Metro Rape | 'Kill Casino Bill' | Thief Tunnels Into Business: VA News

VIRGINIA — On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from across Northern Virginia and DC. Here's a roundup of some of the biggest and quirkiest stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

'Kill Casino Bill In Committee' Activists Tell State Lawmakers

Opponents of Comstock Companies' efforts to build a casino on Metro's Silver Line called on state lawmakers to oppose any legislation that would facilitate the developer's plans.

• Silver Line Casino Opposition Joined By Citizens Association

Man Accused Of Attempted Rape On Metro Train: Police

A woman was injured Monday night on a Metro train near a Metro station in an incident where the suspect is accused of attempted rape, according to police.

Proposed Arena Prompts Sports Authority, Transportation Discussions

State lawmakers and local officials fielded questions from residents and shared what's next for the arena proposal during a citizens association town hall Monday. The town hall came as major discussions on a sports authority and release of a transportation study are coming up.

Fake Flower Deliveries Lead To Burglaries At 5 Homes

Police released photos of a suspect they say has been using a bouquet of flowers and tools to break into homes since the end of September.

Dulles Greenway Toll Increase: Public Hearing To Be Held Tuesday

The operators of the Dulles Greenway are hoping to raise tolls. The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) hosted a public hearing on Tuesday to solicit public feedback.

VA Breeders Surrender 200 Dogs, Cats Over Mistreatment Claims

Two Virginia breeders recently were ordered to surrender more than 200 dogs and cats after federal authorities accused the pair of pervasively mistreating the animals.

Man Tunneled Through Wall To Break Into Business: Police

A man broke into the Auto Chiefs facility before tunneling through a wall to enter an adjacent business, the county sheriff's office said.

Judge Rejects County's Effort To Stop Missing Middle Zoning Lawsuit

The trial in the case of a lawsuit brought by 10 homeowners against the county over its Missing Middle Housing, or Expanded Housing Options, zoning policy were allowed to move forward after a circuit court judge on Thursday rejected the county’s motion for an immediate appeal of his decision to let the lawsuit go to trial.

Man Shot At Driver Who Hit His Dog: Police

A driver hit a dog in a roadway on Wednesday night, authorities said. The dog's owner fired gunshots at the driver, who left the area before police arrived.

Man Pleads Guilty To Killing Kitten, Setting Fires

Last week, a man pleaded guilty to killing a kitten and setting fires at an apartment in the spring of 2023.

Letty Hardi Chosen As Mayor, Hiscott Named Vice Mayor

This is the first time since 2014 that the city has a new mayor. Former Mayor David Tarter was picked for the position in 2014, then again in 2016, 2018 and 2022. Tarter did not seek re-election in 2023 along with former Councilmember Phil Duncan.

Shoplifting Suspect Flees On Train Tracks At Metro: Cops

A man accused of shoplifting fled onto the train tracks at a Metro station Monday morning as police tried to apprehend him, according to police.

Man Fatally Shot Wife, Took Her To Hospital: Police

A man fatally shot his wife, according to police. Investigators noted that the man took the victim to an area hospital before she died.

Boy Robbed By Same Suspects 2 Days In A Row: Police

A boy was robbed by the same suspects on consecutive days, according to police.

Historical Marker To Recognize Little Hunting Park Desegregation Case

A key case that helped desegregate recreational associations in the U.S. will be honored with a state historical marker.

New DMV Customer Service Center Sets Opening Date

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles’ new Braddock Road Customer Service Center is scheduled to open on Jan. 22.

Driver Led Cops On Chase, Crashed After Theft Of $3K Chain: Police

After the theft of a $3,000 chain, a driver led police on a chase and crashed, authorities said.

7 Families File Lawsuits Against VA School Where Boy, 6, Shot Teacher

Seven families of students at Richneck Elementary School have filed lawsuits against the school district's school board and three administrators, claiming more should have been done to prevent a 6-year-old student from shooting teacher Abigail Zwerner, according to a report.

Animal Shelter Pauses Dog Adoptions Again Due To Parvovirus

An animal shelter is temporarily halting dog adoptions for the second time in as many months. Again, the shelter is faced with concerns about parvovirus.