Centreville/Chantilly Roundups, Nov. 6, 2014
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Centreville/Chantilly Roundups, Nov. 6, 2014

Robbery in Sully Station II

Fairfax County police are looking for two men who robbed a female in Centreville’s Sully Station II community. The incident occurred Oct. 28, at 10:05 p.m., at Belcher Farm Court/Belcher Farm Drive.

According to police, the victim was walking there when she was approached by the men. One of them displayed a handgun and the other took property and cash from her. They then fled on foot. The suspects were described as black, in their 20s and between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 8 inches tall.

Focus on Pedestrian Safety

Fairfax County police have just begun a new pedestrian-education initiative. Officers will distribute safety fliers to residents they observe violating pedestrian -safety laws. Over the past three years, more than 400 pedestrians have been struck and injured in crashes on county roadways. Typically, October is the highest month for pedestrian-involved incidents.

According to Capt. Mike Grinnan, commander of the Traffic Unit, “This increase is likely due to a combination of factors, including decreased daylight hours.” He urges walkers, motorists, and bicyclists to pay close attention to pedestrian-safety rules, such as crossing with a light and using a crosswalk.

Grinnan also noted that some residents are running in the roadway where there are sidewalks, sometimes two or three people abreast. “This simply isn’t a safe practice,” he said. “Wherever there are sidewalks available, they should be used.”

However, police stress that pedestrians and motorists are equally responsible for observing laws and safety practices related to pedestrian right-of-way. For more information about pedestrian safety, go to http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/safety/#programs/pedestrian/index.asp.

Free Carseat Inspections

Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, Nov. 6, from 5 p.m. to dusk, 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.

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. (The inspection may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather). Call 703-814-7000, ext. 5140, to confirm dates and times.

Holiday Food Drive

The Sully District Police Station, Westfields Business Owners Assn. and Western Fairfax Christian Ministries have teamed up this holiday season to help feed local families in need them, but they need help from the community. So they’re asking people to bring non-perishable food items to the Sully police station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly, between now and Sunday, Nov. 9.

Once the food is gathered, volunteers will create and deliver food baskets to these families in need throughout Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton and Fairfax Station. The Fairfax County Police Department can’t accept gift cards or money donations. Those wishing to donate a gift card or money should contact Jennie Bush at jbush@wfcmva.org.

Keeping Senior Citizens Safe

Fairfax County police is presenting a series of free seminars about senior citizens and crime prevention. The last one, called “Cons and Scams Prevention,” is set for Wednesday, Nov. 12. It’s at the Sully Senior Center, 5690 Sully Road in Centreville, and will start at 12:30 p.m. and last 30-45 minutes.

The goal is to give senior citizens the power to prevent crime at home and learn how to prevent financial crimes and detect scam artists trying to take their money. For more information, contact PFC Tara Gerhard at 703-814-7051 or FCPDSULCPO@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Learn Emergency Preparedness

The Office of Emergency Management will be at the next meeting of the Sully District Police Station’s Citizens Advisory Committee. It’s set for Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly.

OEM will talk about the new Fairfax Alerts system, how to make an emergency preparedness kit and how residents can develop their own emergency plan. One lucky attendee will also win an emergency car kit.

Police, Fire Games Help Needed

The 2015 World Police and Fire Games will need upwards of 3,000 people to take on a variety of roles across the National Capital Region. These include welcoming visitors, transporting athletes, joining the medical team, assisting sports coordinators, helping out behind the scenes on the technology team. For more information or to volunteer, go to http://fairfax2015.com/volunteer.