Youth Group Volunteer Arrested
Fairfax County police have charged a church youth-group volunteer with two counts of aggravated sexual battery. He is James West, 23, formerly of 5616 Hope Park Road in Fairfax.
He wasn’t a member of the paid staff of the King’s Chapel Church, 12925 Braddock Road, but volunteered there for several years. However, police began an investigation after receiving a call from the parents of a 14-year-old who reportedly said that West had given him or her—and other teens—a massage. After questioning the teenager further, the parents learned of the alleged abuses and contacted police on Aug. 3.
Police later arrested West and charged him on Aug. 31. They ask anyone with information to contact Detective L. LaBarca at 703-246-7810. Or call Crime solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org, text “TIP187” plus a message to CRIMES/274637 or call police at 703-691-2131.
Back-To-School Safety
Fairfax County police urge motorists to be extra vigilant for pedestrians and bicyclists, now that school is once again in session. Commuters should expect increased congestion throughout the week and build time into their schedules to accommodate for this traditionally heavy time period.
Police also remind drivers that, when bus lights and stop signs are activated, vehicles must stop in both directions, unless they are separated from the bus by a median. In 2011, officers issued 1,364 citations for speeding in school zones. They issued 364 citations for improperly passing school buses and not stopping for school buses with flashing lights.
Draft Bicycle Master Plan
After more than a year of effort—including public meetings with area cyclists, focus group meetings, workshops and meetings of the master plan Bicycle Advisory Committee—on July 31, Toole Design Group gave Fairfax County the final draft of the Countywide Bicycle Master Plan.
Charlie Strunk, the county bicycle coordinator, is now incorporating final comments into the plan and finalizing the map of recommended bike facilities. It’s expected to go before the Planning Commission in early 2013 and then to the Board of Supervisors for possible adoption.