Warning about World Series Ticket Scams — “Detectives are investigating an increasing number of online and phone scams involving the sale of World Series tickets. Fans are reminded to use caution when purchasing tickets from sources other than Major League Baseball or authorized dealers. Be sure to research the vendor and review their security protocols before providing personal information or payment.” [Fairfax County Police Department]
Burglary Reported at 11600 Block of Charter Oak Court — Someone broke into the home on Oct. 23 sometime between 11:15 a.m. and 1:38 p.m. and stole personal items. The incident is under investigation. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Washington West Film Festival Continues Today — A happy hours, three shorts programs, and two films will air as part of the festival at Bow Tie Cinemas today. The festival continues through Monday (Oct. 28). [Washington West Film Festival]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
Fairfax County Police are hosting an open house where people can drop off unwanted or expired prescription medication.
Operation Medicine Cabinet Cleanout is an initiative that aims to keep unneeded medication out of the wrong hands and the environment, which can lead to abuse or accidental poisoning, according to the Fairfax County website. From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 26), community members may drop off their extra medications at safe and confidential disposal at any Fairfax County Police district station.
This service is free and event organizers will accept any medication that is in the form of pills or liquid, no needles or canisters.
There are eight stations in the area participating in the event, including the Reston District Station (1801 Cameron Glen Drive.)
“Drug take-back programs are important because they are a safe method for disposing of prescription drugs and are organized and closely monitored by local, state, and federal government agencies,” the Fairfax County website said.
More than 42,000 people died in 2016 around the United States from drug overdoses and this drive will help eliminate the risk of drug abuse, the website said.
Anyone struggling with drug abuse can contact the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board for help and support or call Fairfax Detoxification Center at 703-322-9080.
Photo via Fairfax County
Reston-based company partners with Ford for EV charging network — “Reston-based Electrify America, whose coast-to-coast network already includes more than 120 ultrafast charging stations at Walmart stores in 34 states, will support the FordPass app with a comprehensive data feed that will show real-time locations and charger status data to Ford vehicles’ touch screens.” [WTOP]
Police search for man accused of exposing himself to kids in Fairfax County — “Fairfax County police are searching for a man who they say exposed himself to children on multiple occasions earlier this week. Both incidents are alleged to have happened in the middle of the day on Richmond Highway near Alexandria, about three miles apart.” [FOX 5]
Frost Advisory In Effect Today — A frost advisory is in effect for the region today (Friday) until 9 a.m. Residents are encouraged to take steps to protect outdoor plants from the cold. [National Weather Service]
Photo via Dario Piparo/Flickr
A Herndon man was arrested in connection with an aggravated assault of a victim, according to police.
Police believe Irving Lazarus Duncan, 33, assaulted a victim that was known to him on Oct. 6 while the victim was released.
The victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Reston Hospital. Duncan was taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center where he was held without bond.
The Fairfax County Police Department’s Reston District Station also reported the following minor incidents in recent days:
LARCENIES:
1800 block of Cameron Glen Drive, wallet from location
1800 block of Cameron Glen Drive, cell phone and gun from location
11800 block of Barrel Cooper Court, purse from vehicle
11900 block of Barrel Cooper Court, clothing from residence
Reston Station Boulevard/Wiehle Avenue, property from vehicle
1800 block of Cameron Glen Drive, battery from vehicle
1800 block of Cameron Glen Drive, pants from vehicle
2400 block of Centreville Road, cell phones from business
10100 block of Clover Glen Drive, lights from residence
2300 block of Colts Neck Road, bicycle from location
1800 block of Discovery Street, electronic device from location
2200 block of Monaghan Drive, cash from vehicle
1800 block of Presidents Street, cash from location
1900 block of Reston Metro Plaza, construction material from location
1700 block of Seagull Court, cell phone from location
2400 block of Southgate Square, license plate from vehicle
1800 block of Sycamore Valley Drive, wallet from location
STOLEN VEHICLES:
None reported
Photo via FCPD
A man was robbed during an in-person exchange of a cell phone with an online seller.
Police arrested Monzir Hassan, 18, of Reston for the robbery on Oct. 3 at around 5:53 p.m., according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
Authorities believe Hassan punched the victim in the face when the victim gave him money for the phone. Hassan was arrested after he attempted to escape in a black sedan, police said.
FCPD did not disclose how much cash was stolen.
In a separate incident, a home burglary was reported on Oct. 5 on the 2400 block of Old Farmhouse Road. Police believe someone broke into the home that evening and stole personal property.
FCPD’s Reston District Station also reported the following minor incidents in recent days:
LARCENIES:
1500 block of Autumn Ridge Circle, license plates from vehicle
Carpers Farm Way/Colvin Run Road, batteries from location
11800 block Freedom Drive, camera from location
1700 block of Ivy Oak Square, book bag from car
1800 block of Sycamore Valley Drive, change from car
13300 block of Feldman Place, tools from location
11400 block of Commerce Park Drive, purses from location
2300 block of Fox Fire Court, identification from location
11900 block of Market Street, merchandise from business
1900 block of Reston Metro Plaza, wallet from location
STOLEN VEHICLES:
10700 block of Midsummer Drive, 2007 Honda Accord
Photo via FCPD
A man walked into a hotel in Herndon on Monday and demanded cash, police said.
The man entered Candlewood Suites (13485 Sunrise Valley Drive at around 3:42 p.m. on Sept. 30. He implied he had a gun, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
Police described the suspect as a white man in his 40s, 5’10” and 160 pounds.
No other information about the incident was released.
Anyone with information about any the incident should call 703-691-2131 or 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or text “TIP187” plus the message to CRIMES(274637).
Photo via Google Maps
Sunrise Valley Elementary School Turns 40 — “When Sunrise Valley Elementary School (SVES) was established in September 1978, it was still under construction. Students were initially bused to South Lakes High School to attend classes. The school officially opened its doors on Sept. 4, 1979 with Principal William “Bill” Berkeley Martin welcoming the first 600 students as they walked through the front entrance, according to the SVES website.” [Fairfax County Times]
County Police to Offer Car Seat Safety Checks — The Fairfax County Police Department is hosting several free car seat safety and install events on a monthly basis this year. The Reston District stations will offer reviews by appointment only on Oct. 17, Nov. 14, and Dec. 12. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Metro to Weigh Fare Increase — Metro could raise fares or make other changes next year, a prospect that is drawing pushback from the Metro Board’s Riders’ Advisory Council… The council had a budget briefing and discussion earlier this month, and urged the board to think more creatively about fare changes that could get riders onto the system. [WTOP]
Photo by Jay Westcott
Fairfax County officials want to take a closer look at the costs linked to adding body worn cameras to the county’s police department.
After studies observing the impact of police officers wearing body cameras while on duty, several members on the Board of Supervisors came out in support of the new proposal draft. As body worn cameras get closer to receiving the board’s approval, two supervisors want more information to determine the fiscal impact of the project.
Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity kicked off the discussion of the body worn cameras at the Public Safety Committee meeting Tuesday (Sept. 17) by asking what the fiscal impact would be.
The program would cost about $6.2 million by fiscal year 2022, Deputy County Executive for Public Safety Dave Rohrer told the board.
“That includes the Commonwealth Department of Information Technology, the police officers, the cameras, the storage and equipment,” Rohrer said. “It’s an all-in number.”
Braddock District Supervisor John Cook said that if Board of Supervisors approves the action items on the body worn cameras at the meeting next Tuesday (Sept. 24), he will request a report on how it could affect the budget for the Public Defenders’ Office.
Cook noted that the presentation about the pilot program included information about costs for the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Photo via Fairfax County Police Department
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on a body-worn camera program for the Fairfax County Police Department later this month.
If the board’s public safety committee votes in favor of the program today (Tuesday), the board will likely vote on the project on September 24.
Earlier this year, American University researchers analyzed the effects of body-worn cameras on the use of force, changes in policing activities, community members’ assessments of police legitimacy, and the number of community complaints. The report detailed mixed findings. While residents supported the adoption of the program, there was no evidence the cameras directly impacted community member’s satisfied with FCPD.
The program, which would be phased out over three years, will cost $4.3 million next year — a sum that will be covered from the county’s reserve funds. In 2021, the program is expected to cost $5.5 million and roughly $1.1 million in 2022.
If approved, more than 1,200 camera will be deployed to all district stations. Overall, 34 new full-time employees will be hired, including five staff members for FCPD, 23 staff members for the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and six positions with the Department of Information Technology.
Police officers at the Reston District Station — which was included in last year’s pilot program — would be the first to receive the devices if the program is approved.
School Resource Officers are also expected to receive body-worn cameras. However, the committee cautioned that decisions to deploy the devices will be made in concert with the Fairfax County School Board and the Board of Supervisors.
The county contracted American University researchers to study the effects of the pilot program after FCPD Police Chief Edwin Roessler Jr. recommended implementing the program in June 2015. A six-month pilot began in March last year in the Mason, Mount Vernon and Reston district stations.
At a committee meeting in June, board supervisors largely expressed support for the program.
Photo via FCPD
Fairfax County police are looking for four of the five suspects involved in a robbery and assault in Herndon.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Monday (Sept. 9) in the 13100 block of Parcher Avenue.
“The victim was walking home when five suspects surrounded him,” according to a police report. “They assaulted him and removed personal items.”
Police said that they found one juvenile connected to the robbery after a lookout was provided. The juvenile was charged with robbery.
“The other suspects were described as Hispanic males in their late teens,” police said.
FCPD’s Reston District Station also reported the following incidents in recent days:
LARCENIES:
11700 block of Arbor Glen Way, license plate from vehicle
1800 block of Cameron Glen Drive, property from residence
12900 block of Centre Park Circle, purse from vehicle
12000 block of Creekbend Drive, property from residence
11800 block of Freedom Drive, camera from business
2300 block of Hunters Woods Plaza, liquor from business
2300 block of Hunters Woods Plaza, liquor from business
11900 block of Market Street, jewelry from residence
11600 block of Plaza America Drive, wallet from location
1000 block of Preserve Court, license plate from vehicle
12100 block of Sunset Hill Road, electronic device from business
STOLEN VEHICLES:
None reported
On Saturday, Sept. 7, a man was robbed by two men while walking home. The incident occurred in the 1700 block of Ascot Way around 12:30 a.m.
“The men were described as being in their late teens to early 20s,” police said.
File photo
Local Firefighter Retires — Local fire and rescue personnel gathered over the weekend at Station 25 in Reston to celebrate the career of Captain Eric Cunningham, who retired after 28 years of service in the county. [Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department]
Furry Recruits for Fairfax County Police Department — “The department has long used dogs to search for illegal drugs or explosives or to track missing people. But Holmes and his fellow recruits, Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers, will have a far different role. Instead of helping to solve or uncover crimes, they will be tasked with helping first responders cope with the stress of the job.” [The Washington Post]
Farmers & Makers Market is Today — The market, which features local farmers and artisans, returns to Reston Town Center today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. [Reston Town Center
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Take a Break Concert Series Today — Enjoy a performance by The Rick Whitehead Trio at Lake Anne Plaza today form 7-9 p.m. The event is free and open to all ages. [Reston Community Center]
Reston Built to Live, Work and Play — “Reston is an unincorporated area in Fairfax County, approximately six miles from Washington Dulles International Airport and 17 miles from downtown Washington, D.C. In 2018, Money magazine ranked it as the Best Place to Live in Virginia due to its many parks, lakes, golf courses and bridle paths and noted the shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities in Reston Town Center.” [The Connection]
Unlawful Entry Reported at Ledura Court Home — Police believe someone entered a vacant condominium on the 11700 block of Ledura Court sometime between August 24 and August 27. Nothing was taken. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
A request for a cigarette turned violent on August 22. According to the Fairfax County Police Department, a suspect asked someone for a cigarette. When the victim did not provide a cigarette, the suspect pushed the individual and stole a purse.
The suspect is described as a black teenager with a thin built. The incident happened around 4 p.m.
In a separate incident, police believe two teenagers assaulted a victim and took personal items on August 22. The incident happened near the 2200 block of Millrace Lane at around 1:30 a.m. The suspects were described as Hispanic men. One suspect is thin and the other is heavyset, police said.
In a separate incident, a home on the 13300 block of Misty Dawn Drive was burglarized on August 21. Police believe someone broke into the home overnight and stole personal items.
FCPD’s Reston District Station also reported the following incidents in recent days:
LARCENIES:
11900 block of Bowman Towne Drive, wallet from location
9800 block of Georgetown Pike, merchandise from business
1700 block of Ivy Oak Square, wallet from vehicle
11900 block of Market Street, earrings from business
12100 block of Sunset Hills Road, merchandise from business
STOLEN VEHICLES:
2000 block of Capstone Circle, 2010 Acura TL
2200 block of Double Eagle Court, 2010 Chevrolet Suburban
11600 block of Stoneview Square, 2017 Honda Civic
As we reported last week, Reston Wellness, a massage therapy business was robbed on August 20. Two men took cash from the business and ran away. The investigation is ongoing.
A South Lakes High School teacher who was reported missing earlier this month was identified as the motorcyclist found dead Thursday near Fairfax County Parkway.
Simon Chang, 39, of Ashburn, was a special education teacher and a member of the boys basketball coaching staff. He was reported missing on August 16.
The news comes just days before students return to SLHS. Kim Retzer, the school’s principal, wrote the following message to parents about Chang’s passing:
The South Lakes High School community is mourning the death of one of our teachers, Simon Chang. As a special education teacher and member of the boys basketball coaching staff, Mr. Chang was as a beloved member of the Seahawk family. He will be remembered for his positivity and dedication to our staff and students. He will be greatly missed. We have been in contact with Mr. Chang’s family to offer our condolences and support.
We feel it is important for you to be aware of this situation so that you can provide any support your children might need. Our counselors and an FCPS crisis team will be available Monday to meet with any students or staff who need assistance. All staff will have information on where to direct students who need support. We are taking every step we can to be responsive to the needs of our students and families. Please reach out if there are ways we can support you.
Our thoughts are with Mr. Chang’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Police believe Chang was riding a motorcycle from Lee Highway to northbound Fairfax County Parkway when the motorcycle ran off the shoulder of the ramp and drove into a wooded area near a pond.
Chang’s body was found on Thursday, August 23 after a groundskeeper found the wreckage.
Detective do not believe other vehicles were involved in the accident. It is unclear if speed or alcohol were factors.
Photo via Loudoun County Government
In addition to a weekly crime report, Reston Now published monthly maps detailing all major crime incidents reported by the Fairfax County Police Department”s Reston District Station.
A example of a map from July 2017 is below.
We would love to know if you would like us to restart this monthly map. All reports of crime incidents are pulled from daily information provided by FCPD.
Photo via FCPD
