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Message From the Commander |
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Dear Franconia Community,
It has been a pleasure to serve you over the last 10 months as commander of the Franconia District Station. In bittersweet news, I will be transferring to a new assignment, working in the Office of the Chief of Police at Public Safety Headquarters. I have really enjoyed my time working at the Franconia Station because of all of the great community members and police officers and support staff. It has been a great experience, but it is time for me to move on.
Please join me in congratulating and welcoming Captain John Lieb as your new district commander effective May 7th.
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Sincerely,
James
James Krause, Captain
Commander, Franconia District Station
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New Franconia District Station Commander |
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A native of Pittsburgh, Captain Lieb graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in Criminology. He joined the FCPD in October 2003.
Captain Lieb’s career with FCPD has included:
- Patrol assignments in the McLean and Sully Districts.
- Detective in the Organized Crime and Intelligence Bureau for nearly six years where he earned certification as an Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS). ACAMS have expertise in detecting and preventing money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes.
- Patrol supervisor for several patrol squads, including a Selective Enforcement Team that worked to resolve complex traffic issues and enhance the safety of motorists in Tysons Corner and other high-volume traffic areas.
- Second and First Lieutenant in the Public Affairs Bureau, where he communicated with the media and authored internal and external written information releases.
- Most recently, he served as the Assistant Commander of Sully District Station.
Captain Lieb is an active member of the FCPD Crisis Negotiations Team, trained to assist during mental health crises, barricade situations and other critical incidents. He has also supervised the FCPD Crime Prevention Program, helping to organize participation in National Night Out and maintaining the Department’s Certified Crime Prevention Community (CCPC) designation.
In his spare time, he loves spending time with his wife and two children - a seven-year-old and a three-year-old. He is also a diehard Pittsburgh sports fan – especially the Penguins! 🏒
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Comments?
Let us know what you think of the Community Report. Are there things you would like to see, not see, or see differently? Tell us about it.
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- New Franconia District Station Commander
- FCPD Searches Landfill for Murder Victim
- Robberies - What to Do
- Coffee with a Cop
- April Crime Report
- Calls for Service and Crime Statistics
- Traffic Safety - Motorcycles, Youthful Drivers, Bike to School, Seat Belts
- Officer of the Quarter Targets License Plate Fraud
- Officers of the Month - A Confusing Crime Scene
- May CAC Meeting
- General Orders - Mental Health Calls for Service
- FCPD Recruiting, Data, and Social Media Links
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Landfill Searched for Murder Victim |
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The FCPD has completed a very extensive but, unfortunately, unsuccessful search at a landfill in King George County, VA to locate remains and bring closure to the case of murder victim Ahmed Kareem Ebrahim. An adult male and a juvenile were arrested and have confessed to the murder which occurred during a January 16th, 2022 robbery in the Lincolnia section of the Franconia Police District. |
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Robbery, defined as taking property by the use or the threat of the use of force, increased significantly in the Franconia District in 2021. Robberies can be directed against individuals or businesses. In either case, the involvement of force adds a psychological toll to the loss of money or property. (See the Officers of the Month section below for an example of a robbery event.)
Here are some tips concerning robberies:
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Robbery Prevention Tips
- Be observant.
- Trust your instincts. If you sense trouble, get away as soon as possible.
- Show confidence. Don't look like an easy target. Robbers want someone who will provide the least resistance. If you look like you know where you are going, walk with your head up and eyes alert, you will be less likely to be victimized.
- Remain alert and observe the people around you. Things to watch for include suspicious persons or vehicles, people who are wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather (e.g., a coat in warm weather), and people loitering.
- Walk in well-lit areas. If possible, do not walk alone.
- Be aware of your surroundings. If you think you are being followed, go to a crowded area.
- Do not carry large amounts of money.
- Carry keys in your hand.
- If you observe suspicious persons or activities, don't hesitate to call the police to investigate.
If You Are Robbed
- Remain calm.
- Make personal safety the number one priority. Money and property can be replaced.
- Carefully observe the physical characteristics of the robber. Be a good witness. Note as much detail about the suspect(s) as possible. (Age, race, height, facial hair, speech, clothing, odor, etc.)
- When it is safe, notify the police by calling 911.
- Police dispatch will ask for the location of the robbery, whether anyone is injured, the exact time the robber(s) left and their direction of travel, the kind of weapon used, description of the vehicle, the robber(s) description, their clothing, appearance or unique features, money or items taken, and other information to assist responding officers.
- Protect the scene of the crime. Avoid destroying evidence by not touching or moving things.
- Ask witnesses to stay until police arrive. If they cannot stay, get their name, address and phone number.
- Write down information about the suspect(s) immediately. Do not discuss the robbery with others until questioned by the police. Comparing notes could cause memories to be skewed.
For Businesses - Be Security Conscious
- Don't be afraid to call the police if you see something suspicious. Keep law enforcement emergency and non-emergency phone numbers handy.
- Maintain visibility into your place of business. Avoid blocking the view into your business by crowding windows with signs or merchandise. Use low display counters and cases to maintain visibility from both inside and outside the business.
- Keep all entrances, exits, and parking areas well lighted.
- Secure you cashier operation.
- Install barriers high enough to keep unauthorized persons out of the area where cash transactions take place. Place the cash register a safe distance from the door, but not so far back that it is not visible from outside.
- Keep a spare key and phone hidden in the freezer or storeroom.
- Install a hold-up alarm system, with points throughout the business. Periodically test the system with the assistance of the alarm company.
- Keep cash on premises to a minimum. Make frequent cash drops at varied times of the day or week. Use two or more employees to make cash drops or use a courier service.
- Keep your safe locked at all times.
- Review robbery procedures and alarm system operations frequently with your employees.
- Keep key holder information up to date with law enforcement and the alarm company.
- Use one or more persons to open and/or close the business. There is better safety in numbers.
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Crime Prevention Office Events |
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Coffee with a Cop events provide an opportunity for community members and police to meet, get to know each other better, and discuss community issues in a stress-free environment. Join Franconia officers for the next events - May 7th at the Coffee In on Landsdowne Center and May 21st at Dunkin' Donuts in Lorton. |
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For more information about events or for other crime prevention information and assistance, contact the Franconia District Station Crime Prevention Office:
Community Outreach and Liaison Officer
PFC Cindy Osegueda [cindy.osegueda@fairfaxcounty.gov ] 703-922-0889
Crime Prevention Officer
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Click below to visit the Fairfax County Police Department's
Crime Prevention & Awareness page.
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STOLEN VEHICLE WITH APPREHENSION ARREST: 6800 block of Springfield Boulevard, 4/30/22, 1 p.m. Officers conducted a traffic stop on a 2003 Lexus ES300 that was reported stolen from a neighboring jurisdiction. A 33-year-old man from Springfield was identified as the driver. He was arrested and charged with grand larceny, bail violation, provide false I.D. to law enforcement, and two outstanding warrants were served from neighboring jurisdictions.
RECKLESS DRIVING: 6000 block of Farrington Avenue, 4/24/22, 6:15 p.m. Officers responded to the location for reports of approx. 50-75 cars gathering in a parking lot. As officers worked to disperse the crowd, several cars were observed driving recklessly. As additional officers arrived, the group of cars drove off and dispersed. There were no crashes, or any injuries reported. There were no arrests made however, officers collected video evidence and are working to identify the drivers.
ATTEMPTED ROBBERY: 6600 block of Springfield Mall, 4/20/22, 12:43 p.m. Two men approached the victim in the parking lot and demanded property. One of the men displayed a firearm and assaulted the victim before leaving in a black Hyundai Sonata. No injuries were reported.
COMMERCIAL ROBBERY: 6436 Springfield Plaza (CVS), 4/20/22, 4:12 p.m. Two men entered the business, displayed knives, took property, and left in a black Hyundai Sonata. No injuries were reported.
ARMED ROBBERY/ MALICIOUS WOUNDING ARREST: 7700 block of Skyles Way, 4/9/22, 12:36 p.m. A man and a woman arranged to meet to sell items. When they arrived at the agreed location, no one was there. As they were leaving, a group of men announced a robbery, and a struggle ensued. The man and woman were assaulted, and the suspects ran away. While fleeing, one of the suspects sustained injuries that were not considered life threatening. The victims were taken to the hospital and treated for injuries that were not considered life threatening. Further investigation revealed a 24-year-old man from Alexandria, and a 20-year-old man from Springfield, were involved in the robbery. Both men were charged with armed robbery, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and aggravated malicious wounding.
ROBBERY: 6700 block of Bland Street, 4/4/22, 2:21 p.m. Two men approached the victim, displayed a handgun and demanded property. The men then left the area on foot. No injuries were reported.
ATTEMPTED ROBBERY/MOB ASSAULT: 6500 block of Springfield Mall Drive, 4/4/22, 8:30 p.m. A group of juveniles assaulted the victim while demanding property. The group then left the area on foot. The victim reported injuries that were not considered life threatening.
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The report contains selected crimes. This report is not a comprehensive list of every police event in the district in the month. Information contained in the Info Sheet is generally based on initial reports made to the police department. Follow-up investigations may reveal different or additional information.
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Bias Crimes and Incidents - Franconia District |
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There were no reported Bias Crimes in April.
For more detail on Virginia and Fairfax County Bias Crime law click HERE
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REMINDER:
Please be vigilant & report any suspicious activity in your neighborhood
Anyone with information pertaining to these cases is asked to contact Crime Solvers by one of the methods below. If the information provided results in an arrest and indictment, apprehension of a fugitive or the recovery of stolen property or seizure of illegal drugs, a cash reward ranging between $100 to $1000 is paid to the tipster.
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By Phone -1-866-411-TIPS ( 866-411-8477);
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By Text - Send a text message to 847411, then type the keyword "FCCS" add a space, type your tip info and hit send;
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By web - Click HERE; or,
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Download our Mobile tip411 App "Fairfax Co Crime Solvers."
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Calls for Service and Crime Statistics
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Total Calls for Service FCPD-wide increased by 11% for January - April 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. Franconia Calls for Service also increased 11%.
In Franconia, Criminal Calls for Service increased 19% while Traffic and Service calls combined increased 3%
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Click HERE to see which types of call are included in each category.
For information on how these statistics are compiled click HERE .
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In April, Franconia Group A Events (more serious crimes) increased by 23% with increases in all Patrol Service Areas. The FCPD department-wide change was a 7% increase.
In Franconia there were notable increases in Counterfeiting, Robbery, Theft Offenses and Motor Vehicle Theft.
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Group A offenses are more serious offenses as designated by the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS). For a full description of Groups A and B click HERE.
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For additional crime statistics and information please click below.
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Franconia Police District News |
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Traffic Safety Initiatives |
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Each month the Franconia District Station Traffic Enforcement Officer selects sections of the traffic code for special enforcement emphasis. The selection is based on county-wide focus areas, seasonal variables, public safety concerns, and other factors. For the month of May, the areas below have been selected. Brief interpretations of key points of the code are listed. Click on the section heading to read the full text of the code.
“National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month”
Motorcycle operators must pass the motorcycle operator's exam and must have a valid driver's license with motorcycle classification.
- A second person riding on a motorcycle must be in a permanent seat design for that purpose.
- Motorcycle operators and passengers must wear approved helmets. Operators must have eye protection.
- Motorcycles must have a horn, headlight and rearview mirror unless designed for trail riding.
- Motorcycles must have a muffler in working order.
- Motorcycles must have a dual braking system.
- (Officers will also give attention to how other motor vehicles share the road with motorcycles.)
“National Youth Traffic Safety Month”
- The provisional license for drivers under age 18 has restrictions on passengers and time of day.
May 5th – Cinco de Mayo DWI Enforcement
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- Occupants of front seats of motor vehicles are required to use safety lap belts and shoulder harnesses.
- Child restraint devices are required when transporting children up to age eight; safety belts are required for passengers less than 18 years old.
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Officer Takes Action Against Fraudulent Temporary Auto Tags
Beginning in August of 2021, PFC Wever investigated fraudulent temporary license plates from the State of Texas. As reported in the national media, this crime has encompassed several states throughout the country as well as Fairfax County.
Collaborating with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office and regional detectives, he determined some of the fraudulent plates were bought by community members who thought the transaction was legitimate while other buyers were purchasing them to avoid proper DMV registration. Some were used in the commission of violent crimes.
PFC Wever initiated proactive patrols and enforced registration violations on vehicles displaying fraudulent plates. Field interviews with drivers yielded additional suspect information regarding sales throughout the greater Metropolitan region.
In addition to the enforcement campaign, PFC Wever worked with Franconia’s Crime Prevention Office on flyers and community meetings to educate community members about the fraudulent Texas plates. PFC Wever also conducted rollcall training for Franconia officers. These efforts ultimately led to increased traffic enforcement to address and stop the fraudulent practice.
PFC Wever’s determination has prevented additional community members from becoming victims of this crime. His drive and commitment to help community members is the sort of activity that builds relationships and trust between the Fairfax County Police Department and the community.
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Officers Jennifer Umanzor-Amaya and Kevin Garcia Rosa
Use Training and Language Skills
to Sort Out a Confusing Robbery Scene
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Shortly after noon on April 9th, Franconia daywork units were dispatched to a shooting call on Skyles Way. The caller advised dispatch that his wife had been shot. First-responding officers, to include Officers Umanzor-Amaya and Garcia Rosa, arrived to find a chaotic scene. A male subject was lying on the grass with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to his left shin.
The officers rendered aid, while simultaneously securing the scene and making it safe. Units immediately located and identified a female victim who was the target of an armed robbery. The victim is a local jewelry dealer who has done business in the area for many years. While visiting the Skyles Way address to present her jewelry for a potential sale, she was robbed of her purse at gunpoint by two subjects. They also attempted to steal her jewelry bag but were unsuccessful. The victim had a visible laceration to her head that was initially thought to have been a gunshot graze wound.
Officers Umanzor-Amaya and Garcia-Rosa separated individuals at the scene and began to work their way through a series of interviews and translations. Both officers are fluent in Spanish and nearly all involved parties and witnesses were Spanish speaking only. The composure, command presence, and investigative focus of both officers were noted by other officers, supervisors, and responding detectives.
Through their diligent efforts and multiple on-scene interviews, it was learned that the male subject lying in the grass was one of the robbery culprits. He had not been shot but, in fact, sustained a compound fracture of his shin as he fled from the building after the robbery.
As it turned out, thankfully, no round had been discharged at or in the direction of the robbery victim as was initially suspected. She was pistol-whipped with a handgun as the suspects attempted to rob her.
The Major Crimes Bureau detectives who responded to the scene immediately benefited from the excellent work performed by Officers Umanzor-Amaya and Garcia Rosa.
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Franconia
Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
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CAC meetings are normally held at 7 PM on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Meeting participation details are distributed by email. Contact CAC Coordinator Kim Barber mailto:kim.barber@fairfaxcounty.gov if you would like to be placed on the CAC notification list.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 19th, 2022 at 7 PM in the Community Room, Franconia Governmental Center, 6121 Franconia Road.
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Mental Health Calls for Service |
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Each month the FCPD Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Policy selects one of the Department's General Orders as refresher training and awareness for officers. For May the subject is General Order 609 - Mental Health Calls for Service.
General Orders are rules and regulations that all Fairfax County Police Department personnel must follow in carrying out their duties. The orders provide direction and guidelines for how an officer should handle different situations that arise. You can see General Order 609 and all FCPD General Orders by clicking HERE .
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Find your purpose and contribute to the community
with FCPD.
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Police Data and Reform Website
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Keep in Touch with FCPD
Information and alerts from the Police Department are available
on our web pages and on many social media platforms.
Click on the button below for a list of links.
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