Hit-and-Run Arrest
City of Fairfax police have charged a Fairfax man with felony hit-and-run in connection with a June crash that critically injured a pedestrian. Arrested last Wednesday, Nov. 28, was Leon Andrew D Oliveira, 35, of 9176 Barrick St.
The incident occurred June 15, around 10:40 p.m., when a 33-year-old Fairfax man was walking on the sidewalk of Fairfax Boulevard at Warwick Avenue. Police say a vehicle traveling east on Fairfax Boulevard left the road and struck him, then continued east without stopping.
Investigators released a photo taken by cameras on Fairfax Boulevard at the time the crash occurred. As the result of an extensive investigation of leads generated by media exposure, the vehicle and operator were subsequently identified.
Following his arrest, Oliveira was held in the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center on $2,500 bond. According to police, the critically injured pedestrian remains under medical treatment and faces a lengthy recuperation period.
Driver Damages Police Headquarters
It’s never a good idea to crash a car into a building—and it’s even worse when that building is police headquarters. But police say that’s what happened in the early morning hours of Thursday, Nov. 29, when an allegedly drunk driver smacked into City of Fairfax Police Headquarters.
The incident happened around 2 a.m. when the driver of a 1999 Mercury Marquis approached the building at 3730 Old Lee Highway on the driveway. Police say he then reportedly drove through the lowered door of the garage/processing area and then left the scene. The processing-area doors sustained considerable damage, but no building contents were damaged and no one was injured. Damage to the facility was estimated at $10,000.
A short time later, officers responding to a report of an accident at University Drive and Willard Way found the Mercury stopped atop a median in a private parking lot and determined that the driver had allegedly been responsible for the damage to their building.
Police then arrested Anthony John Skrobacz, 49, of 10705 Bradford St. in Spotsylvania, charging him with driving under the influence of drugs, reckless driving and hit-and-run. He was held in the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center on $5,000 bond.
Two Hospital ATMs Skimmed
Fairfax County police responded last week to two reports of skimmer devices attached to ATMs at local hospitals. One was discovered Tuesday, Nov. 27, on the ATM near the lobby gift shop at Inova Fairfax Hospital. A hospital employee noticed that the input slot for the card was loose and wobbly; when she inserted her bank card, the device fell off.
She immediately reported it to security, who contacted police. Detectives believe the device may have been on the machine for weeks and urge anyone who used it to monitor their financial statements closely.
A second device was discovered last Wednesday, Nov. 28, on a machine in the Inova Fair Oaks Hospital lobby adjacent to the cafeteria. A hospital security guard discovered the device after being notified of the prior incident. Neither of these bank machines are either owned or monitored by Inova staff. They’re on hospital property, but banking institutions are responsible for their maintenance and management.
Detectives urge people who may have used either of these machines in recent weeks to check their bank statements closely. If they detect inconsistencies in their transactions, they should contact their bank and the police.
Help Cheer Up Sick Children
Local residents can help make a difference in the lives of others, this holiday season. For the 26th year in a row, the Fairfax County Police Department motorcycle squad is working collaboratively with the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, Fairfax City Police, Falls Church Sheriff’s Office, and the Town of Vienna Police to collect and distribute toys for sick children, plus local charities such as the Ronald McDonald House.
Residents may help by donating new, unwrapped toys, games or books at any Fairfax County police station before Monday, Dec. 10. These items bring joy and smiles to the many children who are critically ill and unable to be home for the holidays. Donations are also being accepted at Fairfax County Police Headquarters at 4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax.
The motorcycle officers’ “Santa’s Ride” collection will take place on Dec. 11; distribution of gifts will be Dec. 12 at Inova Fairfax Hospital and Dec. 13 at Georgetown University Hospital.
Holiday Lighting Safety Tips
While festive and joyous, the holiday season can also be dangerous. Authorities say more than 400 lives are claimed, more than 1,600 injuries occur, and more than $990 million in property damage occurs. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, taking simple, common sense, life-saving steps will help ensure a safe and happy holiday:
Look for the Underwriters Laboratories label on all holiday light sets to ensure UL standards are met. Buy lighting sets according to indoor or outdoor use, or both. Before attaching lights, check for fraying wires, damaged sockets or cracked insulation. If defects are found, replace the entire set.
To minimize fire and shock danger, make sure a bulb is in each socket. If a bulb burns out, leave it in and unplug the light set; then replace the bulb. Don't connect more light strings than the manufacturer recommends. Keep indoor extension cords and lights away from water. All outdoor cords, plugs and sockets must be weatherproof. Have a working smoke alarm on every level of the home, have an escape plan and practice it.
Home Child-Care Facilities
Fairfax County now has a new web page available with information on home child-care facilities. It includes public hearing dates and background information on the upcoming Zoning Ordinance Amendment, current zoning requirements, the application package for special permits for home child- care facilities, plus links to other pertinent information. Go to
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/zoning/homechildcarefacilities/.