Police Arrest Suspected Gang Members
A 16-year-old male was assaulted by a group of suspects around 8:24 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 23, in the 4100 block of Medford Drive near Bailey’s Crossroads.
The victim was approached and assaulted by approximately eight individuals. Preliminary investigation reveals the victim was attacked with a baseball bat and a knife. The victim was able to get away and call Fairfax County police. He was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital with wounds to the head and upper body. A patrol officer responding to the call was able to quickly identify and detain five individuals who may have been involved in this incident. Further investigation led to the arrest of three more suspects. Preliminary indications suggest the assault may have been gang related. Petitions for malicious wounding by mob and gang participation were issued for five 15-year-olds, one 16-year-old and two 17-year-olds, all of them male, Fairfax Police reported.
Moran Knee Surgery Called ‘Success’
Rep. Jim Moran, whose 8th U.S. Congressional District includes the City of Falls Church, had successful total knee replacement surgery on both knees yesterday at the Anderson Orthopedic Clinic at the Inova Mount Vernon Hospital. The surgery was conducted by specialist Dr. C. Anderson Engh. Rep. Moran’s recovery period is expected to last 6-8 weeks. He will be recovering at home on bed rest during this time. Given the difficult recovery associated with a double knee replacement, he is not expected to be able to make votes on the floor of the House during the month of December. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the congressman has requested well-wishers to make donations to their local food pantry or homeless shelter.
Fairfax Co. Crime 3Q Numbers Down
Fairfax County Police reported yesterday that for the third straight quarter, crime numbers are down in the county. The third quarter report indicated the “overall index crime” decreased by almost two percent during the first nine months of 2009, compared to the same period of 2008. Categories with the biggest percentage drops are aggravated assault (293 to 145), robbery (327 to 291), murder (12 to 10) and motor vehicle theft (1,005 to 852), while numbers for burglary and larceny remained virtually unchanged.
F.C. OK’s Its Priorities for Richmond
The Falls Church City Council adopted unanimously an agenda of legislative priorities it will ask its state legislators to introduce in Richmond for the January 2010 session. The three priorities are 1. Opposition to guns in public buildings, 2. Protection of persons in employment positions from discrimination based on sexual orientation, 3. Putting localities in greater control of decisions on photo red light locations and related matters.
Tinner Hill Group Named ‘Rising Star’
Falls Church’s Tinner Hill Foundation has won a “Rising Star” honorable mention from the Virginians for the Arts, as part of the announcement of the group’s “Arts Build Communities” awards. The awards recognize arts organizations that best demonstrate the ability to enhance the community, lift our spirits, and build a better quality of life. Organization President Peter Fields said, “The awards showcase the ways the arts contribute to the overall quality of life in Virginia communities.” The “Shining Star Award” went to the Barter Theatre in Abingdon and the “Rising Star” award went to The Prizery in South Boston.
GMHS Grad Bob Anderson on ‘Daily Show’
Bob Anderson, a 1991 graduate of Falls Church’s George Mason High School, appeared on Comedy Central TV’s popular “The Daily Show” last Thursday, playing guitar opposite Andrew McMan as part of the group, “Jack’s Mannequin.”
