Gas Station Shootings | No. 1 School Slips | Jewel Theft Ring: VA News

VIRGINIA — On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from across Northern Virginia and DC. Here's a roundup of some of the biggest and quirkiest stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

'Violent Crime Ring': 16 Charged With East Cost Robberies, Carjackings

Fifteen people from the DC region were charged Wednesday in connection with a crime ring that targeted jewelry stores owned by Asian Americans in Virginia and other states on the East Coast, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

2 Shot At Meetup Of Dirt Bikes, ATVs In Alexandria

Three people in all were injured in the two shootings within 15 minutes of each other, according to police. One of the shootings injured two at a large gathering of recreational vehicles at adjacent gas stations.

Zoning For Housing Reforms Process To Begin

As a city looks to expand housing and affordable options, it will kick off a process of zoning reforms in the second half of 2023.

Candidate Vows To Keep Out Arlington-Style Missing Middle

Several candidates running for a county's board in November favor taking steps to make housing more affordable in the county, but no candidate has expressed support for duplicating another county's Missing Middle Housing plan that went into effect July 1.

Vandal Kicked, Damaged Statue Of Ohana The Otter Before Theft: Police

A vandal kicked the statue of Ohana the Otter in a downtown area, and police said another person then stole the statue.

U.S. News Best High Schools 2023: TJ Ranking Falls

After Northern Virginia's competitive governor's school was ranked first among high schools in the nation by U.S. News, it fell in this year's ranking.

Bomb Threat At Smithsonian National Zoo Prompts Evacuation

Authorities investigated a reported bomb threat at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, according to police.

Gun Loaded With 12 Bullets Confiscated From Man At Airport

A man was stopped by security officers at an airport with a 9mm handgun loaded with 12 bullets in his carry-on bag, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

• Loaded 9mm Handgun Found In Woman's Carryon Bag At Airport

Man Opened Fire Into Crowd Outside Business

A man opened fire on a crowd outside a business, injuring three people, according to police.

Laundry Room Double Homicide Leads To Charges For 2 More Teens

A double homicide involving a shooting and stabbing in an apartment building's laundry room have led to charges.

Barricade Ends With Man Taken Into Custody

A man was safely taken into custody following a 6-hour barricade in a neighborhood.

Shopping Center Sold To New Owners For $172.5 Million

A major shopping center is under new ownership amid plans for a commuter garage and park slated to open next door in mid-2024.

Virtual Food Hall Overseen By Michelin-Star Chef Debuts

An Iranian restaurant that opened to great acclaim earlier this summer is sharing a kitchen with a new virtual food hall.

Drunk Driver Caused Crash That Flipped Police SUV: Cops

A drunk driver ran a red light and caused a crash with a police SUV, which led to the police SUV rolling over.

Northern Virginia Localities Remain Top Places For Apartment Construction

The construction boom continues in two Northern Virginia localities, which remain some of the DC region's top places for apartment construction.