<sh>Attempted Kidnapping
<bt>A 13-year-old girl was reportedly a victim of an attempted kidnapping Tuesday, Sept. 17, around 4:45 p.m., according to Fairfax County Police. The victim was walking along the 2300 block of Colts Neck Road when, police say, a man grabbed her by the wrist and ordered her to go with him. She refused and kicked her attacker, causing him to release his grip, police said. The girl, who was uninjured, was able to run to safety, according to police. The suspect is described as black, in his late 40's, standing five feet eight inches tall and weighing approximately 165 pounds. He has brown hair with dreadlocks, brown eyes and "distinctively bad teeth," police reported. Anyone with information about this incident or the suspect is asked to call police at 703-691-2131.
<sh>Bias Crime Remains Unsolved
<bt>Fairfax County Crime Solvers is asking the public's assistance in identifying the person responsible for a bias crime which occurred on June 23, at the Saint Thomas-A-Beckett Church, located at 1421 Wiehle Ave. in Reston. According to police, construction workers arriving for work that morning discovered anti-religious, anti-American and anti-government graffiti as well as countless obscenities, written on the back walls and windows of the church. Anyone with information about this crime or the suspect or suspects is asked to call Fairfax County Crime Solvers at 800-673-2777 or 703-691-8888. Police are offering a $1000 cash reward for information leading to an arrest.
<sh>Parking Issue on Stevenage
<bt>Stevenage Road in Reston is zoned commercial on the south and residential on the north, and residents adjacent to the road have been raising concerns, both aesthetic and safety-related, about the commercially zoned side for two years, according to Supervisor Cathy Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill). Residents have complained that commercial vehicles park overnight, leaving motors running. On July 1, the Board of Supervisors approved the installation of "No Parking" signs along the residential side of the Stevenage. Hudgins has requested similar action for the south side of the road. On Sept. 24, Hudgins brought the issue to the full board, which authorized a public hearing to prohibit parking on Stevenage's south side. Under the Fairfax County code, parking restriction are prohibited in commercial areas except when there is a demonstrated safety concern. The next step, according to Hudgins, is to set a date for a public hearing.
<sh>Simon Cup Marks 36th Year
<bt>There is still time to enter the Simon Cup Tennis Tournament, according to Reston Association. Open to all association members, the tournament has been held since 1966. The entry fee is $15 per person, per event. On Sept. 28 and 29: Men's and Women's 45 and over singles. On Sept. 29: Men's singles finals and Jasmine barbecue. On Oct. 5 and 6: Men's and Women's 45 and over doubles. Comcast will cover the men's single finals on Sept. 29 at Lake Newport Tennis Court Complex with a special barbecue hosted by tournament sponsor Jasmine Cafe. For more information about the tournament, contact Mary Conaway, Reston Association tennis manager.
<sh>Nature House Fundraiser
<bt>Looking to kick off a new drive to help raise money for the construction of the Nature House, the Friends of Reston will be providing coin collection cans to the public. The group will be hosting the open-to-the-public fundraising event at the Jasmine Cafe at Lake Anne Plaza on Sept. 26 from 7 to 8 p.m. Individuals, families and organizations are needed to adopt cans and help with their distribution throughout the community. The money collected from the can drive will be counted by the Business Bank and receipts will be given to contributors. Donations are tax-deductible, a spokesman for the Friends of Reston said. When completed at the Walker Nature Education Center, the Nature House will be an educational facility to study Reston's natural environment. To date, the Friends have raised over one-third of the necessary $700,000 needed to complete construction.
<sh>Herndon Police Community Events
<bt>The Herndon Crime Prevention Council and the Herndon Community Association will hold a joint meeting on Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. in the town council chambers. Residents are invited to learn about their local neighborhood watch program, find out information about gang activity in the community and meet the members of the HCPC.
The Herndon Police Department is holding its annual Public Safety Day on Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Herndon Municipal Center on Lynn Street. Throughout the day, police will have demonstrations involving K-9, SWAT and motorcycle officers.