Police: Wertz Drive Shooting Death Leads to Woodbridge Arrest

Police have arrested and charged a man with first degree murder after another Woodbridge man was shot along Wertz Drive in Woodbridge, Prince William County police spokesperson Jonathan Perok said. 

Aric Alexander Smith, 25, of Woodbirdge, was also charged with armed robbery and using a firearm in commission of a felony.

Police initially responded on Feb. 20 at 9:40 p.m. to the 3700 block of Wertz Drive for a report of shots fired. 

"Witnesses reported seeing a man fleeing the area on foot who was believed to be the shooter," Perok said. "The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation revealed that the victim was walking his dog in the area above when he was approached by an unknown man, identified as the accused. During the encounter, the accused shot the victim and took property belonging to the victim before fleeing the area."

The victim was identified as Gregory Holley, 55, of Woodbridge. A description of the accused was given to police, and off-duty PWC Police Lieutenant Carlos Robles responded and found Smith on Cardinal Drive. After a reported struggle, Smith was arrested. 

"The accused was found to have some personal property belonging to the victim on his person at the time of the arrest," Perok said. "The gun used in this incident had also been reported stolen on Feb. 15 from a vehicle in Montclair."

At this time, police do not believe the victim and Smith knew each other. 

Smiths' court date is June 19. He is being held without bond.