is slated for a court appearance on April 30, 2024. Previously, Michael Carlos DUNCAN was identified as the suspect in connection to a shooting incident that took place on October 16, 2023, in Woodbridge. During the incident, a 39-year-old man sustained a non-life-threatening injury. The investigation into this matter is ongoing.


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Rape Investigation

On November 26, 2023, at 12:26 AM, officers responded to a residence in the Woodbridge (22192) area of Prince William County to investigate a sexual assault. The investigation revealed a female juvenile victim was being sexually assaulted by a man, identified as Dimas Alexis LAZO, inside the home. A family member intervened, separating the victim from the accused who fled the residence. Detectives determined the victim and the accused had previously met on a social media app and arranged to meet at the residence. Dimas Alexis LAZO, 26, of the 9200 block of Limestone Pl. in College Park, MD, is wanted for rape.


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In the late hours of February 11, a disturbing incident unfolded in the 14200 block of Smoketown Road, near Potomac Mills mall in Woodbridge, when an 18-year-old man fell victim to a carjacking and robbery. According to reports, the victim had offered a ride to a group of men, one of whom was identified by police as Ibrahim Jr., an acquaintance. However, what began as a seemingly routine gesture quickly turned violent.

As the victim parked the vehicle in a nearby lot, the situation took a turn when Barrie, Jr. and another individual from the group pursued and tackled the victim in the median of Smoketown Road, police said. The assailants assaulted the victim and took his personal belongings, including phones, wallet, and keys, police said. Fortunately, a Good Samaritan intervened, allowing the victim to escape with only minor injuries.


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Updated 1:35 p.m. — Prince William County authorities are investigating a pedestrian crash on February 11 at approximately 7:32 p.m. Crash investigators were called to the scene at the intersection of Prince William Parkway and Worth Avenue in Woodbridge, near Potomac Mills, following the crash.

According to the preliminary police investigation, a 2020 Hyundai Tucson was traveling eastbound on the Prince William Parkway towards the intersection with Worth Avenue when it collided with a pedestrian. The pedestrian, who was reportedly crossing the roadway outside of a designated crosswalk and wearing dark-colored clothing, sustained severe injuries in the collision. Emergency services transported the pedestrian to a nearby hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries.


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