Fairfax County Police have arrested another individual involved in a “street takeover” in Springfield earlier this month.
On Friday, April 19, Baltimore County Police Department detained a 20-year-old man from Parkville, Maryland, according to FCPD. He faces charges of abduction, assaulting a law enforcement officer, wearing a mask in public and obstruction of justice.
The individual is currently held in Baltimore County, awaiting extradition to Fairfax County.
The arrest is part of a series following an incident earlier this month when Fairfax County Police encountered a “mob” of people in a parking lot at 6600 Electronic Drive around 3 a.m. on March 31 (Easter Sunday).
According to police, the group blocked an officer’s vehicle, climbed on it, and aggressively banged on the windows. The situation escalated when an individual was seen brandishing what appears to be a rifle from a car.
Police have made three arrests so far, with additional arrests expected as the investigation continues.
Several people have been identified and charged in connection to a “street takeover” in Springfield on Sunday (March 31).
The Fairfax County Police Department announced today (Wednesday) that detectives arrested and charged an 18-year-old man from Woodbridge and a 17-year-old Arlington man who allegedly took part in a rowdy “mob” in a parking lot in the 6600 block of Electronic Drive around 3 a.m.
When officers pulled into the parking lot on Sunday, they found a “large group of individuals driving recklessly in circle,” police said in a news release.
According to the release, when a police cruiser drove up to confront the group, they encircled the vehicle, preventing it from moving. At least one individual attempted to remove the cruiser’s license plate, while others “acted disorderly.”
Authorities described a chaotic scene where a group blocked an officer’s vehicle, climbed on it, and aggressively banged on the windows. The situation escalated when an individual was seen brandishing what appears to be a rifle from a car.
As dozens of officers from across the county responded, the crowd involved in what police are calling a “street takeover” began to disperse. At least one video of the incident was posted on Instagram.
Video posted by the page “dmvmoviemaker,” w/ 800 followers on Instagram, shows more of the chaos that transpired during Easter Sunday’s 3am car ‘takeover’ in Springfield, VA. An officer was struck by one of the cars as well. Several arrest warrants have already been issued. #FCPD pic.twitter.com/2VKAWen5Zq
— DMV News Live (@DCNewsLive) April 2, 2024
According to police, one person at the scene drove off “at a high rate of speed,” hitting an officer who suffered “minor injuries.” A pursuit of the fleeing vehicle was initiated but later aborted.
That same morning, Prince William County Police responded to a similar incident around 12:36 a.m. at the Market at Opitz Crossing shopping center in Woodbridge, where there was reportedly a “car meet-up,” according to WJLA.
Following an investigation, the FCPD says the 18-year-old from Woodbridge has been charged with reckless driving after a crash involving a cruiser. The 17-year-old Arlington man was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and abduction for jumping on the police cruiser and preventing the officer from leaving.
The driver who allegedly hit and injured the police officer has been identified as an 18-year-old from Catonsville, Maryland. Detectives obtained warrants for felony hit and run, speed to elude, and driving without a license, but the warrants haven’t been served, per the release.
Police also have a warrant for a 20-year-old from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, charging him with abduction, assault on a law enforcement officer, obstruction of justice, and wearing a mask in public.
“Detectives from our Criminal Investigation Division and Special Investigation Division are actively investigating the assault on our officer as well as the reckless driving,” the FCPD said. “Additional arrests are anticipated as detectives continue to investigate.”
The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) is seeking public input on several projects vying for inclusion in its six-year funding program.
The biggest request by far comes from Fairfax County, which applied for $587.2 million to fund four major projects — more than the other eight localities participating in the fiscal year 2024-2029 Six-Year Program combined.
“With funding requests totaling nearly $1 billion, the projects cover various transportation modes including transit, rail, roadway enhancements, technology, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and intersection/interchange improvements,” the NVTA said in a press release.
Leading the way among Fairfax County’s requests is a multimodal improvements project that would expand about one mile of Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) between the Capital Beltway (I-495) and I-66 in the Pimmit Hills area.
Adding one lane in each direction, the project is intended to make room for the planned Route 7 bus rapid transit (BRT) system, which will initially travel between the Spring Hill Metro station in Tysons and the West Falls Church Metro station. Ultimately, regional and local officials hope to extend the service down to the Mark Center in Alexandria.
In the Pimmit Hills portion of Route 7, the buses will travel in dedicated lanes in the median. Shared-use paths on both sides of the road and improvements at five signalized intersections would also be implemented, according to NVTA’s description of the project.
“The separation of vehicular traffic and the installation of shared use paths will create a safer environment that is accessible to all users,” NVTA says. “The future implementation of BRT will enhance regional sustainability by reducing congestion and getting more people out of automobiles.”
The county is seeking $210 million in regional funding from NVTA for the project, which carries a total estimated cost of $244.4 million.
Other projects submitted by Fairfax County include:
- Frontier Drive Extension (nearly $165 million requested): The road would be extended from the Franconia-Springfield Metro station to Loisdale Road, accompanied by new, separated pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
- Seven Corners Ring Road ($122 million): The first segment of the planned road would add “travel lanes, a bi-directional cycletrack, and parking lanes” from the westbound Arlington Blvd (Route 50) ramp to Leesburg Pike (Route 7).
- Braddock Road Multimodal Improvements ($90 million): The second phase of the project calls for shared-use paths, High-Intensity Activated crosswalk beacons, trail connections and other intersection improvements from Humphries Drive to Southampton Drive near Kings Park.
In addition, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) has asked for $6.1 million to upgrade its Backlick Road station (6900 Hechinger Drive) in Springfield, including by building a longer, 300-foot platform that can fit eight-car trains.
Updated every two years, NVTA’s six-year programs are supported by sales and grantors’ taxes, the state’s Northern Virginia Transportation District Fund and the Interstate Operations and Enhancement Program. The authority is required to devote 70% of its revenue to regional projects, while the remaining 30% goes directly to its localities.
Public comments on the FY 2024-2029 program are being accepted online, by phone (703-947-7606) and by mail until 11:59 p.m. on May 19. A public hearing will be held at NVTA’s offices (2600 Park Tower Drive, Suite 601, Vienna) at 7 p.m. on May 9.
Multiple people were taken to the hospital early yesterday morning (Sunday) after an attempted drag race on I-395 turned into a police pursuit, resulting in a crash.
According to the Virginia State Police, troopers responded to southbound I-395 around 12:16 a.m. in response to an alert that two drivers were trying to race each other along the interstate in the Springfield area.
When police attempted to make a traffic stop, one of the drivers took the exit at Edsall Road, and the other — the driver of a Toyota Camry — “sped away in the southbound lanes of I-395,” the VSP said.
“As the Camry attempted to get away, it ‘split the lane’ and tried to drive between two other southbound vehicles,” police said in a news release. “The Camry collided with both causing them to both lose control and crash near Exit 2 for Edsall Rd. Meanwhile, the Camry continued on a short distance before finally coming to a stop.”
The Camry driver — identified as a 19-year-old man from Silver Spring, Maryland — and a passenger in the sedan were both transported to a local hospital, as were individuals in the two other vehicles involved in the crash. The injuries in all cases were deemed non-life-threatening.
The Camry driver has been charged with eluding police, racing that results in an injury, damage to property and tail-light violations.
“The incident remains under investigation,” the VSP said.
Separately, state police are investigating two crashes that occurred in the I-66 West Express Lanes near the Fairfax County Parkway exit in Fair Lakes around 3:43 a.m. yesterday — an incident that coincidentally also involved a Toyota Camry.
A westbound Toyota Camry lost control, hit the right jersey wall, and then came to rest in the left travel lane. The crash caused the vehicle to lose power and go dark. Moments later, a Range Rover traveling in the left travel lane was unable to avoid striking the Camry.
Two passengers in the Range Rover were not wearing seat belts and were ejected from the vehicle. Both of them were transported to area hospitals for treatment of life-threatening injuries. The driver and a third passenger refused medical treatment at the scene.
The driver of the Camry was transported to an area hospital.
Image via Google Maps
As showcased in yesterday’s 8-2 Opening Day loss in Cincinnati, Ohio, the post-World-Series-winning Washington Nationals remain a work in progress, but Dunkin’ Donuts hopes to drum up enthusiasm for this season nonetheless with a pep rally in Springfield on Monday (April 1).
The donut shop at 6310 Backlick Road will celebrate the D.C. team’s home opener with a giveaway of “DoNats Donuts” to its first 100 customers, starting at 9 a.m.
The DoNats Donut is a seasonal flavor created as part of Dunkin’s official partnership with the Nats. Available now through July 24 at participating locations in D.C. and Northern Virginia, it features white icing with red and blue sprinkles in a nod to the team’s colors.
In addition to free donuts, Monday’s pep rally in Springfield will have a speed pitch game with prizes, a visit from Dunkin’s mascot Sprinkles, chances to win Dunkin-themed merchandise and a live painting demonstration by local artist Jordan Lawson, who will create “a Dunkin’- and Nationals-themed art piece.”
The event is slated to last until 11 a.m.
“Nationals fans have an amazing relationship with their team and Dunkin’ is proud to fuel the Nats fan base in D.C.,” Dunkin’ Donuts Field Marketing Manager Colleen Krygiel said in a press release. “Whether you’re heading to a Nationals game or grabbing a dozen DoNat Donuts, Dunkin’ is proud to be a part of your gameday traditions.”
The Nats will play the Pittsburgh Pirates for their first home game of MLB’s regular season on Monday at 4:05 p.m.
(Updated at 4/2/24) Build-A-Bear Workshop is seeking a permit from Fairfax County to renovate a space at Springfield Town Center.
Earlier this month, the Missouri-based toy retailer submitted a permit application for “interior alterations” at an undisclosed space inside the mall. The cost of the renovations total more than $50,000, according to county records.
During a walkthrough of Springfield Town Center, FFXnow noted only one vacant in-line space, formerly occupied by Savi Salon.
A spokesperson for the mall did not confirm whether Build-A-Bear planned to lease the former salon space. However, they noted the toy company would be a “great addition.”
“At the same time, we look forward to sharing the news on who will fill the former salon space when it’s available,” they said.
Build-A-Bear did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
The company currently has one location in Fairfax County — an outlet in Fair Oaks Mall. It can also be found at Westfield Montgomery in Bethesda, Maryland.
Established in 1997, Build-A-Bear is best known for its stuffed animal customization services, but it also sells ready-made toys, clothes, school supplies and other accessories.
U.S. Department of Labor investigations at four Northern Virginia Jersey Mike’s franchise locations have found the operator allowed more than a dozen employees under the age of 16 to perform dangerous tasks and work longer than permitted hours.
The department’s Wage and Hour Division determined that JM Burke LLC — the Charleston, South Carolina-based operator — violated the Fair Labor Standards Act at locations in Ashburn, South Riding, Springfield and Sterling, according to an agency news release.
The Springfield location under investigation was the Jersey Mike’s in Old Keene Mill Shopping Center (8432 Old Keene Mill Road), a Department of Labor spokesperson says. The chain can also be found at Brookfield Plaza and Ravensworth Shopping Center. (added by FFXnow)
The operator is accused of allowing 14 minor-aged children to operate power-driven meat slicers, a hazardous occupation under federal law, the release said.
The division also found JM Burke employed minors to either work more than eight hours on a non-school day, more than 18 hours during a school week, more than three hours on a school day after 7 p.m. between the day after Labor Day and May 31, or after 9 p.m. between June 1 and Labor Day, all child labor violations.
JM Burke paid $108,161 in civil money penalties to resolve its child labor infractions, the release said.
Investigators also identified overtime violations at the Ashburn location, where the employer failed to include bonuses in three employees’ regular rates of pay when calculating overtime wages owed, the Department of Labor said.
The employer also failed to maintain accurate records of workers’ regular pay rates. JM Burke paid $856 in overtime back wages to these affected workers.
“Employers who hire minors are legally and ethically obligated to comply with child labor standards that protect young people from harm,” Wage and Hour Division District Director Nicholas Fiorello said in the release. “In addition to keeping them safe, employers must schedule young workers for times that allow for their education to remain the priority.”
JM Burke LLC has agreed to future enhanced compliance that includes staff training, increased corporate site visits, the creation of a website for reporting violations and investments in technology to monitor internal store cameras to help ensure children are not working in hazardous occupations.
For more information about young workers’ rights and other employee rights enforced by the division, contact the toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243).
Image via Google Maps. This article was written by FFXnow’s news partner InsideNoVa.com and republished with permission. The headline has been changed. Sign up for InsideNoVa.com’s free email subscription today.
A new Chinese restaurant specializing in dumplings is coming to Springfield this summer.
New Jersey-based chain Ugly Dumpling told FFXnow it is looking to open its first eatery in Virginia sometime this summer next to Taco Bamba at 6691-F Backlick Road near Springfield Town Center.
FFXnow noticed construction activity inside the space during a visit to the site yesterday (Monday).
Originating from Edison, New Jersey, Ugly Dumpling opened its inaugural restaurant in August 2023. In less than a year, it has swiftly expanded and established eight additional outlets across the U.S., with five in New Jersey, three in Maryland and one in Texas, according to the company’s website.
“Ugly Dumpling pays homage to the centuries-old cooking techniques of Shanghai while cultivating an experience that’s exciting to today’s modern palette,” a restaurant spokesperson told FFXnow.
Ugly Dumpling prides itself on its signature dish, xiao long bao — a Shanghai specialty known for its rich, savory soup broth encased in delicate dumplings.
The menu also features a variety of dim sum, wontons and traditional noodle and wok dishes, each with a unique spin. Complementing these main offerings are traditional Shanghai appetizers and greens, such as soy garlic chicken wings, scallion pancake, and bok choy with scallion-infused oil. Additionally, there is an sizable selection of teas and lattes available.
Upon its opening, the restaurant will offer combo specials, boba tea specials, and sampler offerings, according to the spokesperson.
A woman hit by a vehicle in Springfield in late December has now died.
Fu-Tzu Wong, 63, was using a crosswalk to cross Huntsman Blvd at Bridle Wood Drive in the evening of Dec. 27 when “an unidentified vehicle” struck her, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
Officers responded to the crash around 7:53 p.m., but the vehicle was gone when they arrived. Wong was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The FCPD says its detectives were informed yesterday (Monday) that Wong has died from her injuries.
“The investigation into the crash continues as detectives continue to locate both the vehicle and the driver involved,” the FCPD says.
The department advises anyone with information about the crash to contact its Crash Reconstruction Unit detectives at 703-280-0543. Anonymous tips can be shared via Crime Solvers by phone (703-246-4676) or online.
Wong’s death brings the county’s pedestrian death toll for 2023 up to 11, based on Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles crash data.
Image via Google Maps
Old Keene Mill Shopping Center is marshaling a new grocery store, multiple restaurants and other retailers to fill the void left behind by Whole Foods.
The space filled by the grocer until it opened a bigger store last October just down the road in Springfield Plaza is being subdivided into six different suites, and at least four of them have been leased, according to a site plan from property owner Federal Realty.
The confirmed newcomers will be McAlister’s Deli, Crimson Coward Chicken, Zips Dry Cleaner and European Wax Center, all opening in early 2025, a Federal Realty spokesperson says.
A chain started in 1989 by a dentist in Oxford, Mississippi, McAlister’s will open a 2,925-square-foot restaurant near the Rolling Road entrance to the West Springfield shopping center (8424 Old Keene Mill Road).
The deli serves sandwiches, salads, soups, giant spuds (i.e. baked potatoes) and a specialty sweet tea. Its 500-plus locations include ones at University Mall near Fairfax City, Worldgate Centre in Herndon and Mount Vernon Plaza in Hybla Valley.
McKaye Darling, owner of the upcoming Old Keene Mill franchise, says the company is “thrilled” to expand to West Springfield.
“Our location choice was strategic, factoring in demographics, foot traffic, and neighboring restaurants in order to elevate the West Springfield food scene,” Darling said. “Our goal is to deliver the same top-notch quality and service found across all of our locations while seamlessly integrating with the West Springfield community.”
For Crimson Coward, a growing Nashville-style hot chicken chain that started in Los Angeles, California, this will be its first location in Fairfax County. The business landed on the East Coast on Jan. 9, 2023 with an opening in Woodbridge, and Stafford and Maryland restaurants are also apparently in the works, per its website.
It will occupy 1,449 square feet in a row facing Rolling Road with European Wax Center, a national hair removal company that will open a 1,200-square-foot suite, and Zips Dry Cleaner, which will have 1,397 square feet.
The bulk of the former Whole Foods space will be turned into a new, 17,186-square-foot store for “a national grocer,” Federal Realty says, but that grocer’s identity remains a bit of a mystery.
The Washington Business Journal reported in March 2023 that Trader Joe’s had executed a lease for the space, which was previously about 24,000 square feet in size. A Trader Joe’s employee told FFXnow last July that the grocer will relocate from its current location in Springfield Plaza to Old Keene Mill Shopping Center in another “year or so.”
However, when asked if the “national grocer” is Trader Joe’s, the Federal Realty spokesperson said only that details will be shared when they’re available.
On the western end of the shopping center, a Japanese restaurant called Kanji Sushi has leased 4,843 square feet adjacent to Planet Fitness. The eatery is projected to open in mid to late 2024.
“We welcome these merchants to the Springfield community,” Federal Realty Senior Vice President of Asset Management Deirdre Johnson said in a statement. “These new, innovative dining and service providers further cement Old Keene Mill Shopping Center as a popular shopping and dining destination for the Springfield and greater Fairfax County community.”
