Metropolitan News » Springfield

Tae Kwon Do Instructor Indicted for Inappropriate Contact with Minors at School on Old Keene Mill Road in Springfield

News Staff — Wed, 23 May 2012 14:35:52 +0000

A local Tae Kwon Do instructor has been indicted on seven felony charges for his alleged inappropriate contact with minors. Police were contacted by the first victim in June 2011. During the course of their investigation a second victim was discovered.
Detectives determined the Tae Kwon Do instructor reportedly had inappropriate sexual contact with the first victim several times between May 2003 and January 2005. The victim was under 18 years of age when the incidents occurred. He reportedly had inappropriate sexual contact with the second victim in late 2008. She was under 18 years of age at the time. These incidents are alleged to have occurred at the Phan University of Martial Arts, located at 9566 Old Keene Mill Road in Springfield, and at the suspectâ€™s home.
In October 2011, detectives served several search warrants and recovered additional evidence. On Monday, May 21, 2012, Quyen Vinh Phan Le, 38, of 6015 Larkspur Drive in Springfield, was indicted on seven felony charges: Four counts of Indecent Liberties with a Minor by Someone in a Custodial or Supervisory Relationship [18.2-370.1] and three counts of Possession of Child Pornography [18.2-374.1:1]. He was arraigned on those charges on Tuesday, May 22.
Detectives are not aware of any other victims. However, if anyone has any additional information to provide, they are asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477

Unattended Cooking Causes Springfield House Fire

News Staff — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 21:23:49 +0000

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a house fire, Sunday, March 18, 2012, at approximately 6:20 p.m., in the Springfield area of Fairfax County. The single-family home is located at 5206 Heming Avenue.

Firefighters encountered heavy smoke coming from the one and one-half story home upon arrival. Firefighters conducted an aggressive fire attack in the kitchen and brought the fire under control in approximately five minutes. During overhaul and salvage operations, firefighters found minor fire extension in the attic above the kitchen, but quickly extinguished the smoldering fire. All of the occupants escaped the fire unharmed. Eight occupants, four adults, and four children have been displaced. Red Cross is supporting the family. There were no injuries.

Damage estimate is less than $50,000.

According to the incident commander, the fire was accidental. Unattended food on the stove caused the fire.

Ten Cars Stolen While Running in Lorton Area

News Staff — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:48:02 +0000

Police are investigating reports of 10 cars being stolen while their owners left them running in their driveways in the Lorton area offÂ Â Silverbook Road.

The vehicles range in value from a 2004 Toyota Corolla, worth about $8,000 to a 2012 Acura TL, valued at around $50,000.

Police have distributed flyers and posted electronic sign boards in the area to help make the public aware of the thefts and deter thieves.

The first in the apparent series took place January 18 and the most recent was Thursday, March 12. All of the crimes occurred as owners were â€œwarming upâ€ their vehicles between the hours of 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. on weekdays (Monday through Friday).

Five of the 10 vehicles have not been recovered.

Police urge motorists not to leave their vehicles unattended while running; pay attention to their surroundings when getting into or out of their vehicles; and remember that there may be people watching their actions.

These thefts are being investigated by the FCPD Auto Theft Squad and officers from the West Springfield Police District. Despite the increase in temperatures, many motorists may still be in the routine of warming up their cars and police urge vigilance.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477

Lorton Woman Charged with Animal Cruelty and Residence Condemned

News Staff — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:53:07 +0000

Animal Control Officers responded to a home in the 9800 block of Hagel Circle for a complaint that some dogs were abandoned by their owner.
Upon arrival at the home around 1:45 p.m. Saturday, March 10, officers found no one home except two barking dogs and two cats. Officers noticed trash, debris and excrement throughout the home. They obtained a search warrant and collected the animals. Officers took the animals to a local veterinarian for medical care.
In addition to Animal Control Officers, FCPD Safety Officers and Fire Department personnel responded due to the large amount of bio waste at the scene. They provided appropriate environmental and breathing apparatus for the investigators. The Fairfax County Office of Code Compliance also responded, inspected, condemned and placarded the residence.
Pamela M. Beneke, 43, of 9817 Hagel Circle, was charged with four counts of animal cruelty.

Firefighters Rescue Dogs from House Fire on Bowie Drive

News Staff — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:43:11 +0000

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a house fire, Sunday, March 4, 2012, at approximately 11:30 p.m., in the Springfield area of Fairfax County.Â The single-family home is located at 6604 Bowie Drive.

Firefighters encountered smoke and fire coming from the carport, rapidly spreading to the split-level home upon arrival. Firefighters conducted an aggressive offensive fire attack and brought the fire under control in approximately 15 minutes.Â Firefighters rescued two dogs from the home.Â Smoke alarms sounded, however, neighbors knocking on the door alerted the occupants to the fire.Â Two occupants and two dogs have been displaced. There were no injuries.

Damage to the home was significant, damage estimate to be determined.

The fire is under investigation.

String of Armed Robberies in Springfield Connected

News Staff — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:14:08 +0000

Police are investigating four reports of armed robberies that occurred within a five mile radius of each other. All of the crimes took place within an hour of each other; between 10:15 and 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 9.
In each of the incidents, three men approached a lone victim, produced a pistol and demanded money.Â The suspects are described as black, between 20-25 years old, around 5 feet 10 inches tall and between 170-200 pounds
The first robbery took place at a building in the 6900 block of Kingstowne Village Parkway around 10:15 p.m. A 27-year-old woman exited a building and was approached by the suspects, wearing ski masks, near a commercial dumpster.
The second incident took place around 10:30 p.m. when a 22-year-old woman was approached in a parking lot after exiting her car in 5900 block of Norham Drive. After demanding money, one of the men struck her with the gun and fled.
A third robbery took place around 11 p.m. in the 6300 block of Dana Avenue in Springfield. The 20-year-old victim pulled into his driveway and three men wearing black, hooded sweatshirts rushed up to him. They ordered the victim out of the car and demanded his money and belongings. He complied but one of the suspects punched him in the face before fleeing with the other two suspects in a black Toyota Camry.
The fourth incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. in the 6500 block of Quander Road near Stokes Lane. A 25-year-old man was approached by the trio of suspects, threatened and robbed. The men fled and there were no injuries.

Woman Killed in Single Vehicle Accident on Beulah Street

News Staff — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:17:15 +0000

A Newington-area woman was involved in a single vehicle fatal crash on Saturday. On December 10 around 2:30 p.m., Casey Noriega, 29, of 7708 Haynes Point Way, was driving a 2001 Toyota Camry. She was driving southbound on Beulah Street approaching the intersection of Windsor Avenue, when for unknown reasons she drove off the road and struck a pole. Ms. Noriega was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Neither speed nor alcohol appears to be contributing factors of the crash. The investigation continues.

Pedestrian Struck by Hit and Run Driver on Richmond Highway

News Staff — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 21:03:35 +0000

Police are investigating a crash that occurred on Friday, November 25 shortly after 2 a.m. Officers responded to the area of Richmond Highway and Lockheed Boulevard and found a 45-year-old Alexandria man lying on the pavement. It appears that the victim was attempting to cross Richmond Highway from east to west. A vehicle, believed to be a newer SUV, traveling north on Richmond Highway, struck the victim. The SUV stopped momentarily and then sped off, still traveling north on Richmond Highway. The striking vehicle was further described as a red, Jeep Grand Cherokee or something similar. The vehicle should have damage to the right front.

The victim was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

It is not yet known if alcohol and or speed were factors in this crash.

If you’ve been injured through the negligence of another you need a lawyer. Contact Burnett & Williams – Auto Accident Lawyers Northern Virginia

Suspected Carjacker Robs Second Bank

Resident — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 23:44:56 +0000

Police are investigating a robbery of the BB&T Bank at 8432 Old Keene Mill Road on Tuesday, November 22 and believe that suspect is Stephanie Lynn Schwab, 26, of the Manassas area. Police have been searching for Schwab for days as they have connected her as a suspect to a bank robbery in Prince William County and a carjacking in the McLean area over the weekend.

In todayâ€™s case, the suspect entered the bank around 1 p.m., implied she had a weapon and demanded money from the teller. She left with an undisclosed amount of cash and there were no injuries.

The suspect was described as white, in her 20â€™s, around 5 feet 6 inches tall, with blonde hair and green eyes. She wore a plaid coat, dark pants and boots.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477

BB&T Bank Robbed in Fairfax Station

Resident — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:33:11 +0000

Police are investigating the robbery of a BB&T Bank around 3 p.m. on Monday, November 21. A man entered the bank at 8920 Village Shops Drive, handed the teller a note, and implied a weapon. The teller handed over cash and the suspect fled.

The suspect is described as white with a stocky build. He was in his 20â€™s, around 6 feet tall, had sandy blonde hair, and was unshaven. He wore an olive green jacket, a brownish green t-shirt, and dark pants.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477

Woman Grabbed Near School Near School in Springfiled

Resident — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:37:11 +0000

Springfield Va – Police are investigating a report of a 19-year-old woman who was reportedly grabbed while walking toward Lee High School on Wednesday, November 16 around 8 a.m. The student was walking along the sidewalk of Cimarron Street near Apache Street when a man approached and grabbed her from behind.

The woman was startled, yelled, and the suspect fled.

The suspect is described as an adult Hispanic or light-skinned black male; around 5 feet 5 inches tall and thin. He wore a black jacket and dark blue jeans.
Police responded, canvassed the area and have increased security presence in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477,