A recent spike in violent crime in a Woodbridge, Virginia, shopping center has resulted in safety and security changes near the intersection of U.S. Route 1 and Prince William Parkway. Now, the business where the violence happened has lost its liquor license.
Within the past week, a fatal shooting and a stabbing happened outside the 7-Eleven located on Richmond Highway.
Woodbridge Supervisor Margaret Franklin, of Prince William Board of County Supervisors, said there has been “a noticeable uptick in criminal activity,” in the area, and has been working with police and nearby businesses and neighbors to increase safety.
“We have increased patrols and standing presence in the area, and have a camera in place now,” said police spokesman Jonathan Perok. “We’re working on increased lighting and partnering with community stakeholders for cameras and lighting on their property as well.”
Franklin says “No Trespassing” signs have been placed behind the 7-Eleven, which will enable police to enforce the county trespassing ordinance.
Prince William County Public Schools has purchased the land behind the convenience store, and will trim the treeline for better visibility, in addition to lights.
The 7-Eleven has also had its liquor license suspended. Franklin posted the order from the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, which revoked the 7-Eleven’s license last Friday.
“It is important to address criminal activity at its roots and these actions will help move us toward that goal,” said Franklin, in a recent news release about the Woodbridge crimes.
In addition to last week’s violent crimes, “two other homicides, occurring on July 1, 2022, and October 27, 2022, occurred in the rear of the 7-Eleven property,” according to the ABC report.
The ABC said 7-Eleven employees had reported safety concerns earlier, and police responded to numerous calls for service.
“The licensee failed to take further steps to prevent future acts of violence, by hiring adequate security, hiring multiple clerks during a shift, or otherwise preventing loitering or crime in the parking lot,” according to ABC.
“The board concludes that there exists a continuing threat to public safety and that temporary suspension of the licenses is justified to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.”
