Felony Hit-Run Charged
Fairfax County police charged a Centreville man with several offenses – including felony hit-and-run – after he allegedly tailgated and struck another vehicle and then fled. He is 25-year-old Juan Carlos Gudiel.
The incident occurred early Sunday, Feb. 24, just after midnight, on the Fairfax County Parkway. According to police, Gudiel reportedly rear-ended a 2003 Honda in his 2000 Ford Explorer. They say he pulled alongside the car and then turned into the vehicle, side-swiping it.
Then, say police, Gudiel reportedly drove away “at a high rate of speed.” However, the victim, a 24-year-old Lorton man, was able to copy the license plate of the suspect vehicle and called 911.
Police say Gudiel continued onto I-66 west, where Virginia State Police became involved. They say the Centreville man exited onto Lee Highway, where he reportedly ran a red light and turned onto Stone Road where troopers were able to stop his vehicle.
Fairfax County police charged Gudiel with attempted malicious wounding, felony hit-and-run, and driving on a suspended license. Virginia State Police charged him with reckless driving, speeding to elude, disregarding a red light, resisting arrest and driving under the influence. He was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.
Donate Old Cars to Police
The Fairfax County Police Department is looking for vehicles in working condition that people no longer want or need and would be willing to donate. They could help their public safety community and receive a tax deduction at the same time.
Every year, the department uses about 20 cars to help train and prepare officers for the rigors of police work. Donated cars could be used as a faux suspect’s get-away car, helping officers with their precision pursuit driving techniques. Later, when the car is no longer in driving condition, it will be cut up (for training on how to cut into crashed cars), blown up (providing training for Explosive Ordinance officers) or shot (used as a prop in an active -hooter scenario).
Nothing will go to waste and the valuable contribution will serve many constructive purposes. For more information on how to donate vehicles or to ask questions, contact MPO Tom Beckman at the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course, 703-818-1924.
Free Carseat Inspections
Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, Feb. 28, from 5-8:30 p.m., at the station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. No appointment is necessary. But residents should install the child safety seats themselves so technicians may properly inspect and adjust them, as needed.
However, because of time constraints, only the first 35 vehicles arriving on each date will be inspected. That way, inspectors may have enough time to properly instruct the caregiver on the correct use of the child seat. Call 703-814-7000, ext. 5140, to confirm dates and times.
County, FCPS Budget Meeting
A Sully District Town Hall meeting with Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) and Sully District School Board representative Kathy Smith is set for Wednesday, March 13, at 7 p.m. The topics are the Fairfax County and FCPS 2014 budgets. The meeting will be held in the little theater of Rocky Run Middle School, 4400 Stringfellow Road in Chantilly.
Co-hosts are the Western Fairfax County Citizens Association and the Sully District Council of Citizens Associations. On hand will be budget staff from both the county and the school system.
Food Donations for WFCM
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries’ food pantry urgently needs donations of spaghetti sauce, canned fruit, rice (2-lb. bags), canned pasta, peanut butter, canned tuna and meat, hot and cold cereal, fruit juice, and pancake mix and syrup. Bring all items to WFCM’S new food-pantry location at 13888 Metrotech Drive, near Papa John’s Pizza and Kumon Learning Center, in Chantilly’s Sully Place Shopping Center.
Meals on Wheels Volunteers
Fairfax County needs Meals on Wheels drivers in Chantilly and group Meals on Wheels coordinators in both Chantilly and Fairfax. Contact Volunteer Solutions at 703-324-5406, TTY 711, VolunteerSolutions@fairfaxcounty.gov or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/volunteer-solutions.htm.
Give Caregivers a Break
Fairfax County needs Respite Care volunteers throughout the county to give family caregivers of a frail older adult a well-deserved break. Volunteers visit and oversee the safety of the older adult for a few hours each month. Volunteers are matched with families in or near their own neighborhoods. Support and training is provided. Contact Kristin Martin at 703-324-7577, TTY 711, or Kristin.Martin@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Women's Self Defense Program
The Fairfax County Law Enforcement Foundation is partnering with the Fairfax County Police Department to offer the Women's Self Defense Training program. It’s based on the SAFE program formerly provided by the Police Department, but now being taught by C&J Security Corp.
The program is a two-day class that will meet on consecutive Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:15-9:30 p.m. It’s currently offered free and all class materials are included. Program funding is provided through the Fairfax County Law Enforcement Foundation.
The course is offered to females, age 13 and older. A female guardian must accompany girls 13-18. No men other than the instructors are permitted to be present during a class. For more information, call 703-246-7806, e-mail WSD@fairfaxfoundation.org or go to www.fairfaxfoundation.org.