Shooting Outside Woodbridge Nightclub Injures One: Police

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — A 21-year-old man from Woodbridge was shot outside of The Palace nightclub over the weekend, according to the Prince William County Police Department. Authorities believed the shooting occurred after a fight broke out outside of the club.

The shooting was reported to police around 3 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 8. The police department said the shooting occurred outside of The Palace nightclub in Woodbridge's Marumsco Plaza, just off of Route 1.

The victim was at The Palace with two friends when they saw a fight in the parking lot, according to the police report. "During the fight, shots were fired, and the victim was struck in the leg," the police department wrote in their report.

The victim's friends drove him to the hospital to receive treatment for the gunshot wound. Once they arrived at the hospital, they also reported the shooting to police.

When officers arrived at The Palace, the fight was no longer in progress. Officers reported finding a shell casing near the entrance to the parking lot.

Security at The Palace told officers that they heard gunshots around closing time. However, they did not immediately report the shooting to authorities.

The police department noted that the victim was not involved in the initial fight. Authorities also said they did not have any description for any of the suspects who may have been involved in the fight or the shooting.

On Thursday, shots were also reported at Cloverdale Park in Dale City. Authorities claimed that a 27-year-old man shot a firearm inside the park, adjacent to nearby homes.

The man then reported the incident to police. "The accused reported that he recently purchased a handgun and fired a round into the ground to test the weapon," the police department said. He was charged with one count of reckless handling of a firearm.

Anyone who may have more information about the shooting and fight at The Palace is encouraged to contact the Prince William County Police Department tipline at 703-792-7000. Tips can also be submitted online.