Community Corner

Top 18: Bond in Baby Death, Machete Threat, Bonjour BonChon, Post Office Robbed and More Red Light Cameras

Top news of the week from our Patches around Virginia and Washington.

Patch has 31 sites in Virginia and Washington. Here are some of the top stories from around the region from last week.

Masked, Gun-Toting Suspects Rob Falls Church Post Office — A Falls Church post office was robbed by two suspects Thursday, with one suspect displaying a gun during the robbery. Fairfax County Police officers responded to the emergency call at the Seven Corners Post Office, 6375 Seven Corners Center, for the report of a robbery shortly after 11 a.m.

Sex Charge Dropped Against Air Force Colonel; State to Pursue Assault & Battery Indictment — The misdemeanor sexual battery charge against a U.S. Air Force colonel were dismissed Thursday after prosecutors pledged to pursue an assault and battery indictment against him. The officer helmed the Air Force's sexual assault prevention program until early May. He was removed from that position after police said he grabbed a woman's breasts and buttocks in a Crystal City parking lot.

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Judge Sets $25k Bond for Alexandria Woman Accused of Leaving Baby in Hot Car: Arlington County Circuit Court Judge Louise DiMatteo on Thursday set a $25,000 bond for the Alexandria woman accused of leaving her infant boy in a hot car, causing his death.

2 More Cars Spotted on W&OD Trail in Vienna — Two vehicles were spotted on the W&OD Trail in Vienna this week. Four were reported in Vienna in just more than a month — on one of the largest recreation paths in the region. While vehicles have been reported along various stretches of the 45-mile trail in recent years, there have rarely been this many sightings in such a short time.

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Police: Neighbor Brandished Machete After Teen Damaged Pool — A Dale City man brought a machete out of his house after a teenager threw a pole in his backyard, damaging his pool, Prince William County Police said. The man, 32, was charged with brandishing a machete. Charges are also pending against the 16-year-old for the damage to the pool.

Broadlands, Nats’ Harper Embrace Ashburn Boy Fighting Cancer — Despite some rain, the Ashburn community pulled together with the 5th annual Broadlands Kids Triathlon earlier this month to benefit local resident Gavin Rupp, 13, who has been fighting brain cancer for several years. Earlier this month, Gavin tossed the first pitch to Bryce Harper, his favorite player, to start a Washington Nationals home baseball game.

Should George Zimmerman Come Home to Manassas? — George Zimmerman may need a place to live. A Florida jury acquitted the Manassas native in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. Since the verdict was handed down Saturday, few have seen Zimmerman, who has been the subject of several threats. Experts say he may never be able to again lead a normal life, no matter where he lives.

Fairfax City to Add Red-Light Cameras to Three More Intersections — The Fairfax City Council has agreed to the expansion of the city’s photo red-light enforcement program – but not by as much as was originally proposed. Fairfax City Chief of Police Rick Rappoport had proposed five additional cameras, but they would require an extra staff member, so the number was reduced.

Delgaudio Censured: Supervisor Stripped of Committees, Budget Control, Aides —  After dodging criticism for years for his political tactics, Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio (R-Sterling) was censured Wednesday night by the Loudoun Board of Supervisors. The censure was based on a grand jury report produced following an investigation of allegations of misuse of his county office aides.

Petition Opposes Georgetown's New Dorm Design — Not only has the Old Georgetown Board (OGB) asked Georgetown to provide more information for alternative campus locations for a new dorm, but also a group of alumni are calling on their alma mater to reconsider the architects and initial design. The petitions calls for GU to enlist other architects with experience designing classical-style buildings, instead of the rather modern initial drawings presented to the OGB and Advisory Neighborhood Commission in July.

Police Seek Blonde-Wigged Suspect in Bank Robbery in Chantilly: Police were called to the Bank of America at 14001 Metrotech Drive in Chantilly Monday shortly after 9 a.m. for a report that the bank had just been robbed, according to Fairfax County Police. The suspect was described as black, in her 20s, 5 feet 2 to 5 feet 5 inches tall, with a medium build. She was wearing a red, sleeveless top, a blonde wig and sunglasses.

Springfield Mall Renovations on Schedule to be Completed by 2014 — From the looks of it in its current state, the transformation from Springfield Mall to Springfield Town Center is moving slowly (or its just your anticipation getting the best of you). The demolition is still underway, and according to Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay, the project is on schedule to be completed by 2014 as planned.

City Resident Brings European Fashion Direct to Fredericksburg — Paola Barral is celebrating the one year anniversary of her shop in downtown Fredericksburg.  "Cose Belle Boutique is about bringing European fashion to Fredericksburg and all of Virginia," Barral said. Originally from Torino, Italy, Barral now resides with her husband in the city.

Herndon Man’s Photo Could Inspire Movie — A Herndon resident’s photo was one of the top photos selected out of thousands of entries for a new film challenge entitled “Imaginat10n,” sponsored by Canon camera manufacturers and the father-daughter celebrity team of director Ron Howard and actress Bryce Dallas Howard.

Annandale Woman Killed in New York Crash — An Annandale woman was killed in a car crash in New York last weekend, according to New York State Police. The victim was a passenger in a 2004 Chevrolet Express van that drove off the left shoulder of I-90 east, overcorrected and flipped several times.

Who Are McLean’s Top Donors in the Governor’s Race? The Virginia governor's race is one of the most-watched in the country, pitting former DNC Chair Terry McAuliffe against conservative Virginia AG Ken Cuccinelli. Which candidate is McLean backing? Election Day isn't until November, so we'll just have to wait and see. But in the money race? Here's how McLean breaks down.

BonChon Arrives in Arlington — BonChon, a Korean fried chicken restaurant and bar, opened Monday in the Shops at Pershing in Lyon Park. Much of the first day's business was carry-out, though the restaurant does seat 85 — plus 40 more once outdoor seating permits are obtained from Arlington County — and has a full service bar.

Pier 1 Imports Coming Soon to Richmond Highway — Pier 1 Imports will open a new location at the Mount Vernon Plaza on Richmond Highway. The space currently has an "Open Soon" sign outside. According to the sign on the glass at the new location, they're currently hiring for manager positions before opening. To apply for a position, visit the Pier 1 Imports career page.


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