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Crime

Flannel-Wearing Firestarter Sought After $50K Maryland Business Blaze: Fire Marshal Flannel-Wearing Firestarter Sought After $50K Maryland Business Blaze: Fire Marshal
Flannel-Wearing Firestarter Sought After $50K Maryland Business Blaze: Fire Marshal Fire investigators are turning to the public for help identifying the suspect who set a Cumberland tire shop ablaze early Saturday morning, causing $50,000 in damages. The fire broke out around 4:42 a.m. at D&K Tires on Greene Street after surveillance footage captured the suspect igniting a flammable device on a window air conditioning unit. Cumberland Fire Department crews arrived at the two-bay auto repair shop to find flames shooting from a window. Firefighters contained the blaze to an office area, but smoke, soot, and water damage spread throughout the business. Video surveillanc…
Man Stabs Stranger Inside Virginia Business Unprovoked, Police Say Man Stabs Stranger Inside Virginia Business Unprovoked, Police Say
Man Stabs Stranger Inside Virginia Business Unprovoked, Police Say A 27-year-old Alexandria man is in custody after allegedly stabbing a stranger in an unprovoked attack inside a Bailey’s Crossroads business, Fairfax County Police said. The incident happened at approximately 2:18 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19 in the 5600 block of Leesburg Pike, where responding officers found the victim, an adult, suffering from stab wounds to his upper body. The victim was rushed to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police say the suspect, Richard Fuentes Cordova, remained at the scene and was arrested without incident, police said. According to investigators,…
Smash-and-Grab: Suspects Shatter Leesburg Jewelry Store Front, Flee With Loot, Police Say Smash-and-Grab: Suspects Shatter Leesburg Jewelry Store Front, Flee With Loot, Police Say
Smash-and-Grab: Suspects Shatter Leesburg Jewelry Store Front, Flee With Loot, Police Say A high-end jewelry store in Leesburg became the target of a smash-and-grab burglary early Tuesday morning, leaving investigators searching for three suspects who shattered the store’s front window and made off with stolen goods. At approximately 1:33 a.m. on Nov. 19, police say that officers responded to White & Ivory Fine Jewelry, on Village Market Boulevard SE, for reports of a burglary.  Upon arrival, they discovered the store’s front window had been broken, and an undisclosed amount of jewelry was missing, according to the Leesburg Police Department. Surveillance footage captu…
Former Maryland Teacher Learns Fate After Years-Old Sex Abuse Case With Student Comes to Light Former Maryland Teacher Learns Fate After Years-Old Sex Abuse Case With Student Comes to Light
Former Maryland Teacher Learns Fate After Years-Old Sex Abuse Case With Student Comes to Light A former middle school teacher in Maryland will have to register as a sex offender for 25 years once she completes her prison term for sexually abusing a student, authorities announced on Tuesday. Melissa Marie Curtis, 31, of Upper Marlboro, was sentenced to 30 years in prison with all suspended but 12 months to serve, followed by five years of supervised probation after pleading guilty in June to three counts of third-degree sex offense in connection to the abuse of a teen. In November 2023, police in Montgomery County launched an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse that ha…
Trump Taps Congressional Ally Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar Trump Taps Congressional Ally Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar
Trump Taps Congressional Ally Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar President-elect Donald Trump has picked one of his strongest allies in Congress to serve as United States ambassador to the United Nations and a former member of his first administration as border czar. Rep. Elise Stefanik, age 40, was first elected to New York's 21st District in 2014 and is the House Republican Conference Chair, the youngest woman to hold that post. "Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter," Trump said in a statement to CBS News. CNN first reported the news late Sunday, Nov. 10. Trump also decided on another native New Yorker for a…
Feds Dismantle Luxury Interstate Car Ring, 7 NJ Men Charged Feds Dismantle Luxury Interstate Car Ring, 7 NJ Men Charged
Feds Dismantle Luxury Interstate Car Ring, 7 NJ Men Charged Eight men, including seven from New Jersey, have been charged in Newark federal court on Thursday, Nov. 7, for their roles in a conspiracy to steal luxury cars and transport them across state lines, authorities said. Arrested were: Ahmad Franks, 24, Shaquan White, 23, Nathan Braswell, 20, Ibn Bellamy, 24, Zamir Wright, 20, all Newark residents, Ryan Bowen, 26, Khyree Lawrence, 20 both East Orange residents and Mohammed Buhari, a 45-year-old Virginia resident. Federal officials detailed the thefts: Audi Q5, Jersey City: On Nov. 5, 2021, a 2021 Audi Q5 was reported stolen in Jersey City…
Resident Gets Better Of Porch Pirate Stealing Electronics In Virginia: Sheriff Resident Gets Better Of Porch Pirate Stealing Electronics In Virginia: Sheriff
Resident Gets Better Of Porch Pirate Stealing Electronics In Virginia: Sheriff Not so fast. A sneaky porch pirate - possibly pirates - who targeted electronics during a short spree in Stafford County are at large following a string of reported incidents, but not before one would-be victim pulled a fast one on the robbers, according to the sheriff's office. Shortly before 4:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, a deputy was called to Daffodil Lane when a homeowner reported that FedEx had dropped off his brand new phone, though it was taken by an unknown man before he was able to pick it up. Later on Wednesday, a second FedEx package was intercepted, this time on from a reside…
Woman Escapes Attempted Abduction Near Virginia Park, Police Say (DEVELOPING) Woman Escapes Attempted Abduction Near Virginia Park, Police Say (DEVELOPING)
Woman Escapes Attempted Abduction Near Virginia Park, Police Say (Developing) Police in Alexandria are pulling out all the stops as they look to track down a man who attempted to abduct a woman near an area park. Officers were called to Tarleton Park at around 7 p.m. on Tuesday night in the area of South Gordon Street and Wheeler Avenue, when a man attempted to take a woman. According to the Alexandria Police Department, the suspect, described as a White man with brown hair, wearing a blue sweatshirt and camouflage shorts, attempted to pull the woman into a wooded area, though she was able to escape. In response, the department established a perimeter in the area, K…
School Employee Reports Indecent Exposure Incident Outside Virginia Middle School: Police School Employee Reports Indecent Exposure Incident Outside Virginia Middle School: Police
School Employee Reports Indecent Exposure Incident Outside Virginia Middle School: Police A Prince William County Schools employee got an eyeful while heading into work on Monday morning when a man exposed himself in an area parking lot, police say. Officers were called at around 5:40 a.m. on Oct. 21 to Rippon Middle School on Blackburn Road in Woodbridge to investigate a reported indecent exposure incident. According to the Prince William County Police Department, the employee was in the parking lot when an unknown man approached his vehicle, exposed himself and left the area before officers arrived at the school. The suspect was only described as being a Hispanic man who was …
Sex Offender Who Got Into Child's Bed Sentenced For New Child Porn Offenses In Virginia: Feds Sex Offender Who Got Into Child's Bed Sentenced For New Child Porn Offenses In Virginia: Feds
Sex Offender Who Got Into Child's Bed Sentenced For New Child Porn Offenses In Virginia: Feds An already registered sex offender who was busted with thousands of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) files in Virginia will spend years in prison, federal authorities announced. Woodford native Theodore William Cathers - who was previously found naked in the bedroom of two children - has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for possession of sexually explicit materials of prepubescent and pubescent children. In June 2023, the Virginia Beach Police Department was tipped off about the upload of child porn online by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, leading investi…
Two Found Dead In Virginia Basement; Person Of Interest Detained In New Jersey, Police Say Two Found Dead In Virginia Basement; Person Of Interest Detained In New Jersey, Police Say
Two Found Dead In Virginia Basement; Person Of Interest Detained In New Jersey, Police Say A man and woman were found shot to death in a Prince William County basement, and a possible suspect connected to the double homicide has been apprehended in New Jersey, police say. Shortly after 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13, officers were called to a home in the 8900 block of Hanson Grove Court in Manassas to conduct a welfare check, where they found two people suffering from gunshot wounds in the basement area of the residence. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. A person of interest has been detained in New Jersey who is presumed to be connected to the incident, according to a spoke…
Man Accused Of Abducting, Sexually Assaulting Acquaintance In Virginia, Police Say Man Accused Of Abducting, Sexually Assaulting Acquaintance In Virginia, Police Say
Man Accused Of Abducting, Sexually Assaulting Acquaintance In Virginia, Police Say A 20-year-old man who inappropriately abducted and inappropriately touched a woman is facing charges following an investigating into an incident reported late last week. Manassas native Marlon Danilo Neftaly Mo-Choc was arrested on Friday following a probe into a reported incident that was called in from the 12100 block of Sierra Sunset Lane in Gainesville the previous night. The investigation determined that a 22-year-old woman was approached by Mo-Choc, who was described by police as an acquaintance, and whens he refused to go with him, he grabbed her arm and forced her into a vehicle. I…
Animal Sex Abuse Material Found After VA Man Claims Sextortion, Authorities Say Animal Sex Abuse Material Found After VA Man Claims Sextortion, Authorities Say
Animal Sex Abuse Material Found After VA Man Claims Sextortion, Authorities Say A Virginia man is facing charges after being busted with unsavory imagery that included children and animals, police say. Scott Ryan Matthews, 31, of Mechanicsville, who originally reported being a victim of sextortion, was arrested this week for possession of child porn and sexual abuse materials related to animals. According to the Hanover County Sheriff's Office, Matthews' initial claim came on Tuesday, Sept. 24, and the investigation led to the uncovering of the illicit items. Matthews was taken to the Pamunkey Regional Jail, at which point he was charged on a warrant with 10 coun…
Harrisburg Man Took 5-Year-Old To VA, NY For Sex: USDOJ Harrisburg Man Took 5-Year-Old To VA, NY For Sex: USDOJ
Harrisburg Man Took 5-Year-Old To VA, NY For Sex: Usdoj A 54-year-old Pennsylvania man has been sentenced after admitting to taking a 5-year-old girl for sex in Virginia and New York, the US Department of Justice announced on Wednesday, Sept. 25.  John Oathout, of Harrisburg, PA, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes in Syracuse, NY on Friday, Sept. 20. He'll serve 25 years in federal prison followed by 20 years of supervised release, and he'll be a registered sex offender for the remainder of his life, according to the USDOJ release.  Oathout admitted to taking the 5-year-old girl on trips out of state w…
Virginia Man Busted Breaking Into Maryland Homes By Cell Phone Motion Center: Police Virginia Man Busted Breaking Into Maryland Homes By Cell Phone Motion Center: Police
Virginia Man Busted Breaking Into Maryland Homes By Cell Phone Motion Center: Police A Virginia man who crossed over state lines to burglarize at least two Maryland homes in the middle of the day has been apprehended, authorities announced. Manassas native Gregory Jerome Stamps, 65, is facing charges in Montgomery County after being flagged by a Bethesda homeowner who caught him on camera red-handed breaking into an area home. According to a spokesperson from the Montgomery County Department of Police, Stamps was arrested in connection to at least two residential burglaries that were reported earlier this months in the 6000 block of Brookes Lane in Bethesda. Investigators …
Teen Charged For Sending Threatening Text Messages Targeting Students In Loudoun County: PD Teen Charged For Sending Threatening Text Messages Targeting Students In Loudoun County: PD
Teen Charged For Sending Threatening Text Messages Targeting Students In Loudoun County: PD Technology got the better of a teenager in Virginia who is now facing charges for allegedly sending questionable text messages to a crisis line threatening to harm students, police say. The Leesburg Police Department announced on Thursday morning that a minor has been charged with making threats via electronic communication following a weeklong investigation that was launched following an early morning stream of consciousness last week. Investigators say that shortly after 12:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, the Leesburg Police Department was alerted to a series of text messages which "…
Desperate, Reckless, Wrong-Way Driver Sentenced For Chase From Loudoun To Fairfax County Desperate, Reckless, Wrong-Way Driver Sentenced For Chase From Loudoun To Fairfax County
Desperate, Reckless, Wrong-Way Driver Sentenced For Chase From Loudoun To Fairfax County A Leesburg man who was super-powered by methamphetamine during a wild police chase that spanned more than 30 minutes through multiple counties was given a sentence above the state's guidelines, authorities announced. Joseph Christopher Daniel has been sentenced to more than six years in prison following an investigation into a reported stolen motorcycle and multiple instances of eluding that led to warrants for his arrest.  According to the Loudoun County Commonwealth's Attorney, late in October 2023, Daniel took police on a harrowing high-speed chase from Loudoun into Fairfax that "te…
Knife-Wielding Man Who Terrorized Family Member Repeatedly In Virginia Apprehended: Police Knife-Wielding Man Who Terrorized Family Member Repeatedly In Virginia Apprehended: Police
Knife-Wielding Man Who Terrorized Family Member Repeatedly In Virginia Apprehended: Police The man who repeatedly broke into the same family member's Prince William County home before ultimately fleeing each time has been apprehended in Woodbridge, police say. Antonio Felix Ramirez Rivera, 27, who has no fixed address, had been wanted for a host of charges after repeatedly terrorizing a member of his family, with the latest incident coming nearly two weeks ago. On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the Prince William County Police Department announced that Ramirez Rivera had been tracked down and arrested. According to the Prince William County Police Department, at around 9:20 p.m. on Thursday…
Estranged Son Shot Father, Self In Spotsylvania, Sheriff Says (DEVELOPING) Estranged Son Shot Father, Self In Spotsylvania, Sheriff Says (DEVELOPING)
Estranged Son Shot Father, Self In Spotsylvania, Sheriff Says (Developing) The estranged son of a Spotsylvania man is in critical condition after allegedly shooting his father and then himself on Wednesday night, officials say. Deputies were called shortly before 10 p.m. on Sept. 11 to the 3700 block of Glen Dower Drive, where they were met by a man in the driveway suffering from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. According to a spokesperson from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office, further investigation led to the discovery of a second man inside the home with a gunshot to an extremity.  The initial investigation determined that an…
Shooter Who Killed Innocent Bystander Asleep On Couch During DC Hit-Run Convicted Of Murder Shooter Who Killed Innocent Bystander Asleep On Couch During DC Hit-Run Convicted Of Murder
Shooter Who Killed Innocent Bystander Asleep On Couch During DC Hit-Run Convicted Of Murder The District man who fired several shots into his ex's family home and killed an innocent bystander before torching the evidence has been convicted of murder, federal authorities announced. Kylee Palmer, 25, has been guilty by a grand jury in connection to the fatal shooting of 60-year-old Barron Goodwin in Southeast DC in February 2020. Prosecutors say that on Feb. 11, 2020, Palmer got into an argument with an ex-girlfriend and stole her cell phone, leading to an exchange with her brother in the early hours of Feb. 12, 2020. At approximately 11 a.m., Palmer drove a stolen black Nissan Alt…
Pair Who Stole 50 Firearms From Virginia Gun Store To Re-Sell In DC Sentenced: Feds Pair Who Stole 50 Firearms From Virginia Gun Store To Re-Sell In DC Sentenced: Feds
Pair Who Stole 50 Firearms From Virginia Gun Store To Re-Sell In DC Sentenced: Feds A pair who conspired to steal 50 weapons from a federal firearms licensee (FFL) with the intent to sell them have been sentenced, authorities announced. District resident Victor Jones, 22, and Cedric Minger, of Brandywine, both 22, were among four involved with two others to rob a gun seller, officials say. According to court documents, on April 29, 2023, the four drove a stolen Acura ILX from Washington to an FFL in Springfield with the intention of breaking in and stealing weapons. After his initial attempts to gain entry, including shooting a round at the door with a firearm, were unsuc…
Tipster Came Forward With 'Info Helpful In Case' Of Missing Manassas Park Mom Mamta Kafle: PD Tipster Came Forward With 'Info Helpful In Case' Of Missing Manassas Park Mom Mamta Kafle: PD
Tipster Came Forward With 'Info Helpful In Case' Of Missing Manassas Park Mom Mamta Kafle: PD Information that was helpful in the search for missing Manassas mother Mamata Kafle has been provided to police, officials said on Tuesday afternoon. Investigators continue to search for evidence regarding the woman's disappearance, and the subsequent cover-up by husband Naresh Bhatt, who is behind bars. Kafle was last seen in Prince William County on July 27, and last heard from the following day during a phone call to a friend.  A welfare check was then conducted at the family's home on Aug. 2, and Naresh Bhatt reported his wife missing three days later on Aug. 5. On Sept. 10, the …
Killer Who Ditched Victim's Busted SUV In Fairfax County Lot Gets Life In Prison Killer Who Ditched Victim's Busted SUV In Fairfax County Lot Gets Life In Prison
Killer Who Ditched Victim's Busted SUV In Fairfax County Lot Gets Life In Prison A man described by authorities as a "violent predator" was sentenced to life in prison without parole on Monday, Sept. 9 for kidnapping, robbing, and killing a Pennsylvania co-worker, authorities announced. Michael Allen Stark, 50, of Royersford, PA was found guilty by a Bucks County jury of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, robbery, kidnapping, theft by unlawful taking, flight to avoid apprehension, and abuse of a corpse, according to District Attorney Jennifer Schorn and court records. Stark's victim was 50-year-old Matthew James Branning of Sellersville, who went missing after l…
Knife-Wielding Man Who Terrorized Family Member For Third Time In Virginia At Large: Police Knife-Wielding Man Who Terrorized Family Member For Third Time In Virginia At Large: Police
Knife-Wielding Man Who Terrorized Family Member For Third Time In Virginia At Large: Police A man who forcibly broke into the same family member's Prince William County home three separate times is at large following his latest attempt in Woodbridge, police say. Antonio Felix Ramirez Rivera, 27, who has no fixed address, is wanted for a host of charges after repeatedly terrorizing a member of his family. According to the Prince William County Police Department, at around 9:20 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, officers responded to the 1600 block of Hylton Avenue, when a 27-year-old woman woke to Ramirez Rivera forcibly entering her home through a window. It is alleged that Ram…
Coordinated Carjackers Cause Crashes In DC After Stealing Charger In Maryland: State Police Coordinated Carjackers Cause Crashes In DC After Stealing Charger In Maryland: State Police
Coordinated Carjackers Cause Crashes In DC After Stealing Charger In Maryland: State Police A group of crafty carjackers remain at large on Monday after stealing a Dodge Charger that was then involved in multiple crashes throughout DC over the weekend, according to Maryland State Police. Late on Friday, Sept. 7, investigators say that the Prince George's County Police Department contacted state police investigators to report an armed carjacking. According to officials, the victim was driving west on the Allentown Road ramp to northbound Branch Avenue, when two dark-colored vehicles boxed in the red Charger, and three or four suspects got out wearing black ski masks, pointed a gun …
Man Exposed Himself To 66-Year-Old Woman Outside Prince William County Condo, Police Say Man Exposed Himself To 66-Year-Old Woman Outside Prince William County Condo, Police Say
Man Exposed Himself To 66-Year-Old Woman Outside Prince William County Condo, Police Say A woman taking out the trash outside her Woodbridge condo was met by some who exposed himself to her before taking off in a Prius, according to the Prince William County Police Department. On Tuesday afternoon, officers were called to the Sherbrooke Condominiums in the 12200 block of Ladymeade Lane, where there was a reported indecent exposure incident involving a 66-year-old woman. Police say that at around  2 p.m. on Sept. 3, the woman was near the community trash collection area when a stranger approached her, exposed himself, then fled in a silver Toyota Prius.  The woman was…
Man Shot Brother During Labor Day Dispute In Virginia, Sheriff Says Man Shot Brother During Labor Day Dispute In Virginia, Sheriff Says
Man Shot Brother During Labor Day Dispute In Virginia, Sheriff Says A squabble between brothers landed one hospitalized with serious injuries and another is facing serious charges following a Labor Day shooting in Spotsylvania. Caleb Ralph Merswin, 34, was charged with malicious wounding and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony after shooting his 30-year-old brother during a dispute over the holiday weekend. According to a spokesperson from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called at around 7:45 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 2 to a home in the 6200 block of Woodhue Court to investigate a reported shooting, where they found Merswi…
Police ID District Man Killed During Labor Day Shooting In Maryland Near DC Border Police ID District Man Killed During Labor Day Shooting In Maryland Near DC Border
Police ID District Man Killed During Labor Day Shooting In Maryland Near DC Border New details have been released by the Montgomery County Department of Police following a deadly Labor Day shooting in Silver Spring. Officers were called at around 11 a.m. on Sept. 2 to the 8000 block of 13th Street in Silver Spring, where there was a reported shooting not far from the DC border. Police say that District resident Jamar Emmanuel Jenifer was found in an alley suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. No suspect has been identified as of Tuesday afternoon. PIO is en route. Media staging area to be determined. #MCPNew…
Man Arrested For Three Separate Indecent Exposure Incidents In Virginia: Police Man Arrested For Three Separate Indecent Exposure Incidents In Virginia: Police
Man Arrested For Three Separate Indecent Exposure Incidents In Virginia: Police An indecent exposure incident involving a 22-year-old man from Falls Church was linked to two others that were reported in Merrifield, according to the Fairfax County Police Department. Juan Antonio Campos was charged with two counts of indecent exposure and masturbation in public following several reported incidents, authorities announced on Friday. According to police, in late August, officers from the department were called to the area of Fairmont Street and Woodberry Lane in Merrifield, where a man was allegedly exposing himself before fleeing the area. The man was later identified as …
Correctional Officer Abducted By Inmate At Virginia Detention Center: Police (UPDATED) Correctional Officer Abducted By Inmate At Virginia Detention Center: Police (UPDATED)
Correctional Officer Abducted By Inmate At Virginia Detention Center: Police (Updated) An inmate who got the jump on a corrections officer and temporarily locked him in a cell over the weekend is facing additional charges in Prince William County. Roberto Jose Marrero, 31, who has no fixed address, was charged with abduction over the weekend after causing a scare at the Prince William Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center on Lee Avenue on Saturday night. Officers from the Prince William County Police Department were called to the facility early on Sunday morning to investigate a reported abduction involving a correctional officer the night before. Police say that at appro…
District Man Among Four Charged For Fatal July Stabbing In Prince George's County: Police District Man Among Four Charged For Fatal July Stabbing In Prince George's County: Police
District Man Among Four Charged For Fatal July Stabbing In Prince George's County: Police Four people have been charged in connection to the fatal stabbing of a 34-year-old man in Prince George's County last month. Shortly after 9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 5, officers from the Hyattsville Police Department were called to the 5300 block of Ager Road for a welfare check, where they found Samuel Garcia Rojas suffering from traumatic injuries inside a vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene after reportedly being stabbed during a dispute. This week, the Prince George's County Police Department announced that they have apprehended a group of four suspects.  Those charged:&n…