4-Year-Old Discharges Gun, Causing Injury In Prince William County

DUMFRIES, VA — A 4-year-old child got access to a gun and got injured when it discharged, according to Prince William County Police.

Around 1:49 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to a shooting report at Townsquare at Dumfries Apartments in the 3900 block of Townsquare Court in Dumfries. A police investigation found the 4-year-old boy accessed an unsecured gun in the closet. The child was handling the weapon when it discharged, striking him in the leg.

Ofifcers provided aid to the boy, and he was treated at the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

The child’s father, identified as Gerardo Anthonio Mejia, 26, of Dumfries, was charged with allowing access to firearms by children. He was released on a court summons.

Below are other incidents in eastern Prince William County reported to police over the weekend. Anyone with information about an incident can contact the Prince William County Police Department tip line at 703-792-7000 or submit tip to pwcva.gov/policetip.

Indecent Exposure Arrest: On November 21, the suspect, identified as Vincent Leon CHERRY, who was sought in connection to an indecent exposure that was reported to have occurred at the Wegmans located at 14801 Dining Way in Woodbridge (22191) on November 19, was arrested. Arrested on November 21: Vincent Leon Cherry, 38, of Woodbridge Charged with indecent exposure Court Date: Pending | Bond: $7,000 secured

Indecent Exposure [Previously Released] – On November 19 at 7:12PM, officers responded to the Wegmans located at 14801 Dining Way in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate an indecent exposure. The investigation revealed the victim, a 27-year-old woman, was inside the store when she observed an unknown man expose himself before leaving the store on foot. No physical contact occurred between the two parties. The suspect was described as a black male, 30s, approximately 5’5” with facial hair.

Aggravated Assault: On November 21 at 2:13PM, officers responded to Round 1 Bowling and Amusement located in Potomac Mills at 2700 Potomac Mills Cir in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate an assault. The investigation revealed the victim, a 19-year-old man, was playing a game inside the business when he was approached from behind by an unknown man. During the encounter, the man put the victim in a choke hold before releasing him and walking away. No injuries were reported. The suspect left the business prior to officers arriving on the scene and was not located. Suspect

Description: A black male, 30-40 years of age, with a thin build and full beard Last seen wearing a red winter hat, red long-sleeve shirt with the “Grinch” depicted on the front, red sweatpants, and white shoes

Armed Robbery: On November 23 at 10:23PM, officers responded to the 14500 block of Watson Ln in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 19-year-old man, was approached by two unknown men while riding an electric scooter in the above area. During the encounter, the men reportedly brandished firearms and took the victim’s phone before leaving the area on foot. No injuries were reported. A police K-9 searched the area for the suspects who were not located. The suspects were described as black males, possibly in their late teens, wearing all dark-colored clothing and masks.

Reckless Handling of a Firearm: On November 22 at 1:37PM, officers responded to the area of Acadia Dr and Pacific Rim Ter in Dumfries (22025) to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed multiple callers reported hearing several gunshots in the area. As officers were responding to the scene, another call was received regarding a crash that occurred in the 17400 block of Bayou Bend Cir where four younger-ages black males were seen running from the crashed vehicle into the nearby woods. A police K-9 searched the area for the occupants who were not located. Two homes in the area were struck, no injuries were reported. Multiple shell cases were also located. Both incidents were believed to be related. The suspects were only described as wearing all dark-colored clothing.

Reckless Handling of a Firearm: On November 23 at 3:21PM, officers responded to a residence located in the 3700 block of Graham Park Rd in Triangle (22172) to investigate a destruction of property. The investigation revealed the homeowner found a bullet that had struck the roof area of the home. No injuries or other property damage were reported. It is unknown when the round struck the residence.