Articles by Troy Pope
Virginia police seek help finding missing 85-year-old man
Robert Williams Jr., 85, was last seen in Burke driving a red Jeep with the license plate number 97588H. The vehicle has handicap plates. Credit: Fairfax County Police Department Robert Williams FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — Police in Virginia are asking for help finding a missing man who could be at risk.
DMV's western counties under tornado watch until 8 p.m.
WASHINGTON — A Tornado Watch has been issued for our western most counties in the DMV until 8 p.m., including areas such as Winchester and Harrisonburg. Right now D.C. Metro is not included, but the watch could be extended. Keep checking with WUSA9's Weather Team for updates.
2 officers shot during traffic stop in Fairfax County, police say
FAIR OAKS, Va. — Two officers were shot during a traffic stop on Wednesday in Fairfax County, the police department said. A third person was also taken to the hospital, but it wasn't clear if it was the suspect. Police confirmed that a suspect was in custody. The shooting happened in the 4000 block of Majestic Lane near Greenbriar, police said. The police department said the officers' wounds weren't life-threatening. Majestic Lane is closed between Rt. 50 and Meadow Hill Lane.
Frontier plane cleared following 'precautionary security search' at Dulles International Airport
DULLES, Va. — Officials have cleared a flight that had been sitting on the runway for hours. Airports Authority police, fire and operations personnel responded to Runway 19R at Dulles International Airport after crews reported a possible security incident. Police dogs searched the cargo area of the plane and did not find anything. Passengers were deplaned on the runway on to a mobile lounge.
Leesburg woman missing; sheriff's office asks for the public's help finding her
Credit: Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Abigail Roethlein LEESBURG, Va. — The sheriff's office in Loudoun County is asking for the public's help finding a woman missing from Leesburg. Abigail Roethlein, 34, was last seen around 6 a.m. Tuesday in the 40000 block of Gap Road in Leesburg. The sheriff's office said Roethlein left to take her dog for a walk. The dog returned home, but she did not. Roethlein was last seen wearing a white jacket, black hoodie, and grey sweatpants.
Kamala Harris event scheduled on National Mall, permit shows
No confirmed information that VP Harris is stopping by, but one alum we can guarantee will be there is WUSA9's own Lesli Foster! WASHINGTON — Kamala Harris is planning an event on the National Mall just one week before the election, WUSA9 has learned. According to a permit filed Friday with the National Park Service, the event will be on the mall Tuesday, and as many as 7,500 attendees are expected. The permit also plans for 250 staff, organizers and volunteers.
Giant pandas coming back DC's National Zoo this week
WASHINGTON — The nation's capital is set for some fresh panda-monium this week as two giant pandas are headed to Washington, D.C. right now. The news comes from the China Wildlife Conservation Association, which said Monday 3-year-old Bao Li, a boy, and 3-year-old Qing Bao, a girl, are D.C. bound. The organization said the giant pandas departed China on Monday morning.
World Central Kitchen resuming mission in Gaza after 7 aid workers killed in Israeli airstrike
The April 1 airstrike killed seven people: Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha of Palestine; John Chapman of Britain; Jacob Flickinger of the U.S. and Canada; Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom of Australia; James Henderson of Britain; James Kirby of Britain; and Damian Soból of Poland. "We continue to grieve and mourn the loss of seven of our friends and colleagues who were killed in an IDF attack in Gaza on April 1," said World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore.
3 people shocked at Alexandria construction site; 2 have life-threatening injuries
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Three people were hospitalized on Monday morning after being shocked at an Alexandria construction site, the Alexandria Police Department said. Officers responded to a construction site in the 6300 block of Stevenson Avenue on Monday where they found three adults had been shocked at the site. The police department couldn't confirm whether or not they are construction workers. All three were taken to area hospitals, and two of them had life-threatening injuries.
Secret Service search Venezuelan Embassy after alarm goes off
WASHINGTON — An alarm that went off on the grounds of the Venezuelan Embassy in Northwest D.C. on Thursday prompted the U.S. Secret Service to search the location. Few details are known, but the Secret Service was alerted to the alarm around 5:30 p.m. and decided to perform a search. "We conducted a thorough search of the premises and other buildings belonging to the Venezuelan embassy, but found no results," a spokesperson for the Secret Service told WUSA9.
Police looking for woman with information in Maryland infant sex abuse case
HOWARD COUNTY, Md. — Police are offering up a reward for anyone who can identify a woman who may have "critical knowledge" involving a child sex abuse investigation. Maryland State Police released photos on Tuesday of a woman they believe could have information in the case, and they're offering a reward of up to $14,000. The woman was captured in video screenshots from 2020. She has distinctive tattoos including a chest tattoo and multiple arm/hand tattoos.
Virginia police looking for Dimas Alexis Lazo on rape charges
WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Police are asking for the public's help finding a man they say raped a girl in Woodbridge last year. On Nov. 26, 2023 around 12:30 a.m. officers with Prince William County Police Department responded to a home in the Woodbridge area of Prince William County to investigate a sexual assault. According to police, a girl had been sexually assaulted by a man inside the home when a family member discovered what was happening and intervened. The man fled the home.
DC Police investigating shooting involving officers in Southeast Original
WASHINGTON — DC Police is investigating a shooting involving officers in Southeast DC on Friday night. The police department first tweeted about the shooting at 6:54 p.m. which happened in the 1400 block of Bangor Street, SE. Few details are known. WUSA9 has a crew headed to the scene.
2 teens shot in Northeast DC near Deanwood Metro Station
WASHINGTON — Two teens were shot Monday afternoon near a Metro station in Northeast D.C. DC Police responded to the 4700 block of Minnesota Avenue, Northeast – not far from the Deanwood Metro Station. When officers arrived, they found an "older juvenile male" victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Police say he was conscious and breathing when he was transported to an area hospital. Another teen was found at the scene. He was unconscious and not breathing, according to police.
Plane that took off from Dulles makes emergency landing on Loudoun County Parkway
LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. — A plane made an emergency landing on the Loudoun County Parkway on Friday, not far from Dulles International Airport. Very few details are known, but the plane can be seen on the Loudoun County Parkway near Arcola Mills Road on cameras owned by the Virginia Department of Transportation. According to FlightAware, the plane is Southern Airways Express Flight 246 that took off from Dulles and was headed to Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Convenience store explodes in Southeast DC after reported gas leak
WASHINGTON — A gas explosion was reported at a convenience store in Southeast, D.C. on Thursday morning, DC Fire and EMS said. The fire department first tweeted about the explosion just after 10 a.m. The explosion happened in the 1200 block of Marion Barry Avenue, Southeast. The fire department said it happened on the second floor of the building. The building collapsed in the explosion, and a second building was damaged.
Missing: Police are looking for two girls last seen together in Northeast DC
WASHINGTON — DC Police are asking for the public's help locating two girls who were last seen together in Northeast D.C. on Thursday. The two young girls were last seen around 10 p.m. in the 4400 block of Eads Street, Northeast – just a couple blocks east of Fort Mahan Park Nevaeha Orellana, 13, is described as being 5-foot-3 and 130 pounds with brown eyes and black hair. She was last seen wearing black puffer coat, black Uggs boots, black sweater, black pants, and pink camouflage head scarf.
Red Line construction to finish one day early
WASHINGTON — Metro riders who have had to deal with Red Line construction this month will see service return to normal this weekend, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority said Thursday. The original plan was for the Red Line to resume normal service on Sunday, but it is expected to reopen one day ahead of schedule.
Man's body pulled from Mattawoman Creek – same location missing Charles County man was last seen
INDIAN HEAD, Md. — The body of a man was pulled from Mattawoman Creek, which is the same location a missing Charles County man was last seen, the sheriff's office said Thursday. Editor's Note: The video above aired on Dec. 9, 2023. On Wednesday, around 10:30 a.m., the Charles County Sheriff’s Office got a call about a body of a man being found in Mattawoman Creek.
1 killed in Centerville, Virginia house fire on Christmas morning
CENTERVILLE, Va. — One person was killed in a fire early on Christmas morning, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue said. Just after 4:30 a.m., firefighters responded to the 14100 block of Red River Drive in the Centreville area. Fire crews found smoke and flames coming from a townhouse when they arrived in the neighborhood. The fire was brought under control, but firefighters found one person who died as a result of the fire. No victim information has been released.
Man dead in Southeast DC shooting
WASHINGTON — DC Police are investigating after a man was shot to death in Southeast late Friday night. Around 11:15 p.m., officers responded to the 3000 block of Stanton Road, Southeast for the sounds of gunshots. When they arrived, officers found evidence of a shooting but no victim. Shortly thereafter, officers were told that a rideshare driver had brought a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the First District station. He died at the scene.
French Bulldog stolen during attempted sale in Southeast DC
WASHINGTON — Police are asking for the public's help locating a dog that was stolen during a planned sale on Friday. Shortly before 3 p.m., the owner listed the dog for sale online, and DC Police say the suspect contacted her to buy the dog – a French Bulldog named "Mocha." The woman took the dog to the 3300 block of 14th Place, Southeast to make the transaction. When she arrived with Mocha, suspects approached the woman and took the dog from her.
LIST: Here are the bus lines WMATA is threatening to cut amid financial woes
WASHINGTON — Amid what WMATA is characterizing as a dire financial crisis for the D.C.-area's transit system, this week the transit authority's CEO presented his proposed 2024 budget, which includes massive cuts across the entire system. The union that represents workers for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority called the proposed cuts "draconian" as the plan would cut as many as 2,200 jobs from WMATA's workforce – as well as astonishing cuts to the bus system.
Clyde's management threatens to close Gallery Place location due to crime
WASHINGTON — The president of Clyde’s Restaurant Group wrote an email to the D.C. government back in September threatening to shutter their Penn Quarter location which borders Chinatown if nothing was done to mitigate the rise in crime in the city, WUSA9 has confirmed with a source in the District government. The Clyde's of Gallery Place has been open since 2005.
Child killed in crash in Glenn Dale, Maryland
GLENN DALE, Md. — A 4-year-old girl was killed in a crash in Prince George's County on Tuesday morning, the police department said Wednesday. Around 9:20 a.m., officers responded to Glenn Dale Boulevard and Daisy Lane for a crash involving two SUVs. According to the Prince George's County Police Department, the investigation shows that the two drivers crashed in the intersection of Glenn Dale Boulevard and Daisy Lane.
Library of Congress announces lineup for 100th anniversary concert series
WASHINGTON — The Library of Congress will celebrate its 100th anniversary of the Concerts at the Library of Congress series next year. Twenty-seven shows were announced to celebrate the centennial event. The Library of Congress says the shows include chamber music, jazz, dance and popular music events. “This season we are celebrating a major milestone in our history as a presenter of the performing arts,” said Susan H. Vita, Chief of the Library’s Music Division.
Nicki Minaj tour coming to Capital One Arena in Washington, DC
WASHINGTON — Nicki Minaj announced the dates and venues of her largest tour to date this week, and she's making a stop in the nation's capital. "Nicki Minaj Presents: Pink Friday 2 World Tour" will make a stop in Washington, D.C. at Capital One Arena on Monday, April 1, 2024. Minaj will also perform the following night in Baltimore. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday at 9 a.m. until Thursday, Dec. 14, at 9 p.m. at citientertainment.com.
Whitman-Walker Max Robinson Center awarded $22.5M in federal funding
WASHINGTON — The Whitman-Walker Max Robinson Center, which provides health care services to the Ward 8 community with a focus on LGBTQ+ health and HIV care, was awarded $22.5 million in federal funding, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Monday. The center, which is located on the St. Elizabeth's East campus, was awarded the funding from the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund and will support its continued expansion.
Best Thanksgiving dessert 2023: A list of Google Trends
WASHINGTON — It's that time of year again when you have to decide what to bring to your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving celebrations. Something that there can never be too much of is dessert, and the Thanksgiving holiday tends to lean toward pies. So we took a look at what pie-like desserts were trending to see what the country seems most interested in – according to Google Trends. Editor's Note: The information gathered for this story contains data on 5 desserts with search traffic from Nov.
Police: 10-year-old boy, 5-year-old girl hit, killed outside Maryland elementary school
RIVERDALE PARK, Md. — Two children were killed Monday morning after being hit by a vehicle near an elementary school in Riverdale Park. According to Prince George's County Fire & EMS, around 8 a.m., the two children were crossing the street in a crosswalk on their way to school when they were struck by a vehicle, not far from Riverdale Elementary School. The kids were taken to an area hospital with critical injuries.
Fire burns through Mormon church in Chevy Chase, Maryland
CHEVY CHASE, Md. — Firefighters are battling a large fire at a Mormon church in Chevy Chase on Monday afternoon. The church is located at 5460 Western Ave. in Chevy Chase at the border of Maryland and D.C. At least one firefighter was injured while battling the blaze, but their condition is not known at this time, according to Pete Piringer, spokesman for Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service. Multiple fire units were working this fire. No other details have been released.
MDOT holds meetings to get public input on American Legion Bridge, 270 Corridor Program
GAITHERSBURG, Md. — A series of open house meetings are being held for the public to weigh in on the American Legion Bridge and 270 Corridor Program. The Maryland Department of Transportation said the open houses follow "Gov. Wes Moore's Aug.
New fines in DC target vehicles that block bus stops, bus lanes
WASHINGTON — Are you driving in D.C.'s bus lanes or blocking bus stops with your vehicle? The District plans to start fining you $100 starting Wednesday. The Clear Lanes Initiative is a program implemented by D.C. and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to help keep the "bus-only" lanes clear of commercial vehicles. WMATA added cameras to each Metrobus that runs along the 31 routes with bus-only lanes, totaling 140 cameras.
DOJ: 3 arrested for operating 'high-end brothel network' in Virginia and Boston
FAIRFAX, Va. — Three people were arrested in connection to a "high-end brothel network" in Virginia and Boston, the Department of Justice said Wednesday. The brothels reportedly had clients such as elected officials, high tech and pharmaceutical executives, doctors, military officers, government contractors that possess security clearances, professors, attorneys, scientists and accountants, the DOJ said.
Maine rolls out mental health form to provide support to organizations, companies, schools after Lewiston shooting
AUGUSTA, Maine — The State of Maine has launched an online form for communities and organizations to request special behavioral health support following the massacres in Lewiston last week. "Many of us have been feeling a range of emotions this past week, from shock and sadness to anxiety and fear to grief and anger," Gov. Janet Mills said. "I have felt many of these emotions myself, and I am sure that we will all feel these things in the coming days.
Man who allegedly shot, killed judge found dead, authorities say
WILLIAMSPORT, Md. — Investigators on Thursday discovered the body of a man accused of shooting and killing a Hagerstown judge in his driveway — ending a week-long manhunt in a crime that has shocked the Maryland community. The Washington County Sheriff's Office said the body of 49-year-old Pedro Argote was found Thursday morning in a heavily wooded area between Clear Spring Road and Bottom Road in Williamsport, Maryland.
Man who allegedly shot, killed judge found dead, authorities say
The Washington County Sheriff's Office said the body of 49-year-old Pedro Argote was found Thursday morning in a heavily wooded area between Clear Spring Road and Bottom Road in Williamsport, Maryland. The area is roughly a mile northwest of where his car was found abandoned on Saturday in the small community along the Potomac River. Argote's remains were found Thursday on private property which is used for deer hunting during a systematic search of the area with multiple law enforcement agencies.
Herndon au pair charged with murder denied bond Original
HERNDON, Va. — A judge determined a Brazilian woman living in Virginia charged with murder should remain in jail pending trial, citing concerns over a newly obtained passport. Juliana Peres Magalhaes, a 23-year-old au pair for a family in Herndon is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of 39-year-old Joseph Nathan Ryan. She made her first court appearance Friday. Just before 8 a.m. on Feb. 24, police were called to the 13200 block of Stable Brook Way.
Man who allegedly shot, killed judge found dead, authorities say
WILLIAMSPORT, Md. — The man who law enforcement said shot and killed a judge in his driveway in Hagerstown last week has been found dead, the Washington County Sheriff's Office said Thursday. Investigators had been searching the area in and around Williamsport. On Thursday morning around 11 a.m., the sheriff's office said a body was found during that search.
Dog found! | Woman reunited with her dog after he was stolen in violent attack in Northeast
WASHINGTON — Three days after a violent attack in Northeast D.C. where a woman had her dog ripped from her arms, the victim and her nearly 14-year-old pup were reunited Tuesday after the man who found the dog said he saw the missing animal on the news. The woman picked up her dog at the Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens, about six miles from the site of her violent encounter. One of the men who alerted police said he found Max wandering down the sidewalk on Tuesday morning.
Tasha Butts, Georgetown University women's basketball coach dies
WASHINGTON — Georgetown University's women's basketball head coach Tasha Butts has died after a two-year battle with breast cancer, the university announced Monday. Butts, 41, died early Monday morning. The university said she was a star basketball player, a nationally-recognized assistant coach, and she was in her first year as head coach at Georgetown. "I am heartbroken for Tasha's family, friends, players, teammates and colleagues," said Lee Reed, Francis X.
'He really is the best' | Friends and family heartbroken by Rockville man's death in missile attack in Israel
ROCKVILLE, Md. — Growing up in Rockville, Omer Balva and Ethan Missner were best friends. The duo studied at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School and were inseparable. "We had a real bromance," Missner said with a bittersweet smile. And just one week ago, the duo were together yet again, at the Potomac home of Missner's parents. Balva, who moved to Israel after graduation, was visiting his friend on vacation. That's when reserves were called, and Balva had to make his return to Israel.
Staffer for Alabama senator robbed at gunpoint in Northeast DC
WASHINGTON — A staffer for Sen. Katie Britt (R-Alabama) was robbed at gunpoint on Thursday night, DC Police confirmed Friday. The incident happened around 8:20 p.m. in the 1200 block of E Street, Northeast. DC Police said the woman was walking down the sidewalk when she was approached by a person who pointed a gun in her face who said "Give me your purse and keys." The woman complied with the suspect. The suspect took the victim's property and then got into her car and fled the area in her Acura.
DC staple 17th Street High Heel Race returns next week
WASHINGTON — Grab your prettiest running heels, as an iconic D.C. tradition returns to the Dupont Circle neighborhood next week. The 36th annual 17th Street High Heel Race is back in Dupont on Tuesday night. The race takes place on 17th Street Northwest between P and S streets on the northeast side of Dupont. Editor's Note: The video above aired on Oct. 26, 2022. The High Heel Race started back in the 1980s when some men decided to race down the street in heels and drag.
Alleged Morgan State gunman was already wanted by US Marshals before mass shooting
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Marshals Service was already looking for the 18-year-old alleged Morgan State shooter before the mass shooting that disrupted the university's homecoming weekend earlier this month. Jovan Terrell Williams, 18, is one of two people police say opened fire at the university wounding five people. A 17-year-old has already been arrested in connection to the shooting. The 17-year-old won't be identified due to his age.
17-year-old arrested in Morgan State shooting; police looking for 18-year-old Original
WASHINGTON — A 17-year-old boy has been arrested and police are looking for an 18-year-old man in connection to the mass shooting at Morgan State University last week. Editor's Note: The video above aired on Oct. 4, 2023. The Oct. 3 shooting wounded five people, interrupting the university's homecoming weekend and forcing many events to be canceled or postponed. None of the victims' injuries were considered to be life-threatening, according to police.
Police investigate shooting in Brentwood neighborhood in Northeast DC
WASHINGTON — The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating after a man was shot in the Brentwood neighborhood of Northeast D.C. on Thursday. Around 1:40 p.m., officers were called to the scene of a shooting in the 1300 block of Downing Street, Northeast. When the responding officers got to the scene, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds who was not conscious or breathing at the time.
1 killed in Culpeper County crash, 4 others injured
CULPEPER COUNTY, Va. — One person is dead and four others were injured in a crash in Culpeper County on Wednesday afternoon, Virginia State Police said Thursday. The crash happened just after 6 p.m. at the intersection of Route 211 (Lee Highway) and Route 229 (Rixeyville Road). According to police, four vehicles were traveling west on Route 211 when they stopped for a red light.
'Tiger King' star 'Doc Antle' gets 2 years in prison for illegal purchasing endangered lion cubs in Virginia
RICHMOND, Va. — "Tiger King" star Bhagavan Antle, better known as "Doc Antle," was sentenced to two years in prison in a Virginia court on Tuesday after he was convicted of illegally purchasing endangered lion cubs in Frederick County. Prosecutors say Antle bought the cubs to be displayed at his South Carolina zoo business. Antle was convicted in June of two felony counts of wildlife trafficking and two felony counts of conspiring to wildlife traffic.
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