Strasburg man charged with hydrant part theft

By Kipp Hanley

Published: July 9, 2008

Prince William police charged Douglas David Mumaw of Strasburg with obtaining money by false pretenses and larceny with intent to sell after they said he stole parts from fire hydrants and sold them, said Officer Erika Hernandez, Prince William Police spokeswoman.

The 40-year-old Mumaw took components from hydrants in Somerset Crossing, Virginia Oaks, Regency, Hope Well Landing and Dominion Valley subdivisions and Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in western Prince William County, police said.

Hernandez said once the components were removed and stolen the fire hydrants became inoperative, causing a potential safety hazard for the community.

Police got a tip during the investigation that led them to Mumaw, who was taken into custody by local authorities in Shenandoah County early Wednesday morning. Mumaw was released on a $2,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 18.

Police ask anyone who sees someone tampering with a fire hydrant to call 703-792-6500.

Staff writer Kipp Hanley can be reached at 703-369-5738.