MANASSAS, VA — On Friday at 1:04 PM, police were called to the 7400 block of Stream Walk Ln. to investigate a robbery reported to have occurred the previous evening. A 47-year-old man was attacked by three men while walking near Hiram Ct.
The assailants demanded money, then assaulted the victim, knocking him to the ground and kicking him. They stole money from his wallet and fled the scene.
The victim sustained minor injuries. The suspects, described only as black males, are believed to have targeted the victim in this incident.
- ICE nabs three migrants on various criminal charges in Virginia
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested three undocumented foreign nationals during an enforcement operation in Northern Virginia on April 21, the agency announced Friday.
The operation was carried out in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). The arrests were part of routine daily enforcement efforts by ICE’s Washington, D.C. Field Office.
Among those apprehended was a Salvadoran national with prior drug convictions and a second Salvadoran national present in the country unlawfully. Authorities also arrested Eric Sumo, a 51-year-old Liberian national wanted in his home country for document fraud, including the possession and manufacture of fraudulent U.S. visas.
Additionally, ICE confirmed the earlier arrest of Camilo Cesar Gonzales-Encalada, 23, a Spanish national and member of the Sureños gang, whose criminal history includes convictions for assault and illegal firearm and drug possession. He was taken into custody by ICE officers in New York on April 6.
Multi-agency cooperation targets criminal immigration offenders
“ICE Washington, D.C. takes our commitment to public safety very seriously,” said Russell Hott, Field Office Director for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Washington, D.C. “We will continue our mission to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing criminal alien offenders from our neighborhoods.”
ICE did not disclose where the individuals were detained or whether removal proceedings have been initiated.
The agency emphasized its ongoing focus on identifying and removing individuals who pose a threat to public safety, particularly those with prior criminal histories.
- Woodbridge woman killed in Dale Boulevard crash involving two vehicles
WOODBRIDGE, VA — A 32-year-old woman died following a two-vehicle crash Thursday evening at the intersection of Dale Boulevard and Barksdale Street, according to the Prince William County Police Department.
At approximately 6:57 p.m., officers responded to the scene after reports of a collision involving a 2008 Honda Civic and a 2020 Honda Civic. Police said the 2008 Honda, traveling eastbound on Dale Boulevard, attempted a left turn toward Barksdale Street across westbound lanes and was struck by the oncoming 2020 Honda.
The passenger in the 2008 Honda, identified as Evangelina Castro of Woodbridge, was extricated from the vehicle and taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The 34-year-old driver of the 2008 Honda, also from Woodbridge, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The 23-year-old driver of the 2020 Honda Civic remained at the scene and was not injured. Authorities noted that speed appears to have been a factor on the part of the 2020 Honda, though no charges have been announced at this time.
Police seek witnesses as crash investigation continues
Crash investigators are asking any witnesses or individuals with information regarding the incident to contact police as the investigation remains ongoing. The intersection was temporarily closed Thursday evening as officers conducted a scene analysis and vehicle removal.
The fatal crash marks a continuing concern for traffic safety on Dale Boulevard, a busy corridor where vehicle speed and turning movements frequently contribute to collisions.
Police have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the crash or whether either driver is facing pending citations or charges.
Investigators are working to determine the exact sequence of events and whether any surveillance or dash camera footage may exist.
- Guns, drugs, and trafficking: Virginia State Police recover firearms and launch new human trafficking probes in statewide sweep
RICHMOND, VA — A week-long crime suppression operation led by the Virginia State Police resulted in the seizure of 27 firearms, more than $500,000 worth of narcotics, and the launch of dozens of new human trafficking investigations across the Commonwealth.
From April 24 through April 30, the multi-agency enforcement initiative targeted criminal activity statewide, including drug trafficking, illegal weapons possession, and organized crime. In total, law enforcement recovered 23.2 pounds of narcotics and 9,028 controlled substance pills. The estimated value of the drugs seized reached $583,864, officials reported.
Among the narcotics confiscated were 5.93 pounds of cocaine, 13.3 pounds of marijuana, 3.2 pounds of methamphetamine, and 8,973 fentanyl pills. Additionally, a single explosive device was seized and safely neutralized during the operation. Authorities also confiscated $118,866 in U.S. currency.
“These operations are critical to dismantling networks that pose threats to communities across Virginia,” the department noted in its report.
Dozens of trafficking tips, one homicide investigation launched
The sweep also triggered 34 new human trafficking tips, bringing the total number of trafficking leads received by state police to 877. A total of 62 potential trafficking victims were identified and offered services.
Investigators opened or continued work on 211 active cases during the week, conducting 2,783 individual investigative activities. One homicide investigation was also initiated as part of the operation.
Gaming enforcement teams received 16 additional tips related to unlawful gaming activities, adding to a growing total of 1,478 tips to date.
Virginia State Police emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between state, local, and federal partners, stating that these coordinated operations are part of the Commonwealth’s broader strategy to combat violent crime and protect at-risk populations.
- Charlottesville girl missing after vanishing from Park Street Thursday night
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — A 14-year-old girl has been reported missing after she was last seen Thursday evening in the 500 block of Park Street, prompting a runaway juvenile alert from the Charlottesville Police Department.
Zerenity O’Donnell was last seen at approximately 7:50 p.m. on May 1. She is described as a white female with red hair, hazel eyes, and a height of about 5 feet 4 inches. Authorities say she was wearing a black tank top, pink shorts, and purple fluffy slippers at the time of her disappearance.
She is also noted to have four piercings in each ear, which may help with identification.
The Charlottesville Police Department is urging anyone with information on Zerenity’s whereabouts to contact Detective J. Houchens at (434) 970-3676. The department continues its search and asks the public to stay vigilant.
As concern mounts, investigators hope community tips can help bring the teen safely home.
- Teen arrested in armed Instagram robbery as police investigate fatal crash and multiple break-ins
WOODBRIDGE, VA — Prince William County Police have arrested a 17-year-old male in connection with an armed robbery that occurred on March 30 at the Coverstone IV Apartments in Manassas. The juvenile, who has no fixed address, was taken into custody on Thursday and charged with robbery. He is being held at the Juvenile Detention Center as authorities continue searching for a second suspect.
The robbery involved a 21-year-old man who had arranged to sell clothing through Instagram. Before the transaction was completed, one suspect brandished a firearm and demanded the victim’s property. A second suspect then took the items, including clothing, cash, and a firearm, before both fled the area. No injuries were reported.
Police describe the second suspect as a Hispanic male last seen wearing dark-colored clothing. A police K-9 unit responded to the initial incident but was unable to locate the suspects that night.
The incident is part of a growing trend in which online marketplaces are being used to set up in-person crimes, according to law enforcement officials. Investigators have not released further details on how the suspect was identified.
Court proceedings for the arrested juvenile are pending.
Fatal crash under investigation in Woodbridge
Later the same day, at 6:57 p.m., police responded to a fatal crash at the intersection of Dale Boulevard and Barksdale Street in Woodbridge. Authorities say a 2008 Honda Civic attempted a left turn across traffic while traveling eastbound and collided with a westbound 2020 Honda Civic.
Evangelina Castro, 32, a passenger in the 2008 Honda, was extricated and transported to a hospital, where she later died. The driver of the same vehicle, a 34-year-old Woodbridge man, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The 23-year-old driver of the 2020 Honda remained at the scene and was uninjured.
Speed appears to have been a contributing factor in the crash, according to police. The department is seeking witnesses who may have seen the collision.
Three Woodbridge restaurants burglarized within hours
Police are also investigating a series of early morning commercial burglaries in Woodbridge. Around 7:57 a.m. on May 1, officers responded to an alarm at 2680 Opitz Boulevard and discovered the front glass doors of two businesses—Poke Mian and Wayback Burger—had been smashed around 2:00 a.m.
An undisclosed amount of money was stolen from both establishments. While canvassing the area, officers found similar damage at Delcampo Restaurant at 2780 Metro Plaza, where cash was also reported missing. Detectives are working to determine whether the burglaries are connected. No suspect information has been released.
Vandalism reported at Gainesville High School
In a separate incident on Thursday, a School Resource Officer responded to a report of vandalism at Gainesville High School in Gainesville. Etched derogatory language was found in a bathroom stall.
The markings did not contain direct threats, and no additional incidents were reported, according to police. School personnel were notified and are monitoring the situation.
Authorities have not indicated whether surveillance footage was available in any of the ongoing investigations.
