Possible Weekend Traffic Delays

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is advising residents of several weekend events that may cause traffic delays in various areas of the county.

Motorists who travel on Ashburn Village Boulevard tonight can expect delays on Friday, from 6-10 p.m.; as well as on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and again on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., for an event at the Ashburn Sports Pavilion.

Expect increased traffic around the Dulles Town Center for an event that will be held from 6-10 p.m. tonight; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

On Saturday, expect delays on Route 15 for an event at Oatlands. The event is being held from 6:45 a.m. to 2 p.m..

And on Saturday and Sunday, motorists should expect delays on Snickersville Turnpike for an event in Bluemont from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

Motorists are asked by the Sheriff's Office to please be patient, drive safely and follow all law-enforcement direction. Let's all have a safe and happy weekend!

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Second Annual Child Safety Day to be Held Saturday

Loudoun County Sheriff to Highlight Recent Cases and Important Steps Parents Can Take to Keep Kids Safe

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office will hold the 2nd Annual Child Safety Day tomorrow, Saturday, August 24, from 1-5 p.m. at the Dulles Town Center in Dulles, in the exterior parking lot between Jared Jewelers and Macy’s.

The event will provide the latest information to parents on how they can best protect their children from becoming the victim of a crime. The Child Safety Day, started last year by Sheriff Mike Chapman in remembrance of Erica Heather Smith, the 14-year-old girl who disappeared on July 29, 2002. Erica’s body was found 11 days later in a grave along Broad Run Creek, Ashburn.

“We can never forget our victims, will continue our work on cold cases, and will constantly identify steps to better help parents ensure the safety of their children,” noted Chapman.

“We are proud to champion child safety issues through our programs on Internet safety, safe driving through no texting, D.A.R.E in elementary and middle schools, and by enhancing school shooting preparedness by working with our law enforcement, emergency and LCPS partners,” he said.

For more information on this event, visit www.sheriff.loudoun.gov.

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Loudoun County Sherrif's Office Plans Sobriety Checkpoint as Part of St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Enforcement

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is urging motorists to plan a designated driver or a safe way home if you choose to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with alcohol this weekend.

As part of the agency’s enforcement efforts to crackdown on drinking and driving this weekend, a sobriety checkpoint will be held tonight, Friday, March 15. Members of the Sheriff’s Office Auxiliary Unit and volunteers from the Loudoun Chapter of MADD will assist with the checkpoint.

“Be responsible or risk a DUI,” said Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman. “If you are going to celebrate this weekend with alcohol, designate a sober driver before your celebration begins.”

Sheriff Chapman also reminded residents that the Washington Regional Alcohol Program will offer free cab rides from 4 p.m. Sunday, March 17 to 4 a.m. the following day, as part of the DC area SoberRide program. Loudoun (eastern) residents may call toll-free at 1-800-200-TAXI for a FREE (up to $30 fare) ride home.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to take the following steps to have a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day:

• Plan a designated driver or a safe way home ahead of time.
• If you are impaired, call a taxi, or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
• Immediately report any impaired drivers you see on our roadways to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.
• Wear your seatbelt!

Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office deputies will be out on patrol and will be on alert for impaired motorists. If you are caught drinking and driving, you will be arrested.


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Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office Co-Hosts 15th Annual WRAP Awards

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) co-hosted the 15th Annual WRAP Awards on Friday, Dec. 14, in McLean. The annual event recognizes law enforcement for their efforts in the fight against impaired driving.

Congratulations to Loudoun County Sheriff’s Deputy Alex Bracke, who was among 11 law enforcement officers from the region recognized by WRAP for their outstanding commitment in the fight against drunk driving.

Bracke, a 2-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office Field Operations Division, removed 48 impaired drivers from Loudoun’s roadways during the past year.

The annual WRAP Awards ceremony is part of a kick-off campaign for the Holiday SoberRide Program and also recognizes members of law enforcement for their efforts in impaired driving prevention. Commemorating its 30th year in 2012, WRAP, is an award winning, public-private partnership working to prevent drunk driving and underage drinking in the Washington-metropolitan area.

The Master of Ceremonies was News4’s Aaron Gilchrist, Loudoun County Sheriff Michael L. Chapman served as co-host, and the featured speaker was Congressman Gerry Connolly, 11th District of Virginia.

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Mobile DMV at Dulles South Station Friday, October 26

The DMV 2 Go mobile customer service center will be at the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office Dulles South Public Safety Center tomorrow, Friday, October 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The mobile customer service center allows you to apply for or renew your ID card (available for adults and children), apply for or renew your driver’s license, update your DMV information, obtain vehicle titles, license plates, decals, and transcripts, order disabled parking placards or plates and other services.

DMV 2 Go is a fleet of five mobile customer service centers ready to bring DMV services to Virginians at convenient locations. For more information on this program and the services provided, visit www.dmvNOW.com.

The Dulles South Public Safety Center is located at 25216 Loudoun County Parkway in Chantilly.

For more information on upcoming Loudoun Sheriff’s Office meetings and events, visit sheriff.loudoun.gov/lcsocalendar.

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Loudoun County Sheriff's Office to Conduct Back-to-School Enforcement Campaign

Now that the summer break has come to an end, Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman reminds all drivers to watch out for school-aged children walking to and from school, as they may forget to watch for you.

During the next few weeks Loudoun Sheriff’s Deputies will be conducting a Back-to-School campaign strictly enforcing speed and other traffic violations in the area of elementary, middle and high schools throughout the county. The campaign is to ensure the safety and welfare for the children returning to school.

Loudoun Sheriff’s Deputies will be utilizing RADAR, LIDAR, “Smart Trailers,” marked and unmarked cruisers, as well as the agency’s motorcycle unit.

The Sheriff’s Office would also like to send a friendly reminder to all drivers to obey signals by law enforcement officers and crossing guards. By ignoring their signals, drivers put the lives of the children and crossing guards in danger.

Loudoun County Traffic and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office hopes you'll help make this a safe school-year for our children.

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Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over this New Year’s Holiday Weekend

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to drive sober this New Year’s holiday weekend or you will get pulled over. The agency will be conducting DUI saturation patrols throughout the holiday weekend.

Loudoun County Sheriff’s Deputies conducting a saturation patrol concentrate DUI enforcement in one geographic area and stop any drivers suspected of driving under the influence or for any motor vehicle violation.

The message is simple, drinking alcohol and driving does not mix. If you plan to consume alcohol, you should plan not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle or ride a motorcycle.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office recommends motorists of these simple tips for a safe holiday:

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
• Use WRAP’s SoberRide program. www.wrap.org/soberride/.
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement.
• And remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride with a driver who is impaired, take the driver’s keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

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Two Loudoun County Sheriff's Recognized for Work Combating Impaired Driving

Congratulations to Loudoun County Sheriff’s Sergeant Kevin Robinette and Sergeant William Nugent who were recently recognized at the 20th Annual Excellence in Community Service and Public Safety Ceremony for their efforts in combating impaired driving in 2010.

Sergeants Robinette and Nugent were among several law enforcement personnel from the region recognized at the ceremony organized by MADD Virginia Program and the Fairfax Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP). The ceremony honors officers in their efforts in curbing drinking and driving.

Sergeants Robinette and Nugent serve as the front line supervisors within the agency’s Traffic Safety Unit in the Special Operations Division and coordinate all sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and traffic safety related enforcement.

Sgt. Robinette has over 27-years in law enforcement experience and joined the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in 1983. Sgt. Nugent has over 43-years of law enforcement experience and joined the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in 1994. Nugent served 26-years with the Fairfax County Police Department prior to joining the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.

The ceremony was held last Friday, May 13, at the West Park Hotel in Tyson’s Corner.

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Sheriff's Office to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint Tonight, Friday, May 13

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office will conduct a sobriety checkpoint tonight, Friday, May 13, in Western Loudoun County.

The sobriety checkpoint will be held from 10 p.m. tonight until 3 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday) morning. The Sheriff’s Office designed the checkpoints to raise public awareness and to discourage impaired driving.

“Our ultimate goal is to ensure the roads are safe for all motorists by achieving voluntary compliance with the drinking and driving laws,” said Loudoun County Sheriff Steve Simpson. “If you drink and drive, we’re going to catch you,” added Simpson.

Members of the Sheriff’s Office Auxiliary Unit and volunteers from the Loudoun Chapter of MADD will assist with the checkpoint.

Remember Loudoun County travelers... don't drink and drive!

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Racing May Have Contributed to Student’s Accident

From the Loudoun Patch...

Witnesses told investigators from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office that the 19-year-old who was seriously injured in car accident while leaving Dominion High School around 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, appeared to be racing another vehicle.

Driving his 1998 Honda Accord, Raqeeb Khan headed northbound on Potomac View Road. A witness reported to Loudoun investigators that Khan was in the left lane and appeared to be racing another vehicle, or at least speeding, when a 2001 Audi A4 driven by a Dominion student drifted into Khan’s lane.

Somewhere between South Cottage Road and River Meadows Drive, Khan swerved to avoid the Audi and lost control of his car, according to a Sheriff’s Office report. He then crossed the northbound lanes, struck a tree and rolled onto its roof, according to the report.

A helicopter transported Khan to Inova Fairfax Hospital. While serious, he is expected to recover from injuries. Three passengers in Khan’s vehicle who also attend Dominion were not injured.

Deputies charged the 16-year-old driver of the Audi with reckless driving.

The accident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Deputy S. D. Allen of the Accident Reconstruction Unit at 703-737-8308.

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Pedestrian Struck; Hit And Run Driver Sought

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public’s help in identifying a hit-and-run driver who struck and injured a pedestrian in the early morning hours yesterday, Saturday, January 22.

A 28-year-old Lucketts man was walking north alongside James Monroe Hwy (Rt. 15) north of Montressor Rd. (Rt. 661) at approximately 3:50 a.m. when he was struck by a southbound vehicle. The victim was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital, where he is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office accident reconstruction investigators responded to the scene. The suspect vehicle is believed to possibly be a dark red or maroon 2007 or 2008 Saturn Aura with damage on the front and passenger side quarter panel. The vehicle is also missing the passenger-side mirror.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the suspect vehicle and/or the driver is asked to call the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office at 703-777-1021.

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Weather Conditions

The weather overnight and early this morning has forced Loudoun County Public Schools to close today, Tuesday, Jan. 18.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office reminds motorists that winter driving can be hazardous, especially here in our area where we normally receive a mixture of ice, freezing rain and snow. If you have to drive today, please remember to be careful, and follow the below safety measures for safe winter driving.

Drive Safely

• Always buckle-up. Your seat belt can be the best protection against drivers who are tense and in a hurry because of weather conditions.
• Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights – even the hood and roof – before driving.
• Pay attention. Don’t try to out-drive the conditions. Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement and leave plenty of room for stopping.
• Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows – stay back a safe stopping distance – and don’t pass on the right.
• Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly. It takes more time to stop in adverse conditions.
• Watch for slippery bridges, even when the rest of the pavement is in good condition. Bridges will ice up sooner than the adjacent pavement.
• Don't use your cruise control in wintry conditions. Even roads that appear clear can have sudden slippery spots and the short touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control feature can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. 
• Don't get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle. Remember that your four-wheel drive vehicle may help you get going quicker than other vehicles but it won’t help you stop any faster. Many 4x4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop. Don’t get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle’s traction. Your 4x4 can lose traction as quickly as a two-wheel drive vehicle.
• Do not pump anti-lock brakes. If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, do not pump brakes in attempting to stop. The right way is to “stomp and steer!”  
• Look farther ahead in traffic than you normally do. Actions by cars and trucks will alert you quicker to problems and give you a split-second extra time to react safely. 
• Remember that trucks are heavier than cars. Trucks take longer to safely respond and come to a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them. 

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Loudoun Sheriff’s Deputy Recognized for Third Straight Time for Efforts in Combating Impaired Driving

Loudoun County Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Totaro was recognized yesterday for his efforts in combating impaired driving at the 19th Annual Excellence in Community Service and Public Safety Ceremony. This is the third straight award for Totaro in this effort.

In the past 12 months Totaro has removed 33 motorists from Loudoun’s roadways who were driving under the influence. He was among several law enforcement personnel from the region recognized at the ceremony organized by the Fairfax County chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) and the Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP). The ceremony honors officers in their efforts in curbing drinking and driving.

Totaro has been with the agency for nearly four years and is currently assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Field Operations Division. In 2009 he was recognized at the 18th Annual Excellence in Community Service and Public Safety Ceremony as well as the 12th Annual WRAP Awards. Both ceremonies honor officers in their efforts in curbing drinking and driving.

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Deputy Recognized for Removing 38 Impaired Drivers from Roadways in 2009

A Loudoun County Sheriff’s Deputy was recognized December 11 for his efforts in the fight against impaired driving. Deputy Jason Totaro was among several law enforcement officers from the region recognized by the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) for their outstanding commitment in the fight against drunk driving.

Totaro, a four-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, removed 38 impaired drivers from Loudoun’s roadways in 2009. Loudoun Sheriff Steve Simpson said the efforts of Totaro and the entire agency sends a clear message to impaired motorists, “if you drink and drive, we’re going to catch you.”

The annual event is in part a kick-off campaign for the Holiday SoberRide Program and also recognizes members of law enforcement for their efforts in impaired driving prevention. Founded in 1982, WRAP, is an award winning, public-private partnership working to prevent drunk driving and underage drinking in the Washington-metropolitan area.

The Master of Ceremonies was News 4’s Lyndsay Czarniak.

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Sheriff's Office Announces Results From Weekend Sobriety Checkpoint in Leesburg

A sobriety checkpoint held this past Saturday, November 7, in Leesburg, saw just one motorist charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. The checkpoint was held on Riverside Parkway at McDowell Square. The checkpoint had 132 cars pass through with 10 motorists further screened. Six motorists were charged with traffic-related infractions.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office currently conducts one checkpoint per month throughout the year and holds additional checkpoints during the holidays.

“Our ultimate goal is to ensure the roads are safe for all motorists by achieving voluntary compliance with the drinking and driving laws,” said Loudoun County Sheriff Steve Simpson. “If you drink and drive, we’re going to catch you,” Simpson warned.

The Sheriff’s Office designed the checkpoints to raise public awareness and to discourage impaired driving. Members of the Sheriff’s Office Auxiliary Unit and volunteers from the Loudoun Chapter of MADD assisted with the checkpoint.

For the latest Loudoun County traffic news and information, subscribe to Loudoun County Traffic via your favorite RSS reader, or get Loudoun County Traffic by e-mail.