Police say a Reston man assaulted a woman after demanding money from her last week at a Herndon gas station.
According to a Fairfax County Police report, the incident took place Thursday afternoon at Sunoco (2100 Centreville Road). A 44-year-old woman was pumping gas when she was approached by the man, to whom she refused to give money. According to the police report:
“When she declined, he grabbed her in a bear hug. She continued to decline his demands and she was able to break free and run to a local store where she summoned police.”
Police arrested 39-year-old Akeem Gale in connection with the incident. Gale was charged with assault and taken to the Adult Detention Center.
(Updated 7:50 p.m. to include statements from Deputy Fire Chief Anthony Barrero)
A Herndon townhouse suffered heavy damage in a Friday afternoon fire, but all occupants are safe.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue crews responded to a report of a blaze in the 2500 block of Chase Wellesley Drive, off McNair Farms Drive, around 3:30 p.m. Friday.
Units on scene 2500 block of Chase Wellesley Dr with fire showing from the rear of 3 level townhouse pic.twitter.com/1DlG2XzUXb
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) January 6, 2017
A pair of ladder trucks were involved in battling the flames, which were quickly brought under control by the responding units.
According to Deputy Chief Anthony Barrero of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, the fire started with an outside gas grill.
“They were outside cooking,” Barrero said. “Burning on the grill led to the fire, which extended up to the attic space.”
Barrero said two adults were home at the time of the blaze; however, a total of four adults and two juveniles were living in the townhouse. The Red Cross is assisting the residents.
No one was injured in the blaze, Barrero said, and there were no pets in the home.
Update 2500 block of Chase Wellesley Dr – All occupants accounted for. Crews working on extinguishing fire. pic.twitter.com/sOMjw3Rorx
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) January 6, 2017
Update 2500 block of Chase Wellesley Dr – Fire under control. Units checking for extension. pic.twitter.com/oag0z80tYh
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) January 6, 2017
The townhouse is a middle house in a row of attached dwellings. Barrero said the fire did extend to one neighboring home, which he said suffered “very minor damage” on its second floor.
Update 2500 block of Chase Wellesley Dr – Fire is out. All units will be on scene undetermined amount of time conducting extensive overhaul. pic.twitter.com/cJ8jINaypf
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) January 6, 2017
The fire caused an estimated $90,000 in damage to the townhouse itself and $10,000 in damage to contents, Barrero said.
The Woodland Park area of Herndon may soon be getting even more crowded.
Currently vacant land to the west of Monroe Street, behind the Woodland Park Crossing Shopping Center, is being proposed for a future residential/mixed-use development. The proposal for the 31.59-acre lot is scheduled to be discussed in a public hearing next week with the Fairfax County Planning Commission.
The property borders the Dulles Toll Road to the north and is very near the planned Herndon Metro Station. On current streets, the drive to the station would be slightly less than 1 mile; on a new crossing with Monroe Street proposed in conjunction with project, it would be only about half a mile.
Developers hope the site will one day house:
- 74 single-family attached homes
- 90 two-over-two stacked townhomes
- 515 multifamily dwelling units within two buildings
- two office buildings, including 580,000 square feet of ground-floor retail
A similar project, the Woodland Park Waterview apartments, was approved last month by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
The Fairfax County Planning Commission will meet Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 8:15 p.m. in the Board Auditorium of the Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax).
A house fire left two Herndon residents and their dogs without a home earlier this week.
The fire started at a two-story home on the 12200 block of Parkstream Terrace around 7:43 p.m. Monday, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue said in a release today.
Firefighters contained the fire to the building’s second floor bedroom. Nobody was injured in the blaze, authorities said.
From Fairfax County Fire and Rescue:
Units arrived on scene to find a two-story, single family home with fire showing from the front. Two adult occupants and two dogs had safely evacuated before the fire department arrived. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire. The bulk of the fire was contained to a second floor bedroom with minor extension into the attic area.
The home had working smoke alarms. However, an occupant of the home smelled smoke and discovered the fire prior to the activation of the smoke alarms.
Two adults and two dogs have been displaced as a result of the fire. Red Cross assistance was offered and declined. There were no reported civilian or firefighter injuries.
Fire Investigators determined the fire originated in a second floor bedroom. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Damages are estimated at $93,750.00.
Photo courtesy of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue
A two-alarm fire forced two people out of their home in Herndon early this morning.
The fire broke out at a house on the 2500 block of Farmcrest Drive around 3:30 a.m., Fairfax County Fire and Rescue said.
Crews arrived on the scene to find flames coming out of a four-story building’s fourth floor balcony, according to a report from WUSA9. Crews were eventually able to contain the fire to the building’s upper floors.
Two people were displaced by the fire, authorities said. One person was taken to the hospital for a minor checkup.
File photo
Fairfax County officials later this month are slated to officially break ground for a $44.5 million parking garage for the future Herndon Metro station.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova and other local officials are slated to join in the groundbreaking ceremony at Herndon-Monroe Park and Ride Lot (12530 Sunrise Valley Drive) Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 1 p.m. Construction is expected to end by spring 2019.
“The 2,007-space parking facility is designed to assist in reducing congestion on Northern Virginia roadways by creating additional opportunities for ridesharing and the use of public transit,” county officials said in an announcement Tuesday.
The future Herndon Metro Silver Line Station will serve riders at ground level in the median on the Dulles Toll Road and will serve the existing Herndon-Monroe Park and Ride, with access from both sides of the road. Phase 1 of construction on the Metro station is already underway, and Phase 2 is expected to wind up at some point in the next five years, according to Metro officials.
Key features of the project will include a pedestrian bridge leading from the new garage to the future Metro station, as well as connections for both cars and pedestrians to the existing Herndon-Monroe Park and Ride lot, which contains 1,745 parking spaces.
The new garage also will have secure bicycle storage facilities, a spot for bus pick-offs and drop-offs and a “kiss-and-ride” area.
Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel said the town is excited to see progress on the future Metro station and parking facilities. Merkel, just re-elected for a third term as mayor this month, said the town has worked hard with state and county officials to prepare for the Silver Line to come to Herndon.
“Herndon will benefit greatly from Metro’s arrival and [the town] is working on infrastructure improvements necessary within the town limits for the Herndon Station,” Merkel said on Thursday. “And we are proud of the work we’ve done to secure funding from the state and other sources so that the burden doesn’t fall solely on our taxpayers.”
Images courtesy of Fairfax County and Google Maps/Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project
The dangers of heroin use — a growing problem in Virginia and nationwide — are the topic of a talk by Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring Thursday at Herndon Middle School (901 Locust St, Herndon) at 6:30 p.m.
There will be a special free screening of “Heroin: The Hardest Hit,” a documentary that explores the heroin and prescription drug epidemic and its effects on Virginians.
Herring will be joined by Town of Herndon’s Vice Mayor Jennifer Baker and Chief of Police Maggie DeBoard.
Heroin overdose fatalities in Virginia have more than doubled from 100 deaths in 2011 to 239 deaths in 2014, while an additional 547 Virginians died from prescription drug overdose in 2014, the movie materials say.
Between 2011 and 2013, every region of the state experienced an increase in heroin overdose fatalities. More Virginians were killed in 2014 by heroin and prescription opioid drug overdose than car crashes.
“There is not one corner of the Commonwealth untouched by heroin’s influence and destruction,” Herring said.
In response to this growing public health and public safety problem, Herring has launched a plan to combat heroin and prescription opiate abuse by creating and implementing partnerships and creative solutions for a complex problem.
This film is one example of the preventive and educational measures the Herring’s office is pursuing to make all Virginians — from teenagers to adults — more aware of the growing crisis involving heroin and prescription and the risks associated with dangerous drugs.
Josh Anton was a South Lakes High School graduate and a University of Virginia student a little over two years ago when he found inspiration at UVAs annual beer-and-booze soaked Block Party.
“A girl I had a huge crush on drunk-dialed me,” said Anton, a Herndon resident who graduated from SLHS in 2009.
That led to Anton to develop an app, Drunk Mode, in 2014. Drunk Mode accesses your contacts upon request to prevent you from using your phone to send regretful calls and texts.
Today, Drunk Mode — the app that” let’s you get crazy and stay safe” — has 1.3 million downloads, a staff of 14 and a recent investor infusion of more than $1 million.
Anton says about 10,000 people downloaded Drunk Mode in its first year. Drunk Mode was a paid product then ($1 per download), so he was able to put money back into the company to add more features.
Those features now include:
- The ability to group contacts on a “should not call list” (i.e, your boss, your ex-girlfriend, your mom). The app then requires you to answer a set of math problems before making a call.
- A “Find My Drunk” feature that allows you to see where your friends are in real time their social media accounts.
- It quickly syncs with Uber and Lyft to get you a ride.
- It has a trail of “virtual breadcrumbs” to show you where you were the night before.
- If someone is reported missing, their info can be pushed to everyone in a five mile radius.
Anton says he had an offer from a major tech company to sell the app, but instead decided to focus on it as his career. His capstone project from UVA (he graduated in 2014) was on entrepreneurship and how to get the product to the next level. Read More
Three Herndon residents were honored Tuesday by the Herndon Town Council for their lifesaving efforts on a rainy night last June.
Rick Reynolds, Kris Savage, and Kate Simpson received Responsible Citizen Awards in recognition of their life-saving actions, said Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel.
The three — who were not known to each other — came upon a stranger lying face down in the 200 block of Herndon Parkway in the middle of a torrential rainstorm.
The man was unconscious, and it was determined, in need of lifesaving CPR.
Reynolds, Savage and Simpson called 911 and provided the emergency call-taker with their location, and information concerning the man’s physical status. Then, following the dispatcher’s directions, they provided CPR until EMS arrived on-scene and were able to take over, Herndon Town Council reps said.
Once at the hospital the man, identified as Agostino (Tino) Tarantino, was stabilized, and eventually went on to make a full recovery.
Both EMS personnel and hospital staff told the Town of Herndon that the quick thinking and action taken by our three award recipients directly aided in the man’s survival.
Tarantino was also at the ceremony to thank the three citizens who helped save his life.
“We are grateful to the good people out there who take a risk and step in to help when others might not,” said Merkel. “Good people doing good things, neighbors helping neighbors. It was an honor to be in the presence of these everyday heroes — and we are all thankful that Mr. Tarantino is doing so well!”
Photo: Rick Reynolds, Kris Savage, and Kate Simpson surround Tino Tarantino (third from left) whose life was saved with CPR from the trio/Courtesy Herndon Police.
Downtown Herndon is the place to be Monday, Sept. 5 for all kinds of adult beverages as well as some family fun.
The annual Herndon Labor Day Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Herndon Town Green, 777 Lynn St.
The highlights of the day include wine and craft brew tastings, where local winemakers and brewers will have samples for you that are included in the $20 admission. Additional beer tastings can be purchased for $2 a ticket.
Additionally, there will be music, a craft show, booths with merchandise and information from sponsors and delicious food vendors.
Here is the live entertainment schedule:
11:00 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Acoustic Soul, Classic Rock and Blues Duo
Noon to 1 p.m. – Houk Robinson, Acoustic Top 40 Duo
1:00 to 2:30 p.m. – English Channel, 60’s and 70’s Brit Rock/Pop
2:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Sweet Yonder, Bluegrass Inspired Americana
3:30 to 5:00 p.m. – Gringo Jingo, Santana Tribute Band
Admission:
Wine, Craft Brew Tastings and Entertainment – $20
(ID required to purchase tastings)
Concert only or designated driver – $5
Additional beer tastings – $2 per ticket
More info:
- Cash only at gate
- Children 12 and under free
- Sorry, no pets allowed
- Wine and craft beer tasting and selling of open containers ends at 4 p.m.
Photo: Herndon Labor Day Festival/file photo, Town of Herndon
Fairfax County Police said there has been a second incident of a bullet being shot into a home in unincorporated Herndon.
Earlier this week, a shot was fired into the bedroom of a 9-year-old girl as she slept in her home in the 2100 block of Monaghan Drive in Herndon. The bullet was found in her mattress, police said.
On Friday at around 10:48 p.m., gunfire apparently was aimed at the same home. A man called police and said he was in his living room when he heard several gunshots.
Officers who processed the scene found that a bullet had penetrated into the residence. Police also found numerous bullet holes located on the exterior of the dwelling but had not entered into the home. There were no injuries, police said.
About 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, officers were still on scene and conducting their investigation when they heard several more gunshots coming from a nearby street. Additional officers and resources responded to check the area.
Officers are continuing their investigation, conducting a canvas, and increasing their presence in the area. There is no suspect information at this time and the investigation is ongoing, police said.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Crime Solvers electronically by visitingwww.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text-a-tip by texting “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES(274637)** or by calling 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.
Is the Herndon Metro Station area moving towards development of the mixed-use amenities that are expected to be built nearby?
The Washington Business Journal reports that commercial real estate broker Colliers International recently began seeking buyers for 575 Herndon Parkway, a 4.8-acre office building site immediately adjacent to the future Herndon Metro station.
Herndon Station, which will be located near the current Herndon-Monroe Park and Ride, is part of Metro’s Silver Line Phase 2. It is expected to open in 2020.
There is a 135,000-square-foot building now on the site. The site has an anchor tenant: Booz Allen Hamilton. However,the property could yield roughly 906,400 square feet of additional mixed-use development. Booz Allen’s lease expires in four years, says the WBJ. Read More
The intersection of Elden and Monroe Streets in Herndon is blocked as of 10 a.m. Friday after a gas line was struck by construction crews this morning.
Fairfax County Public Safety officials said Elden is shut down between Van Buren and Lynn Streets.
If you have to go to downtown Herndon, plan a different route.
Reston Now will keep you updated on this story.
The Town of Herndon has narrowed down proposals to redevelop a stretch of its downtown into a a mixed-use area featuring retail, office and residential development; a public/private parking garage; and an arts center.
The downtown redevelopment site is about 4.6 acres between Station Street to the east, Center Street to the west, south of the W&OD Trail, and north of Elden Street.
The town issued a Request for Proposals last fall and has selected plans from developers Comstock and Stout & Teague Company as finalists. Herndon is soliciting citizen comments, and will choose the developer this summer.
Highlights of Comstock’s proposal include:
Pedestrian Street/Arts Walk, with the arts center on one side and the loft housing on the other “with picturesque bridges on both ends.”
Station Street Retail Plaza, featuring ground floor retail, “perfect for a
restaurant.”Elden Street Retail Plaza, which would be neighborhood-serving retail,
such as a coffee shop, bakery/deli, or small store, as well as a restaurant with outdoor
café space.Vine Street, which is an extension of a new Vine Street through the site provides the desired pedestrian and vehicular connectivity and creates new frontage for the Arts Center along the W&OD Trail.
Stout & Teague’s plan, called Herndon Town Commons, features:
A 31,000-square-foot, three-story commercial condominium building that will incorporate the 18,000 SF Arts Center, 9,500 SF of retail space, and 3,500 SF of office space.
A 450 to 475 car, three-level garage will be placed in the
center of the site.A hotel containing 100 to 120 rooms.
A 60-unit condominium building and 18 to 22 townhouses.
There will be a community meeting on Wednesday, June 8 at 7 p.m. at the Herndon Council Chambers, 765 Lynn St. Representatives from Comstock and Stout & Teague will each present their proposals and answer questions.
There will be a public hearing on the project on Tuesday, June 14, 7 p.m. at Herndon Council Chambers.
Mayor Lisa Merkel and the Herndon Town Council will solicit comments from the public regarding the proposals. Citizens can provide comments with this online form.
There are great deals to be had as several merchants at Herndon’s Sunset Park industrial and retail area are teaming up for a sidewalk sale Thursday through Saturday.
Among the items for sale: floor samples and other bargains from Urban Retreat furniture store; Outdoor living items from Home Escapes; Women’s clothing at N’Used (all items in the tent are $5); $10 floral arrangements from Joy & Co.; handmade candy by The Candy Drawer Confectionary; and linens from Valerianne.
Urban Retreat, which moved into the space at 290 Sunset Park last year, will also hold a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting with Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel Saturday at noon.
Sunset Park is located off Sunset Hills Road/Spring Street, between the Fairfax County Parkway and Herndon Parkway.
The sidewalk sale runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all three days.
