Police and fire officials investigating Dec. 10 deadly fire on Gaines Rd., Haymarket

Death Investigation | Structure Fire – On Dece. 10 at 1:07AM, personnel from the Department of Fire & Rescue responded to a residence located in the 16600 block of Gaines Rd. in Haymarket (20169) to investigate a fire. Fire crews initially responded to the home for a fire to a detached garage. A 72-year-old man was located inside the garage and was transported to an area hospital where he died as a result of his injuries. At this time, there are no signs of foul play. The death and the cause of the fire are currently under investigation by Prince William County police detectives and the Department of Fire & Rescue, Fire Marshal’s Office.
Identified:
The deceased has been identified as James Earl FRANCIS, 72, of Haymarket

Armed Robbery – On Dec. at 5:06PM officers responded to the Tobacco Hut located at 14455 Jefferson Davis Hwy. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a robbery. An employee reported to police that two unknown men entered the store and approached the counter. During the encounter, one of the suspects brandished a handgun while the other suspect tied the employee’s hands and covered his head. The suspects fled the store after taking a large quantity of tobacco products. No injuries were reported. The investigation continues.
Suspect Descriptions:
A Hispanic male, unknown age, 6’2”, 225lbs with a heavy build
Last seen wearing a gray and black fitted hat, black jacket, and jeans
A Hispanic male, unknown age, 5’ 9”, 160lbs with a medium build
Last seen wearing a jean jacket over a white hooded sweatshirt and jeans

Shooting into an Unoccupied Vehicle – On Dec. 8 at 11:06AM, officers responded to the 3600 block of Russell Rd. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a shooting into an unoccupied vehicle. The vehicle owner reported to police that sometime between 4:50PM on Dec. 7 and 10:20AM on Dec. 8, their 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer sustained damage from a suspected gunshot.
No damage was observed prior to the vehicle being driven on Dec. 7. The hole was discovered in the hood of the vehicle the following morning and police were contacted. No injuries or other property damage were reported.

Residential Burglary – On Dec. 9 at 2:44PM, officers responded to a residence located in the 15700 block of Birdsong Ct. in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a burglary. A resident of the home reported to police that an unknown male suspect was seen opening the rear screen door and entering her screened-in porch. When the resident confronted the suspect, he ran away from the residence. No property damage was reported, and no property was taken.
Suspect Description:
A black teenage male last seen wearing a white and black plaid hooded sweatshirt and black sweatpants

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Anyone with information regarding the incidents in this report is asked to contact Prince William County Police Department tipline at 703.792.7000 or submit a webtip to: http://www.pwcgov.org/policetip