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Former Prescription Drug Abuser Warns Parents About Addiction

ANNANDALE, Va.  (WUSA) - "I went into my parent's medicine cabinet and took a bottle of Percocet," described Caitlin Acosta, 24, about the first time she thought about taking drugs. She was 12 years old.

"I just remember the principal saying, this is bad, really bad," said Acosta who was charged with a felony for narcotics possession and suspended from school for two weeks.

"I started smoking pot in the 7th grade. And drinking," Acosta explained. She said that after she got in trouble, her self-esteem and self-worth fell. Her friends dropped away and she started hanging out with the "bad kids."

Acosta is a resident of Falls Church and a graduate of George Mason High School, where her alcohol and drug additions only got worse. She was a cheerleader in high school, but kept on smoking marijuana. Then she started selling her prescription Adderall.

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Manassas Hires Compliance Officer and Releases 2012 Water Quality Report

Manassas Hires Compliance Officer and Releases 2012 Water Quality Report

 

The City of Manassas Department of Public Works and Utilities recently welcomed Derek Howard as their new compliance officer. A 20-year veteran chemist and environmental specialist from Florida, Howard is responsible for ensuring safe drinking water in Manassas City and working with the City of Manassas Treatment plant operators, the Virginia Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Quality. The Manassas Public Works/Utilities Department just released the 2012 Water Quality Report, available in digital format on their website. For information about Manassas City Water Quality, go to www.manassascity.org/waterqualityreport.

Woman Robbed At Gunpoint While Using Va. ATM

MCLEAN, Va. (WUSA9) -- Fairfax County Police are searching for the suspect who robbed a woman at gunpoint while using an ATM in McLean. 

According to police, the woman was withdrawing money from a Bank of America vestibule, on the at 8300 Greensboro Drive, at 9:10 p.m. on Tuesday when a man entered with a gun and demanded money. 

The suspect fled the scene on foot toward International Drive after the victim gave him cash, police said. 

Police said the victim was not able to determine the man's race but describe him as "5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet tall, 180 to 200 pounds with a muscular build. He was last seen wearing black pants, black shoes, a black shirt and black jacket and had a black mask covering his face." 

If you have any information about this case call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477 or text "TIP187" plus your message to CRIMES/274637.

DROP OFF DIAPERS and WIN ‘MOMMY and ME’ CUPCAKE DECORATING CLASS at OCCASIONALLY CAKE

DROP OFF DIAPERS and WIN ‘MOMMY and ME’ CUPCAKE DECORATING CLASS  at OCCASIONALLY CAKE

 

Occasionally Cake of Old Town Alexandria needs diapers as part of the Northern Virginia Family Service Diaper Drive. Customers can drop off diapers from Sat., May 4 through Mother’s Day, Sun., May 12, and be entered to win a Mommy and Me Cupcake Decorating Class, to be held on Tues., May 14 at 5 p.m. Three winners will be chosen from a raffle drawing.  Call (703) 647-9638 or visit www.occasionallycake.com for more information.

The Mommy and Me Cupcake decorating will be taught by owner, Sabrina Campbell, mom of two daughters and soon-to-be son. She will discuss cupcake decorating techniques, creativity and tips for parent and child.

Police Investigate Burglaries of Ten Va. Homes on One Day

McLEAN, Va. (AP) - Police in Fairfax County are investigating a series of burglaries at ten homes on one day.

Police say the burglaries happened Friday at sometime between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Police say burglars forced entry into all the homes and took jewelry, cash and electronics.

Police say the streets where the burglaries occurred were Strata Street, Sawyer Place, Barbee Street, Powhatan Street, Wise Street, Poole Lane, Dalmation Drive and Mulroy Street.

Police say they're looking for a man and a woman and are looking into the possibility that Friday's burglaries may be related to others in that area.

Police Investigating Suspicious Horse Deaths in Va.

NOKESVILLE, Va. (WUSA9) -- Police are investigating the deaths of two horses found at a farm in VA today. 

A 10-year-old thoroughbred cross mare was found dead in a field this morning around 7:00 a.m. A quarter horse gelding palomino was also found severely injured and had to be euthanized. 

The incident is still under investigation. If you have any information, call police at 703 792 6500.