Local police are bracing for an increase in the number of domestic violence cases with a stay-at-home order in effect in Virginia.
The Fairfax County Police Department has seen an “incremental uptick” in domestic violence calls in the county.
“While not an alarming uptick, we’re seeing slightly more than what we experienced prior to three weeks,” Sgt. Greg Bedor told Reston Now.
In the last three weeks, FCPD has received a weekly average of 235 domestic-related calls, data show. Most incidents are reported over the weekend on a weekly basis.
The police department is attempting to triage calls by separating people from their homes and conducting interviews over the phone wherever possible, according to FCPD.
Officers are also making an effort to encourage individuals to turn themselves in if an arrest is warranted.
Although the county’s Domestic Violence Hotline has not seen any increases in reported incidents, county officials are encouraging people to seek help.
They say rising unemployment and the pressure of bounding bills “during the already stressful coronavirus pandemic could lead to an increase in domestic violence.”
“For victims of domestic violence, being home may not be the safest place, particularly as people are financially and emotionally stressed,” said Toni Zollicoffer, Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services division director. “Victims and survivors of recent sexual and intimate partner violence face unique challenges during this period of extended social distancing and isolation.
Her office offered the following tips:
Call or Text for Help 24/7
Call Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence hotline: 703-360-7273, TTY 711. It’s available for help 24-hours a day, every day.
If it’s not safe to talk, text LOVEIS to 22522 to connect with the National Domestic Violence Hotline. You also can online chat with RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network).
As always, anyone who is in immediate danger should call 9-1-1.
Plan Ahead
There are actions people can take to prepare, including:
- Be aware of safe rooms with locks and which rooms have doors or windows for quick exit. Discuss these with children and other family members.
- Make a list of safe contacts and emergency resources. Some people find it helpful to hide copies of important documents and safe contacts somewhere outside the home, such as buried in a planter or at a safe neighbor’s home.
- Plan with kids and other family members if you can. Think about their safety options. Think of a place you can go or send other family members in an emergency or long term.
- Arrange daily check-ins or code words with people you trust.
What You Can Do
“If you are concerned about a friend or family member, it’s more important than ever to check in with them,” said Zollicoffer. “For resources or information on ways to assist those you are concerned about, call the Domestic Violence hotline.”
We can all play a role in preventing domestic violence. Encourage people who are experiencing abuse to make a safety plan, call for help and guidance and let them know that the abuse is not their fault. Let them know you are there to listen, help and support them without judgement.
Photo via Fairfax County Police Department
Burglary Reported on Friday — A burglar broke into a home on the 1500 block of Cameron Crescent Drive on Friday and stole personal property. Information about the incident was released yesterday. [Fairfax County Police Department]
High Honors for School Psychology Services — “Fairfax County Public Schools School Psychology Services has been recognized in the Excellence in School Psychological Services Recognition Program with an Exemplary rating from the National Association of School Psychologists. FCPS was the only school district in the U.S. to receive an Exemplary rating, the highest rating available.” [Fairfax County Public Schools]
County Board to Dive into Budget — The county executive will present his budget proposal to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors at a meeting today (Tuesday). The meeting will be televised on Channel 16 and streamed live online. [Fairfax County Government]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
In-person Absentee Voting Underway — This past weekend, in-person absentee voting opened at 13 locations in the county. Locally, the Herndon Fortnightly Library will be open Mondays through Fridays from 3-7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. [Fairfax County Government]
Library Coalition Proposes County Plan — “The Coalition to Expand Library Access formally launched its “It’s About Time” campaign with an information meeting for community groups on Feb. 6 at the George Mason Regional Library in Annandale.” [Fairfax County Times]
County Police Mourns Passing of K9 — The Fairfax County Police Department is remembering K9 Doby, the department’s “four-legged brother” who died unexpectedly while responding to an armed robbery. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
A man was arrested in connection with an indecent exposure incident on Tuesday (Feb. 4).
Joseph Flynn, 61, was arrested and charged with peeping, indecent exposure, and drunk in public, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
Police believe Flynn was watching a woman in her home on the 11600 block of Charter Oak Court at around 11 p.m. on Tuesday. The woman said the man was watching her while exposing himself.
FCPD did not release a photo of the suspect, which is being held at the Adult Detention Center. Information about the incident was released earlier this morning.
Photo via FCPD
Blackboard Inc. Opens New Global Headquarters — The leading education technology company officially opened the doors of its new global headquarters in Plaza America on Monday. The company considered “best value, convenience to public transportation, commuter routes, airports, and life-style amenities” when making the decision to choose Reston. [PR Newswire]
Big Activity at Reston Station — Chris Clemente, Comstock’s CEO, talks about “big activity” at Reston Station. [Commercial Observer]
Sunoco Gas Station in Herndon Robbed — The gas station on 12370 Coppermine Road was robbed on Friday, Jan. 25. Police believe a man threatened a store clerk with a knife and took off with cash and merchandise. The suspect is described as black and in his 20s. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
The Fairfax County Police Department’s Reston District Station is hosting a community meeting next week.
The station’s neighborhood patrol unit will discuss their mission, training and community engagement efforts on Jan. 28.
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the North County Governmental Building (1801 Cameron Glen Drive).
This month’s meeting is coordinating through FCPD’s Citizen Advisory Committee, which aims to create an opportunity for dialogue between residents and local police districts.
Photo via FCPD
Local police deemed that a “possible threat” directed at Herndon High School earlier this week was not credible, according to school officials.
In an email to parents, Herndon HS Principal Liz Noto stated that police discovered the possible threat on social media.
Police interviewed the student who posted the message and determined there was no risk to the school or students.
The administration did not release any other details about the incident due to piracy restrictions.
For precautionary purposes, the school had extra security present on Wednesday (Jan. 15).
Photo via Fairfax County Public Schools
Fairfax County police have arrested a Reston man following a suspicious package investigation at The Spectrum yesterday (Wednesday).
Police said in an update today (Thursday) that around 3:30 p.m. a man who was previously banned from the Verizon store (11830 Spectrum Center) “set a suspicious package on the counter and indicated to an employee that it was a bomb.”
Shortly before 5 p.m. yesterday, police tweeted that several businesses were evacuated as a result of the investigation, and then around 8 p.m. that the suspicious package was determined to not be hazardous.
“Officers from the Special Operations Divisions examined the device and determined it to be a hoax,” police said today.
Police arrested Timothy Stein, 54, today and charged him with felony bomb threat, felony hoax explosive device and trespassing.
Image via Google Maps
Updated 12/19/19 — Police arrested a Reston man in connection to the incident.
Earlier: Fairfax County Police are conducting a suspicious package investigation at The Spectrum at Reston Town Center.
Police said on Twitter that several businesses were evacuated as a result of the investigation. People are being asked to avoid the area.
It was not immediately clear which businesses were affected.
UPDATE: Members of our Special Operations Division are responding to assist in the investigation. Access to nearby businesses remains restricted. Please continue to avoid the area. https://t.co/I3Uhzv4fjJ
— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) December 18, 2019
Update at 11:45 p.m. — The suspicious package was determined to not be hazardous.
Investigators determined that the suspicious package found in the 11800 block of Spectrum Center has been deemed safe with no hazardous items found. #FCPD pic.twitter.com/VMfxZSBuqS
— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) December 19, 2019
Photo via Google Maps
A local homeowners association has installed yard signs to encourage drivers to slow down following aSouth Lakes High School teenager was killed in a hit-and-run last year.
Marvin Daniel Cruz Serrano, 16, was struck by a vehicle while returning home from work at Reston’s Cafesano. Local police have not disclosed any leads on the case.
Serrano was crossing South Lakes Drive toward Castle Rock Square near the Bristol House Condos when he was hit by a car.
According to a report by NBC 4, which first reported the installation of the signs, the local homeowners association installed signs in late November to encourage residents to slow down.
Residents are also considering implementing a fine if two or more neighbors spot someone driving at a speed of more than 10 mph.
Photo via GoFundMe
The autopsy of a Reston woman who died shortly after being brought to the emergency room by two men could take months to complete, according to authorities.
The autopsy of Julia Crabbe, 21, is pending due to toxicology results that could take several months, the WTOP reported on Monday (Nov.25).
Crabbe was brought to the hospital by two men, one of whom was a Washington Redskins player Montae Nicholson. She arrived unconscious and unresponsive to the hospital on Nov. 14.
Crabbe’s family members said they were concerned Nicholson never called 911.
Here’s more from WTOP’s report:
Crabbe was brought to the Inova Emergency Room-Ashburn HealthPlex after 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 14, with what hospital personnel described as a drug overdose. She was unconscious and unresponsive.
Crabbe’s family has said one of the men who brought her to the hospital was Redskins safety Montae Nicholson.
Nicholson has not been charged with any crime, although a search warrant of his Ashburn home allegedly turned up pills, marijuana and foil with residue on it. It is unclear whom the drugs belonged to.
Sources said that was the only search warrant issued at this point.
In a separate incident, Nicholson was arrested last December for being involved in a street brawl, according to a report.
A South Lakes High School student was killed in a car crash on Sunday (November 3) in Oakton.
Carter Smith, a junior at the school, was one of five passengers in the car, which was travelling eastbound on Stuart Mill Road around 6:30 p.m. that day when the car ran off the right shoulder and hit a tree, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
Five teenagers who were in the car at the time were taken to local hospitals. The driver remains in life-threatening condition. The SLHS student was pronounced dead at the hospital and the three other passengers were treated for injuries that are not life-threatening.
Police believe speed may have been a factor in the accident. Preliminarily, alcohol and drugs do not appear to be factors that led to the crash.
With permission of Smith’s parents, SLHS Principal Kimberly Retzer released information about Smith.
On Monday (Nov. 4), Retzer wrote the following in a letter to the SLHS community:
Our sincere condolences are extended to family and friends of all involved, and to all members of our community who may be hearing of this terrible incident. I will maintain contact with the family and share about funeral services as that information becomes available.The unexpected death of a young person is very sad and difficult to process and can have an impact on anyone, whether they knew the person or not. South Lakes will provide counselors and clinical team members tomorrow, Tuesday, from 9:00AM to 12:00PM. Students should gather in the Lecture Hall. We will have additional supports on Wednesday as well when all students return.
Anyone with information about the incident should contact FCPD’s crash reconstruction unit at 703-280-0543.
No other information about the incident has been released.
File photo
Local police arrested a juvenile in connection with a robbery and assault on Halloween and are looking for other suspects.
A victim said several males assaulted him and stole cash from his wallet when he was walking on the 2100 block of Ferguson Place at around 8 p.m.
A juvenile was arrested and charged after the incident.
Police are looking for an unidentified number of suspects involved in the incident. No description was provided by police.
File photo
Victim Assaulted by Four Suspects — A man was assaulted by four individuals as he was walking alone along the 1200 block of Herndon Parkway on Oct. 23. The incident is under investigation. [Herndon Police Department]
Reston District Station Collects Drugs for Take Back Day — The station collected 13 bags and 145 pounds of drugs during the 18th annual drug take back day on Saturday, Oct. 26. Franconia collected the most pounds of drugs, with Reston ranking fourth in the number of donations. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Photo via Flickr/vantagehill
Someone broke into a home on the 11600 block of Charter Oak Court on Oct. 23.
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, the incident happened between 11:15 a.m. and 1:38 p.m. Personal items were taken.
FCPD’s Reston District Station also reported the following incidents in recent days:
LARCENIES:
600 block of Deerfield Farm Court, laptop computer from vehicle
2500 block of John Milton Drive, merchandise from business
2100 block of Reston Parkway, property from vehicle
11300 block of Sunset Hills Road, purse from vehicle
13300 block of Parcher Avenue, tools from vehicle
11800 block of Sunrise Valley Drive, food from business
12100 block of Sunset Hills Road, wallet from location
STOLEN VEHICLES:
None reported
Photo via FCPD
