Missing man identified as car crash victim — “Jose Eduardo Gonzalez Calimayor has been located. He was identified as the driver who died from injuries sustained in a single-vehicle crash in Prince George’s County on June 4, 2021.” [Alexandria Police]
Suspect arrested after murder near Hybla Valley — “A man is dead after a fatal shooting in Alexandria Saturday night. The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) is investigating a homicide that occurred at the 7400 block of Vernon Sq. Dr. in Alexandria.” [WDVN]
There’s no face mask mandate in Alexandria… Yet — “No, there is not currently a mask mandate. @CDCgov recommends masks in indoor public places for communities in a state of substantial or high transmission, regardless of vaccination status. Alexandria is currently in a state of substantial transmission.” [City of Alexandria]
Today’s weather — “Intervals of clouds and sunshine (during the day). A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 91F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph… Partly cloudy (in the evening). Low 73F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.” [Weather.com]
New job: Teller at Wells Fargo Bank — “At Wells Fargo, we are looking for talented people who will put our customers at the center of everything we do. We are seeking candidates who embrace diversity, equity and inclusion in a workplace where everyone feels valued and inspired.” [Indeed]
Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial dedicated — “On July 24, at 8am, a ceremony was held at 1001 S. Washington Street, officially dedicating the Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial as the newest site listed by the National Park Service in the African American Civil Rights Network.” [Zebra]
National Landing to be first U.S. 5G Smart City at scale — “5G, with local area compute edges, could make National Landing a prototype for smart cities of the future and create a unified consumer experience across asset types. The area could also enhance offerings in mobility and self-driving vehicles, immersive retail and entertainment, and building automation and environmental sustainability… A combination of mmWave and sub6 5G spectrum will be enabled by an interconnected series of building side-mounts, street furniture, and underground network infrastructure.” [Alexandria Living]
Driver killed In 3-vehicle Beltway crash — “The crash happened around 5:35 p.m. Monday on Interstate 495 west of Telegraph Road. Witnesses told state police a Honda driver swerved onto the right shoulder to pass traffic. The vehicle struck another vehicle in the right lane and crashed into a flatbed wrecker stopped on the shoulder. The driver was taken to Inova Fairfax Hospital, where he died of his injuries. He has not been publicly identified by police.” [Patch]
Today’s weather — “Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 93F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph… A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early (in the evening). A few clouds from time to time. Low 72F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.” [Weather.com]
New job: Beer brand ambassador — “ExperTaste Marketing is a full-service marketing company specializing in consumer product sampling and promotions. We are seeking a professional and reliable beer enthusiast for a Beer Brand Ambassador position to execute beer sampling events.” [Indeed]
A 48-year-old woman died after being struck by a vehicle while she walked in a travel lane on Interstate 495 on the early morning of Sunday, July 25.
Virginia State Police reported that Ebony N. Madison, of Gwynn Oak, Maryland, died after being struck by a 2006 Lincoln Mark LT at the 177 mile marker.
“The Lincoln was traveling at the posted 55 mph speed limit when it came upon the pedestrian in the travel lane and was unable to stop in time to avoid striking her,” VSP said in a release.
Police said Madison was not wearing reflective clothing, and that the 75-year-old male driver stayed at the scene.
No charges were filed against the driver.
What was an intense week in Alexandria. Here is the rundown.
History was made, as the new marquees at Alexandria City High School and Naomi L. Brooks Elementary Schools were unveiled this week, and the name changes to T.C. Williams High School and Matthew Maury Elementary School will go into effect July 1. It’s a victory for civil rights, as the namesakes of both old schools had backgrounds steeped in racism. Maury was a Confederate leader and Williams was an ACPS superintendent who worked intently against racial integration.
City Manager Mark Jinks on Tuesday also announced his intention to retire at the end of the year. Jinks, who made the announcement to City Council, hinted to ALXnow last month that he was seeking retirement. Today (Friday, June 25) is also the last day for retiring Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown, who will be moving to the West Coast to deal with family matters. Assistant Chief Don Hayes is taking over as acting chief until a national search narrows down a preferred candidate for the job.
Law enforcement events also dominated this week’s coverage. On Tuesday, first responders saved a woman experiencing a mental health crisis who was dangling perilously off the Monroe Avenue Bridge, followed by news Wednesday that a suspect was arrested for a West End murder along with 16 others in a massive racketeering conspiracy. On Thursday, a barricade situation in the West End ended peacefully.
In this week’s poll, when asked whether transit improvements would make residents more likely to take the bus, 48% said they don’t take the bus often and won’t likely change their habits; 38% said they don’t often take the bus, although transit improvements might change that; and 14% said that they already frequent the Metro and DASH bus systems.
Important stories
- After dual election losses, Mark Levine says he’s deciding his next move
- T.C. Williams High School track stars win big at state championships
- Lee-Fendall House raises over $5,000 to repair collapsed 200-year-old wall
- After more delays, Halal slaughterhouse owner now says he will open in July
- Alexandria songwriter Mia Humphrey wants to take you on an emotional journey
- Old Town and Del Ray business rivals battle for supremacy in softball game
- Alexandria City Public Schools scraps recreation center classroom plans
- Parker-Gray tiny lot home moves forward with some unique challenges
- Researchers call out shoddy craftsmanship in buried 18th century Alexandria ship
Top stories
- Alexandria woman dies after veering off road on Interstate 95
- Man suspected of raping 12-year-old stepdaughter in Landmark area flees to El Salvador
- JUST IN: Thieves break into more than 60 vehicles in West End
- JUST IN: Rarity as American Viper Rattlesnake found in Old Town
- Massive redevelopment of West End apartment building has neighbors worried about street parking impact
- UPDATE: Alexandria first responders save suicidal woman on Monroe Avenue Bridge
- City Council emphasizes marketing funding for Alexandria’s ‘Hot Girl Summer’
- Mother and boyfriend allegedly beaten by knife-wielding ex in Old Town North
- With eviction moratorium expiring, city pushes renters and landlords toward rental assistance
- Shortened Alexandria Birthday celebration is still on for July 10
- BREAKING: California man arrested for West End murder, indicted with 16 others in massive racketeering conspiracy
Have a safe weekend!
A 54-year-old Alexandria woman died at the scene of a crash Friday, after veering her Dodge Ram off Interstate 95 in Hanover County and into a Volvo being repaired by its owner on the shoulder of the road. (Courtesy VSP)
“Candace S. Fields-Rogers, 54, of Alexandria, Va., was driving the Ram,” Virginia State Police reported. “She was wearing a seatbelt. She succumbed to her injuries onscene.”
The driver of the Volvo was underneath his tractor trailer making repairs when the crash occurred near the 93-mile marker. He was sent to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. No one else was injured, and an investigation into the crash is ongoing, police said.
Fields-Rogers leaves behind a husband and two children. Last year, she launched a GoFundMe campaign to help her husband, a U.S. Army veteran with a traumatic brain injury. She raised $10,000 of her $50,000 goal for the still-open fundraiser.
Courtesy VSP
ACPS wants input on how to spend COVID relief funds — “Feedback on use of the American Rescue Plan Act’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief can be provided through June 18, while the Equity for All Climate Survey is open through June 20.” [Patch]
Memorial bike ride Sunday at for bicyclist killed — “Join FABB’s memorial ride in honor of Fatima Del Carmen Alvarez Romero this Sunday, June 13, at 10:00 am at Huntington Metro kiss and ride lot. Ride to crash site for a moment of remembrance and to call for much-needed safety measures. Please wear white and bring signs.” [Twitter]
Karma Modern Indian Eyes Expansion into Old Town — “Karma Modern Indian, a Michelin-recognized destination for fine Indian cuisine in downtown Washington, D.C., is opening a sister restaurant in Alexandria. Dubbed Kismet Modern Indian, the restaurant will be at 111 N. Pitt St. and is set for a fall opening. The location was formerly home, for a short time, to BurgerFi and before that, Ireland’s Own. The late Pat Troy presided over the legendary spot for more than three decades.” [Alexandria Living]
Mayor Wilson named president of Virginia Transit Association — “VTA is a nonprofit corporation of transit professionals from public and private organizations; it includes transit systems from across the state, businesses that serve transit systems and local government officials and organizations concerned about transportation, mobility, affordable access to employment and quality of life issues.” [Zebra]
Alexandria to start nominating committee for collective bargaining labor relations administrator — “The City has been notified that each of the following groups are interested in having a representative on the nominating committee: American Federation of State; County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF); International Union of Police Associations (IUPA); and the Southern States Police Benevolent Association (PBA). To participate on the nominating committee, any employee organization interested in representing a bargaining unit must notify the City Manager by email at [email protected] by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 16.” [City of Alexandria]
West End Business Association hosting COVID meeting for restaurants — The Alexandria Health Department will update restaurant owners on how to open post-COVID. Homegrown Restaurant Group’s “Mango” Mike Anderson will also speak at the event, which will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23, at Glory Days Grill. [Facebook]
Today’s weather — “Rain (during the day). High near 70F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible… Rain early (in the evening)… then remaining cloudy with showers late. Low around 65F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.” [Weather.com]
New job: Dog daycare playroom attendant — “If you are a hard and reliable worker looking for a fun and rewarding job, we encourage you to apply. We are also offering a limited-time signing bonus to those who can reliably commit to the job for at least 4 months.” [Indeed]
TikTok captures promotion for first Hispanic Alexandria Fire Department battalion chief — “‘Hi dad, it’s Nicholle,’ the voice said before listing all the other people in the room. ‘It is my honor to announce your promotion to battalion chief.'” [7News]
Emergency alert at 10 a.m. announcing 16+ eligibility for COVID-19 vaccine — “On Monday, April 19, around 10 a.m., #Virginia will be issuing a Wireless Emergency Alert System message alerting everyone 16+ that they are now eligible to register for a #COVID19 vaccine under phase 2. More information: bit.ly/3mXUfTC #VaccinateVA” [Twitter]
Police honor good samaritan who identified crash suspect — “The Alexandria Police Department honored a man and his family with the Chief of Police Award on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, for their assistance in a deadly pedestrian crash from last year.” [Twitter]
DASHing Words in Motion Poetry Bus honors 10 Alexandria Poets, Poet Laureate — “On April 15, ten local poets were honored by the Alexandria Transit Company and The City of Alexandria Office of the Arts for their poetry submissions. Their winning submissions are posted inside each bus of the entire DASH bus fleet and on the Office of Arts website.” [Zebra]
Today’s weather — “Considerable clouds early. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 68F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph… Clear (in the evening). Low 47F. Winds light and variable.” [Weather.com]
New job: Group fitness instructor — “This is an exciting opportunity for the right person to be an inspiring member of our team and help us to continue to share the Row House brand and experience to all people, everywhere. Coaches are hired as employees (not independent contractors) as we invest in your development and growth as a rowing-based fitness professional.” [Indeed]
Police announced yesterday that local resident Justin Benedict (55) had died as a result of injuries from a vehicle crash in Old Town on Friday.
“The Alexandria Police Department is investigating a vehicle crash that occurred on Friday, November 20, 2020, at S. Washington Street and Wilkes Street,” Alexandria police said in a press release. “At approximately 4 p.m., police responded to a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.”
Police said the driver remained on the scene and Benedict was brought to a local hospital where he died.
“Members of the Crash Reconstruction Team are investigating the crash,” police said. “Witnesses to this crash or anyone with video footage are asked to contact Officer Nancy Gordon at 571.289.6794.”
Photo via Google Maps
What an intense week in Alexandria.
Our top story was on the massive power outages that affected tens of thousands of residents on Friday, October 23. Without providing specifics, Dominion Energy told City Council this week that outages in Alexandria and Arlington were “unique,” and caused by a piece of equipment that failed at its Glebe Road substation. City Councilors responded that there have been at least eight outages since May.
Monday started with news that an Alexandria Police officer was shot in Old Town and that the 27-year-old suspect was found shot to death near a construction site.
Police were called to the Holiday Inn & Suites in Old Town North after reports that shots were fired in the lobby of the hotel. Police chased two suspects on foot and a shootout ensued. The officer was shot in the lower body and was later released, and the other suspect later turned himself in to police.
On the coronavirus front, there are now 74 deaths in Alexandria and there are now or have been more than 4,200 cases since the pandemic began in March. Latino residents continue to lead the case count. This week the Alexandria Health Department reported that majority of recent coronavirus cases in Alexandria might be the result of contacts at home, indoor gatherings and eating out.
Restaurant-wise, we reported the soft opening of a new chicken joint in North Old Town.
Additionally, the Wrought, Knit, Labors, Legacies art installation at Waterfront Park will be taken down next month at Waterfront Park, and the installation will temporarily be moved outside of Old Town Pool (1609 Cameron Street).
We also reported that more than 50% of Alexandria voters have already cast their ballots.
Additionally, more than 240 people participated in our weekly poll. With Halloween on Saturday, this week we asked about trick-or-treating plans, and 38% of respondents are not celebrating Halloween this year, 31% are not trick-or-treating but have other plans, 17% plan to trick-or-treat with modifications, and 14% plan to trick-or-treat as usual.
Here are ALXnow’s top stories of the week in Alexandria:
- BREAKING: Massive Power Outage Reported in Alexandria
- BREAKING: Virginia State Police Seek Alexandria Man After Police Shootout
- School Board Shelves Plan to Reopen Schools in 2021, Students with Disabilities Transitioning Back Next Month
- Republican Jeff Jordan Running Uphill Battle Against Incumbent Rep. Don Beyer
- Here’s Where Alexandria Residents Might be Getting COVID-19
- BREAKING: Shooting Suspect In Custody, Police Announce
- Police: Man Killed in Car Crash on N. Van Dorn Street
- Identity Released of Old Town North Suspect Killed in Shootout
- Police: Shots Fired in Braddock Area on Monday Night
- The Chewish Deli Opens New Location in Old Town
- Police Assist Man With Psychotic Episode in West End
Happy Halloween!
A 43-year-old Alexandria man was killed in a car crash early Monday morning in the 2500 block of N. Van Dorn Street.
DWarren Brown died at the scene of the crash. Police responded to the single vehicle accident at around 1:44 a.m. and said that an initial investigation indicates that Brown lost control and drove off the road.
Brown was driving northbound on N. Van Dorn Street, and he crashed after driving on a long straightaway that runs parallel to Interstate 395. The speed limit in the curvy area where Brown crashed is 25 miles per hour.
The APD Crash Reconstruction Team is investigating the incident, and anyone with information is asked call investigator Jordan Young at 703-746-1816.
