<sh>Sexual Assault
<bt>The Allegheny County, Penn. Sheriff's Office arrested Joseph R. Doherty, 42, of Prince James Drive in the Springfield area, and charged him as a fugitive from justice. Doherty was wanted in Fairfax County in connection with the sexual assault of two boys, aged 12 and 15, according to police. Warrants charging aggravated sexual battery, indecent liberties and contributing to rendering a child in need of services were pending against Doherty, police sources said.
<sh>Man Rescued from House Fire
<bt>Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a fire in a two-story, single-family home at 7316 Beverly Park Drive on Wednesday, Nov. 27, at approximately 7:40 a.m. The home is located in the Springfield area of Fairfax County.
First arriving units reported heavy smoke showing from both levels of the house. The fire was extinguished in approximately 20 minutes. One occupant, still inside of the home and unaware of the blaze, was alerted and rescued by two citizens. Five other occupants escaped unharmed.
The two rescuers, an off-duty career firefighter from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and a volunteer member of the Dale City Volunteer Fire Department were treated on the scene for minor smoke inhalation.
The Red Cross is assisting the displaced family of six. Damages are estimated at $75,000 and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
<sh>Commercial Fire in Springfield
<bt>Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a fire in a commercial building at 7602 Fullerton Road in the Springfield area of the county on Saturday, Nov. 30, at approximately 4 a.m.
First arriving units reported heavy smoke and water coming from the rear of the business. Firefighters discovered that a fire had occurred inside a kitchen storage area. Sprinkler heads inside the store activated and extinguished most of the fire prior to arrival of fire department personnel. The fire was brought under control immediately. The business was unoccupied at the time of the fire. The fire destroyed part of a kitchen area and nearby supplies, causing an estimated $100,000 worth of damage, fire department sources indicated. Fire investigators determined that the fire started as a result of an electrical malfunction in a food dryer.
<sh>VDOT Publication
<bt>At the Interchange Information office in Springfield Mall, Virginia Department of Transportation officials will unveil their latest publication "Adventures in Driving: Survive the Ride" guide at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6. The guide is their latest attempt to ease the congestion on Virginia's highways by informing the customers. The guide will be available at the Interchange Information office in Springfield Mall as well as other VDOT facilities in the area.
<sh>Virginia Finest Vendors Fair
<bt>Each year, the Springfield Interchange Information Center hosts vendors from around the state featuring products unique to Virginia. This year's fair is Saturday, Dec. 7, 12-6 p.m. The project's Information Center is located on the first floor of the Springfield Mall inside entrance 3, next to DMV and Target. Some of the vendors at this year's fair are: Landoval Farms, Emu of Virginia, Serendipity Farm, Virginia's Finest Wools, Ann's Apple Butter, Mom's Apple Pies, Chincoteague Seafoods, Soul Jerky, Rowenas, Uptown Bakery, and Conicville Ostrich Inc.
<sh>Meet 40th District Candidates
<bt>The Greater Willow Springs Civic Association will host a "Meet the Candidates" night on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the Centreville Volunteer Fire Department (Station 17) at 5856 Old Centreville Road in Centreville. A special election is scheduled for Dec. 17, to fill the vacated seat of James K. "Jay" O'Brien, former delegate representing the 40th House District. Four candidates are running: Carol Hawn (D), Tim Hugo (R) and Independents Mark Calhoun and Joseph Oddo. The meeting is open to everyone, and residents of the 40th district are urged to attend. Call Claudette Ward at 703-830-8547.