April 12 shooting in Dale City under investigation; three shot

Shooting Investigation – On April 12th at 2:37AM, Prince William County VA police officers responded to the 4000 block of Forestdale Ave in the Dale City part of Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a shooting.

The investigation revealed that the victim, a 20 year old man, was walking in the area above with three other male acquaintances towards a residence on Filarete St to attend a party advertised on social media. As the men were walking to the home, they were approached by seven acquaintances in a vehicle.

During the encounter, a separate vehicle, described as a light colored SUV, pulled up and confronted the group. The altercation escalated when a passenger in the SUV pulled out a handgun and began firing towards them. At that point, all parties dispersed and the suspect in the SUV pursued.

As a result, the 20 year old victim was shot in the lower body. A resident in the area witnessed the encounter and provided aid to the victim while police were contacted. As officers were on scene, it was further learned that two 17 year olds, a male and female, who were occupants in the initial vehicle were at an area hospital and had also been shot in the lower body during the same incident, according to Officer Mark Merriman, police department spokesman.

All three victims were treated at area hospitals and are expected to recover from their wounds, Merriman said.

The suspect is described as a black male, heavy set, with dreadlocks, wearing a black or dark colored hoodie and green shorts.  He was the passenger riding in a gray or silver SUV (no further description).

The case remains under investigation.  Anyone with information about either incident or the identity of the suspect is asked to call the Prince William County Police Department at (703) 792-6500 or Prince William Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS or (703) 670-3700