A routine evening at a Woodbridge church food pantry turned frightening when, police say, a 37-year-old man attacked staff members, biting one volunteer badly enough that they had to be taken to the hospital. Other staffers suffered minor injuries, and it was a group of quick-acting Good Samaritans who restrained the man until officers arrived, shaking a volunteer crew that is more used to handing out canned goods than dealing with violence.
According to WJLA, officers responded around 7:22 p.m. on May 20 to Cokesbury Methodist Church at 14806 Blackburn Road after reports that an unknown man had walked into the church's food bank and become aggressive with volunteers. Investigators identified the man as 37-year-old James Alexander Polk, who police say assaulted two male staff members before Good Samaritans stepped in and restrained him. While being held, Polk allegedly bit a third person, who was taken to a hospital for treatment, police said. The first two victims were reported to have minor injuries.
Where It Happened
According to Cokesbury United Methodist Church's website, the church at 14806 Blackburn Road hosts regular community outreach programs, including a food pantry that distributes groceries to Woodbridge families. The church calendar highlights volunteer-run distributions that lean on congregants and local neighbors to keep the pantry operating.
Legal Status And Charges
Prince William County police say Polk, who has no fixed address, is being held without bond and faces charges that include malicious wounding, two counts of simple assault and disorderly conduct, with a court date still pending, according to WJLA. Authorities have not released any additional details about a possible motive while the case remains under investigation.
The investigation is still active, and police say they plan to share more information as it becomes available.
