(Updated at 1:45 p.m.) Fairfax County is considering automatically filing vehicle tax returns for residents in the future, potentially saving more than 70,000 residents money.

At last week’s Board of Supervisors meeting, elected officials authorized a public hearing for Dec. 6 to discuss a possible county code change that would eliminate a step for residents when registering a vehicle.


Skyline Towers Homicide Suspect Arrested — “Phil Asare Darkwah turned himself in at the warrant desk. He was transported to the Adult Detention Center, where warrants for 2nd Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm were served.  He was held without bond.” [FCPD]

Former County Detective Destroyed Rape Kits — “A former Fairfax County police detective improperly destroyed evidence in 10 unsolved sexual assault cases that date from the mid-90s, likely meaning the perpetrators in the crimes will never be brought to justice, an investigation by the department has found.” [The Washington Post]


The weekend is almost here. Before you prepare to turn back the clock on Sunday (Nov. 6) or head to bed for some much-needed sleep, let’s revisit the past week of news in Fairfax County.

Here are the 10 most-read stories on FFXnow this week:


Search for Suspect in Fatal Mount Vernon Shooting Continues — “Officers conducted a manhunt the afternoon of Nov. 3 for a wanted person reported to be in the basement of a home in the 8700 block of Millbrook Place…A subsequent Tweet from FCPD identified the man as Kyjuan Omar Braxton Trott and said the suspect was not found in the home that was searched.” [On the MoVe]

County Finishes Processing Flood of Voter Registrations — “Thanks to 15-plus hour days by our elections staff, we’ve processed the 11,000 voter registration applications from this summer that the state delayed sending us until Monday. Notices are in the mail!” [Office of Elections/Twitter]


Local police officers are using at hand-held remote device to restrain individuals from a distance of up to 25 feet.

The Fairfax County Police Department announced yesterday (Wednesday) that it is piloting the BolaWrap, which releases an 8-foot-wide tether to entangle uncooperative suspects or individuals experiencing a mental health crisis from a distance.


Two pedestrian and bicyclist improvements on Bluemont Way and Green Range Drive in Reston were among more than a dozen projects granted funding earlier this week. by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors earlier this week.

At a meeting on Tuesday (Nov. 1), the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved $5 million for active transportation and maintenance projects, including $2.7 million for two crosswalk improvement projects in each magisterial district.


Student, 15, Stabbed at Mount Vernon HS — A student “is in custody after allegedly stabbing another student inside a school bathroom, Fairfax County police Chief Kevin Davis said Wednesday…The victim has non-life threatening injuries, Davis said.” [WTOP]

Metro Shows Off Upcoming Dulles Station — Two days before its 60th birthday, Dulles International Airport will welcome a shiny new Metro station as part of the Silver Line extension, giving Loudoun County its first rail connection to D.C. Officials hope travel will be “more seamless” compared to the 5a bus and shuttle from the Wiehle-Reston station that Metro riders currently need. [DCist]


County Adopts First Climate Resilience Plan — “The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted Resilient Fairfax, the county’s first-ever Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan. Resilient Fairfax focuses on climate effects, helping Fairfax County adapt to increasing climate hazards experienced locally.” [OEEC]

Dog Licensing Services Now Available — “Fairfax County dog licenses are now available through PetData. The county entered a partnership with this company to provide dog licensing services, including processing applications and payments, mailing renewal notices, answering questions, [and] providing and mailing tags.” [Fairfax County Government]


The days of getting COVID-19 vaccinations at the Fairfax County and South County government centers are numbered.

The mass vaccine clinics will reduce operations from five to three days per week, starting Monday (Nov. 7), the Fairfax County Health Department announced last week.


Dense Fog Advisory in Effect — Fairfax County and the rest of the D.C. area are under a Dense Fog Advisory until 10 a.m. The National Weather Service says visibility could be limited to a quarter mile or less, creating potentially hazardous driving conditions. [NWS]

Metro Starts Fare Evasion Crackdown — “Metro Transit Police officers will begin issuing fare evasion citations on Tuesday, November 1, following a monthlong awareness and warning campaign. Citations with associated fines may be issued to anyone jumping fare gates, improperly using emergency gates, or not tapping fare boxes on Metrobuses.” [WMATA]


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