Editor's Note:
This is the first in a three-part series exploring Virginia Railway Express’ (VRE) ambitious System Plan 2050, which outlines a vision for how the commuter rail system could grow over the next 25 years. We'll break down what the plan means for the region, what riders can expect, and how the system hopes to pay for its bold goals.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Residents gathered along the Rappahannock River today to celebrate Earth Day with a mix of environmental stewardship, family fun, and even goat cuddles.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Here’s your roundup of events happening tomorrow, Sunday, April 27, 2025, across Prince William County, Stafford, Manassas, and Fredericksburg. Whether you're in the mood for live performances, art exhibitions, or family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Live Music and Performances

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

A cold front moving through the area this afternoon and evening will bring scattered showers and a few thunderstorms. Some storms could be strong, with gusty winds. Behind the front, Canadian high pressure will bring cooler and breezy conditions for Sunday and Monday, with plenty of sunshine. Another weather system is expected to approach by midweek.

Weather Outlook:

• Saturday:
  Scattered showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. A few storms may be strong with gusty winds. Highs in the mid 70s to low 80s. Winds turning breezy after the cold front passes.
• Saturday Night:
  Showers ending after sunset. Cooler and breezy with lows in the 40s (upper 30s in the mountains).
• Sunday:
  Mostly sunny, breezy, and cooler. Highs in the mid 60s to low 70s. Winds gusting up to 30 mph.
• Sunday Night:
  Clear and chilly. Lows in the upper 30s to 40s.
• Monday:
  Sunny and a bit warmer. Highs in the low to mid 70s with light winds.
• Tuesday:
  Clouds increase with a chance of showers late in the day. Highs in the low to mid 70s.

The Fredericksburg Nationals (10-9) scored seven unanswered runs to defeat the Charleston RiverDogs (8-11) by a score of 8-1 on Firework Friday at Virginia Credit Union Stadium.

The game remained close through the first five innings, tied 1-1 after solo runs from each team. Jackson Ross hit a solo home run in the second inning for the Nationals, and Charleston tied the game in the fourth. In the sixth inning, Fredericksburg took advantage of Charleston’s defensive mistakes, scoring four runs, followed by three more runs in the eighth inning.

The Nationals’ bullpen pitched six scoreless innings to secure the team’s largest winning margin of the season and tied the series at two games apiece. Matt Bollenbacher earned the win for Fredericksburg. Game five of the series is scheduled for Saturday, with Angel Roman starting for the FredNats.

Here’s the full press release:

The Fredericksburg Nationals (10-9) took advantage of late mistakes made by the Charleston RiverDogs (8-11) and scored seven unanswered runs to win 8-1 on a Firework Friday at Virginia Credit Union Stadium.

When the sixth inning started, the game had been played to script. In a tight, well-pitched series, the FredNats and RiverDogs were again playing close in a 1-1 tie. Both starters, Yoel Tejeda Jr. (3+ IP, 1 ER) and Ryan Andrade (4.0 IP, 1 ER), were long gone and their offenses were stifled. The Nationals’ run came via a Jackson Ross solo home run, his third of the year, to start the second inning, while the RiverDogs nickel and dimed their way to a run in the fourth.

Outside of putting baserunners on, neither offense was having much success scoring.

Then, the FredNats got some help in the sixth inning, a frame that doomed Charleston. Reigning Carolina League Player of the Week Jorgelys Mota drew a one-out walk to reach for his second time. Ross came up next and rolled a ground ball to short that looked like an inning-ending double play. Charleston shortstop Jack Lines wildly sailed his throw down the right field line, though and Mota motored around to score and give the FredNats a 2-1 lead.

After a Nate Rombach walk, Nate Ochoa rifled a line drive into center field that would’ve loaded the bases, but Angel Mateo overplayed it and it sailed right by him to the wall, scoring both runners. Another Charleston miscue, a wild pitch, brought Ochoa home and completed a four-run inning that put Fredericksburg ahead 5-1.

The FredNats added three more runs in the eighth inning, courtesy of outfielders Elijah Nunez and Cristhian Vaquero, who both had RBI base hits. Vaquero had his second three-hit game of the series, driving in two runs as well and adding a mind-bending stolen base and a game-changing diving catch that stranded the bases loaded for Charleston – a banner day for Washington’s 26th-ranked prospect (MLB Pipeline).

The FredNats held on to win 8-1, their largest winning margin of the season, and tied the series at two games apiece. Again, the FredNat bullpen helped fuel the win, with six scoreless innings from Matt Bollenbacher, Erik Tolman and Austin Amaral.

Bollenbacher (1-0) got the win as Dominic Niman (1-2), who pitched the sixth inning, got the loss despite not allowing an earned run.

In game five of the series Saturday, the FredNats send Angel Roman (0-1, 17.61) to the mound against Jose Urbina (0-1, 2.57) in a 7:05 start.

Subscribe to our FREE email newsletter to get local news you can trust.
https://www.potomaclocal.com/email-subscription/

The Prince William County Criminal Justice Academy graduated its 60th Basic Law Enforcement Session on Friday, April 25, 2025, during a ceremony at Chapel Springs Church in Bristow. The graduating class included 17 Prince William County Police officers and one Prince William County Sheriff’s deputy. Each graduate completed 24 weeks of training in areas such as firearms, use-of-force decision making, driver training, legal training, patrol techniques, criminal investigation, and crash investigation. Police officers typically start with an annual salary of $62,000.

Here’s the full press release:

Police Basic Recruit School Graduates Today

The Prince William County Criminal Justice Academy Basic Law Enforcement 60th Session graduated on Friday, April 25, 2025, in a ceremony at Chapel Springs Church in Bristow. This class was composed of 17 Prince William County Police officers and one Prince William County Sheriff’s deputy.

The 18 men and women completed a 24-week course of training in all aspects of police work, including classes in firearms, use-of-force decision making, driver training, legal training, patrol techniques, criminal investigation and crash investigation. Brief biographies of each graduate follow:

Dalen T. Armeni is a graduate of Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, with a bachelor’s degree in history. He serves in the Army National Guard at the rank of Second Lieutenant. Additionally, he was the Class Guide of the 60th Session. Officer Armeni is assigned to work patrol in western Prince William County.

Justin L. Barnes is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State College in Blacksburg, with bachelor’s degrees in criminology and sociology. He serves in the U.S. Army Reserves at the rank of First Lieutenant. Officer Barnes is assigned to patrol in eastern Prince William County.

Gabriella M. Butcher is a graduate of North Carolina State University in Raleigh, with a bachelor’s degree in criminology. She has family in law enforcement. Officer Butcher is assigned to patrol in eastern Prince William County.

Ty M. Clingerman is a graduate of Randolph College in Lynchburg, Va., with a master’s degree in coaching and sports leadership and bachelor’s degrees in sociology and psychology. He has family in law enforcement. Additionally, he was the Class Vice President of the 60th Session. Officer Clingerman is assigned to patrol in central Prince William County.

Reese W. Creadon attends the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Va., and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science. Officer Creadon is assigned to patrol in central Prince William County.

Waghma Ghairat is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University in State College, with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She speaks Farsi, Urdu, and Pashto. Officer Ghairat is assigned to patrol in central Prince William County.

Michael J. Labella, IV is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State College in Blacksburg, with a bachelor’s degree in criminology. Officer M. Labella is assigned to patrol in central Prince William County.

Ryan P. Labella is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State College in Blacksburg, with a bachelor’s degree in criminology. Officer R. Labella is assigned to patrol in western Prince William County.

Selvin J. Milian Garcia is a graduate of Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Comercials Romulo Gallegos in Guatemala City, Guatemala, with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He speaks Spanish. Additionally, he was the Class President of the 60th Session. Officer Milian Garcia is assigned to work patrol in western Prince William County.

Michael P. Nowell is a graduate of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Officer Nowell is assigned to work patrol in central Prince William County.

Jamal P. Ortte is a graduate of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He has family in public safety. Deputy Ortte is assigned to the Sheriff’s Office.

Melensky Saint Louis is a graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, with an associate degree in criminal justice. He has family in law enforcement, and he speaks Haitian Creole and French. Officer Saint Louis is assigned to work patrol in eastern Prince William County.

Abdul M. Sami is a graduate of ECPI University in Manassas with an associate degree in cybersecurity. Officer Sami is assigned to work patrol in eastern Prince William County.

Guillermo Sanchez is a graduate of Paoli Junior-Senior High School in Paoli, Ind. He worked as a corrections officer in Louisville prior to joining this Department. He speaks Spanish. Officer Sanchez is assigned to patrol in western Prince William County.

Adam D. Snover is a graduate of Frazier Mountain High School in Lebec, Calif., and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science and cyber security at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. He serves in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve at the rank of Sergeant. He has family in law enforcement. Officer Snover is assigned to work patrol in western Prince William County.

Travis O. Tracey is a graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Officer Tracey is assigned to work patrol in central Prince William County.

Aidan W. Wiecki is a graduate of Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine, with a bachelor’s degree in vessel operations and technology. Officer Wiecki is assigned to work patrol in eastern Prince William County.

As the need for highly skilled and capable law enforcement officers increases, the Department continues to seek qualified applicants for police officer positions. All interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Prince William County Police Recruiting at (703) 792-7924 or visit the Department’s website at www.joinpwcpd.org. You can also find us on social media.

Subscribe to our FREE email newsletter to get local news you can trust.
https://www.potomaclocal.com/email-subscription/

Prince William County

WOODBRIDGE — Prince William County police are investigating a shooting that occurred at approximately 1:48 p.m. on April 24 in the 14900 block of Enterprise Lane. Officers said a verbal altercation between occupants of a red sedan escalated into gunfire between the sedan’s occupants and nearby pedestrians.

The sedan fled the scene by vehicle, and the pedestrians left on foot before police arrived. One bullet struck a home, causing debris to injure a resident inside. Another round struck an unoccupied vehicle. Officers and a K-9 unit searched the area but were unable to locate anyone involved. The investigation is ongoing.

MANASSAS AREA — A 35-year-old man was stabbed following an altercation on April 24 at approximately 1:36 p.m. in the 7300 block of Miramar Drive. According to police, the victim and an acquaintance, identified as Adrian Basilio Espinoza, engaged in a verbal dispute that escalated. Espinoza allegedly cut the victim with a knife before fleeing.

Warrants have been issued for Espinoza, 33, of the 8500 block of Kirby Street in Manassas, charging him with malicious wounding. Efforts to locate him have been unsuccessful.

WOODBRIDGE —
Reckless Handling of a Firearm:
Officers already in the area of Featherstone Road and Arizona Avenue on April 23 around 8:39 p.m. heard multiple gunshots. Police said a sedan traveling eastbound on Featherstone Road fired several rounds into the air before fleeing. No injuries or property damage were reported.

MANASSAS —
Vandalism on School Grounds:
A School Resource Officer at Colgan High School discovered vandalism inside a textbook on April 23 at around 12:16 p.m. Police said swastikas and derogatory language had been drawn inside the book. No threats toward students or staff were found, and no additional vandalism was reported.

Arrests in Prince William County

MANASSAS AREA—
Assault & Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer [Juvenile]:
A 15-year-old male was arrested after assaulting a School Resource Officer and attempting to disarm him at Osbourn Park High School. The juvenile is being held at the Juvenile Detention Center.

Sexual Assault:
Edwin Alberto Mendoza, 28, was arrested for sexually assaulting two women near Community Drive and possession of suspected illegal drugs. He is being held without bond.

Sexual Assault Investigation:
Edgar Antonio Lopez Hernandez, 48, was arrested following an investigation into a reported sexual assault at the Forest Park Mobile Home Park. He faces charges of two counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of object sexual penetration.

WOODBRIDGE —
Assault & Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer [Hospital Incident]:
Hawa Kaloko, 23, was arrested after allegedly assaulting two officers and hospital staff during an evaluation at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center.

Assault & Battery on Law Enforcement Officer:
Humberto Hernandez-Valles, 41, was arrested after resisting officers and allegedly kicking one officer and attempting to bite another during a call on April 24. He is being held without bond.

Attempted Abduction [Domestic]:
Quentine Preston Forge, 31, of Fredericksburg, was arrested after he allegedly headbutted a woman and attempted to drag her from a fitting room at PRIMARK inside Potomac Mills Mall on April 24. Forge is charged with attempted abduction, assault and battery, and obstruction of justice. He is being held without bond.

Malicious Wounding [Domestic]:
A 47-year-old man was arrested following a domestic dispute on April 24 at a residence in the 2900 block of Wetherburn Court. Police said Bedri Sinan Kahramanoglu headbutted a 48-year-old family member during an argument. Kahramanoglu is charged with malicious wounding. Court date pending; bond unavailable.

DUMFRIES —
Threats to Bomb:
Candice Sherrell Logan, 35, was arrested for allegedly threatening to bomb Potomac Middle School. She was charged with threats to bomb and disorderly conduct.

Stafford County

Robbery Suspects Caught:
Deputies arrested Claude Church Jr., 30, and Heather Harrison, 38, after spotting them near Woodland Drive on April 24. Both were wanted out of Fairfax County for robbery charges. Church faces additional charges for possession of controlled substances and paraphernalia. Both suspects are being held without bond.

Fraud and Foot Chase at Panera Bread:
Shane Williams, 28, was arrested on April 23 after trying to use counterfeit money at Panera Bread on Stafford Market Place. Williams fled on foot but was tackled by a Sheehy Toyota employee before deputies detained him. He is charged with possession of forged currency, use of forged currency, possession of a fictitious identification, and obstruction of justice.

Assault at Jay’s Sports Lounge:
Deputies responded to a fight between two women at Jay’s Sports Lounge on April 24. Police said one woman assaulted and dragged the other by her hair after the victim took her car keys to prevent drunk driving. The suspect was pepper-sprayed in self-defense. She was charged with assault and battery and public intoxication and is being held without bond.

Drugs at Rappahannock Regional Jail:
Staff at the Rappahannock Regional Jail found a suspected controlled substance hidden inside an AirPods case belonging to a new inmate brought in from another jurisdiction. The substance was seized, and charges are pending.

Fraud During Traffic Stop:
A traffic stop on April 24 near Richmond Highway and Sage Lane led to the arrest of a driver who provided a false identification. Deputies discovered the man had no driver’s license. He is charged with falsely identifying himself to law enforcement, driving without a license, and having an expired inspection. He is being held on a $2,500 secured bond.

Hit and Run on Hulls Chapel Road:
Deputies responded to a damaged mailbox on April 24. It was determined a FedEx driver struck the mailbox. No injuries were reported.

Phone Stolen on River Crest Way:
A resident reported that he accidentally dropped his phone and it was missing when he returned to the area. Deputies are investigating the larceny reported on April 24.

Public Intoxication on Little Whim Road:
Deputies arrested a man on April 24 who was reportedly intoxicated and on his way to steal more alcohol. He was charged with public intoxication and held until sober.

Stolen Property at Traffic Stop:
Deputies arrested a driver near Access Eye on Cambridge Street after discovering one of the vehicle’s license plates was reported stolen. The driver was charged with receiving stolen goods and failure to obey a traffic light and is being held without bond.

Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the bipartisan USPS Shipping Equity Act, which would allow the U.S. Postal Service to ship alcoholic beverages directly to consumers. Subramanyam, who represents Manassas and western Prince William County, said the bill would expand opportunities for local breweries, vineyards, and distilleries while providing a new revenue source for USPS. Industry groups, including the American Craft Spirits Association and the National Rural Letter Carriers Association, support the bill.

Read more about Congressman Subramanyam’s first 100 days in office here.

Here’s the full press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 25, 2025

Congressman Suhas Subramanyam Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Boost Market Access for Local Breweries and Wineries

Washington, D.C. – This week, Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the bipartisan USPS Shipping Equity Act to allow the United States Postal Service (USPS) to ship alcoholic beverages to consumers.

“This prohibition era restriction on the Postal Service is unnecessary and imposes on consumers and our small businesses,” said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam. “I’m thrilled to partner with Congressman Newhouse on a bipartisan fix to expand opportunities available to our local breweries, vineyards, and distilleries and provide a new revenue source for USPS.”

“The wine, beer, and spirits industries are at a real disadvantage in delivering their high-quality products across the country,” said Congressman Dan Newhouse. “While other carriers deliver alcohol, current law prohibits the United States Postal Service from doing so. This legislation supports small craft breweries and wineries in rural areas like Central Washington and offers new opportunities for market access through the USPS. I thank Rep. Subramanyam for joining me in introducing this bipartisan legislation as we work to unlock the USPS for our local producers.”

The legislation allows the USPS to ship alcoholic beverages directly from licensed producers and retailers to consumers over the age of 21, in accordance with state and local laws at the delivery location. It levels the playing field and increases consumer and manufacturer choice while bringing in millions of dollars in revenue for USPS per year. The legislation is supported by industry partners including the American Craft Spirits Association and the National Rural Letter Carriers Association.

“We thank Representatives Newhouse and Subramanyam for their bipartisan legislation. As our small, domestic businesses have grown over the past 15 years, allowing the USPS to ship craft spirits will provide access to another important delivery option for small distillers in the U.S,” said Margie A.S. Lehrman, CEO of the American Craft Spirits Association. “Many of those distilleries are located in rural areas where support of their local Main Street matters. Access to the thirty-one thousand post offices in the U.S. would be a game changer, helping their small businesses to succeed and grow. We hope the Congress will act soon on this important small business initiative.”

“The NRLCA thanks Congressman Newhouse and Congressman Subramanyam for introducing the USPS Shipping Equity Act, legislation that modernizes outdated regulations and allows the Postal Service to deliver products like wine, beer, and spirits,” said Don Matson, President of the National Rural Letter Carriers Association. “This act promotes fairness by allowing USPS to compete on equal footing with private carriers, creating new opportunities for rural communities and small businesses to expand through USPS’s reliable service. It also generates revenue that can be reinvested to improve customer service. It’s a commonsense reform that helps USPS meet the needs of modern society and drive economic growth across the country.”

Full bill text can be found here.

Subscribe to our FREE email newsletter to get local news you can trust.
https://www.potomaclocal.com/email-subscription/