Student Assaulted on Path
Police are investigating a report of a 16-year-old girl who was reportedly grabbed in the woods around 4 p.m. Monday, March 19. The girl had just entered a path at the end of Pickett Road while walking home from Woodson High School. She reported that a man approached her from behind, grabbed her neck, and assaulted her. She struggled and was knocked to the ground. After a brief altercation, the offender fled the scene. The girl screamed and ran to a nearby home for help.
Police arrived within minutes. The suspect is described as between 18-27 years old, around 5 feet 8 inches tall and around 170 pounds. He had short black hair and wore a white T-shirt and shorts.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, email at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text "TIP187" plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.
Unattended Cooking Causes House Fire
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a house fire, Sunday, March 18 at approximately 6:20 p.m., in the Springfield area of Fairfax County. The single-family home is located at 5206 Heming Avenue.
Firefighters encountered heavy smoke coming from the one and one-half story home upon arrival. Firefighters conducted an aggressive fire attack in the kitchen and brought the fire under control in approximately five minutes. During overhaul and salvage operations, firefighters found minor fire extension in the attic above the kitchen, but quickly extinguished the smoldering fire. All of the occupants escaped the fire unharmed. Eight occupants, four adults, and four children have been displaced. Red Cross is supporting the family. There were no injuries.
Damage estimate is less than $50,000.
According to the incident commander, the fire was accidental. Unattended food on the stove caused the fire.