Detectives from the Fairfax County Police Department’s Crash Reconstruction Unit continue to investigate a fatal crash that happened last Monday, Nov. 28, at 9:03 p.m. The victim was a pedestrian, Jacinto Chavez Ramos, 29, of Centreville.

The tragedy occurred at the intersection of Lee Highway and Trinity Parkway in Centreville. According to Sully District police, the driver of a 2021 Toyota Corolla was traveling south on Lee Highway when that vehicle struck Chavez Ramos in the crosswalk. 

Rescue personnel responded and pronounced Chavez Ramos dead; the driver remained at the scene. Preliminarily, police say speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors for the driver in the crash. 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Crash Reconstruction Unit at 703-280-0543. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477).

Chantilly Woman Charged with Felony Embezzlement

Fairfax County police have charged a Chantilly woman with felony embezzlement. Arrested last week was Denise Pitkin-Tilson, 55, who worked at Target and also at Eagle View Elementary School in Fairfax as an instructional assistant.

She’s charged with stealing more than $10,000 in cash, gift cards and merchandise from the Target store in Chantilly. Police were called Monday, Nov. 28, at 7:52 p.m., by a loss-prevention officer at the store at 14391 Chantilly Crossing Lane. Pitkin-Tilson worked there as a part-time cashier, and police say this officer had received word from Target headquarters that “the store was missing money at the end of Pitkin-Tilson’s shift.”

According to police, she was recorded for more than a month and “was [allegedly] seen embezzling money from registers, as well as stealing gift cards and merchandise.” After being questioned at the Sully District Police Station, Pitkin-Tilson was taken to the Adult Detention Center and later released on $2,000 bond. In addition, FCPS was notified of her arrest. 

Anyone with information about this case, or others possibly related, is asked to contact detectives at 703-246-7800. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. 

‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ for Parents of Teens

Fairfax County police are offering a hands-on, in-person, interactive program for parents and guardians of teenagers. Called “Hidden in Plain Sight,” it’ll be held Monday, Dec. 12, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Liberty Middle School, 6801 Union Mill Road in Little Rocky Run.

Attendees will be guided through a presentation opening their eyes to what’s right in front of them. This program begins with a setup of a teenager’s bedroom which includes close to 100 “red flags” indicating risky behavior. Parents are encouraged to touch everything and identify these red flags. 

Register at https://bit.ly/libertyhips22. Or register for other, upcoming presentations dates at https://bit.ly/fcpdhips. Registration is required, and seats are limited for this free event. For further information or to arrange a presentation for an organization, club or group, email PFC Meg Hawkins at FCPDHIPS@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

Car Seat Inspections, Dec. 15

Parents may get their children’s car seats inspected on Thursday, Dec. 15, from 5-8:30 p.m., outside the Sully District Police Station. It’s at 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. Inspections are done on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are asked to wear a mask and adhere to social-distancing and safety precautions.
They should also install the child safety seat themselves, so the inspection can be performed. The seat will be properly re-installed, if necessary, and parents will be taught how to install the seat properly, in the future. 

Gift Card Drive for Child Victims

The Fairfax County Police Department’s Victim Services Division is holding its 9th Annual gift-card drive. They’ll be used to benefit child victims, children who’ve witnessed domestic and sexual violence, and children who’ve lost a loved one to homicide. Especially useful are gift cards to, for example, Target, Walmart, Amazon, grocery and clothing stores, as well as to local restaurants.

Please drop off or mail these cards, from now until Dec. 16, to: Saly Fayez, director, Victim Services Division, 12099 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax, VA 22035. Gift cards will be distributed to the children’s families by Dec. 17 to enable them to have meals and presents and a happier holiday. For more information, contact Fayez at saly.fayez@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-246-2465.

Storybook Trail Opens at E.C. Lawrence Park

Children may learn all about squirrels and chipmunk and spot some local squirrels while taking a child-appropriate stroll on the new Storybook Trail in Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. This new trail lets parents and children share a healthful walk and an outdoor adventure together.