STAFFORD, Va. – Two Stafford County schools were locked down over the past week after false alarms triggered emergency systems.
At Mountain View High School and Margaret Brent Elementary on September 19, an alarm set off a precautionary lockdown before deputies confirmed there was no threat. Five days later, Stafford High School went into lockdown twice in one morning after faulty wiring caused its system to activate.
Three suspects broke into Tobaccoville on Lafayette Boulevard on September 21, stealing merchandise. The suspects were described as wearing all black with hoods up and ski masks.
Other notable incidents include vandalism of vehicles on Caroline and Charlotte Streets, and vehicle tampering on Saunders Drive. In these cases, vehicles were either keyed, had windows broken, or were rummaged through.
A 35-year-old man was charged in connection with an attempted malicious wounding incident that occurred on September 20 near Manassas. The suspect, who had been sought by police, turned himself in without incident. He faces multiple charges, including attempted malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
In a separate incident, a 31-year-old man was arrested for assaulting law enforcement and medical personnel in Woodbridge. The accused became combative during a medical call, striking two medics and attempting to bite a police officer.
3rd annual free community event that brings our neighbors right to our parking lot for a day of fun. Trick or Treating, games, raffle, photo booth, free food!
A case of credit card fraud was reported on Coventry Court when a juvenile family member used a victim’s credit card information without permission. The incident is under investigation, and criminal complaints are pending.
At Walmart on Garrisonville Road, a male suspect attempted to steal items by concealing them in his clothing. He exited the store and entered a Chevrolet Malibu, after which a female accomplice returned the items for a gift card. Authorities are working to identify the suspects.
QUANTICO, Va. — The National Museum of the Marine Corps says it will open later than usual on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. The announcement, posted to the museum’s Facebook page, notes a noon opening. The museum is normally open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily with free admission and parking.
The delayed opening comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is slated to address a rare gathering of senior military leaders at Marine Corps University on base Tuesday. While the event is closed to the public, Potomac Local is checking whether commuters and visitors should expect heavier gate traffic or temporary changes on roads serving the base and the museum.
WINCHESTER, Va. — Shenandoah University is proud to announce the 30 students who were selected for its Hornet Ambassadors program for 2025-26.
The new Hornet Ambassadors include:
The county has secured more than $10.25 million in federal funding to address chronic flooding along a stretch of Brooke Road, known as the “S-Curves.” The money comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s PROTECT Grant Program, which aims to tackle disasters such as flooding and extreme weather.
About 450 residents rely on this road daily—it’s the only way in or out of their neighborhood. It’s also a busy route to the VRE station and local parks.
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Operated by Connections Health Solutions, the complex features the Crisis Receiving Center (CRC) — a walk-in regional crisis facility with dedicated treatment spaces for adults and youth aged 12 and above — as well as co-located outpatient and community behavioral health services. Together, these elements aim to offer a safe, therapeutic alternative to hospital emergency rooms or incarceration for individuals in crisis, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
The county purchased the former Gander Mountain retail building on Worth Avenue in Woodbridge, a structure of more than 155,000 square feet on 12.5 acres, to house the center. According to Potomac Local News, officials approved a $10.6 million deal in 2022 to transform the retail space into a mental health clinic, with roughly $11.9 million in combined federal, state, and local funding directed toward the crisis receiving center itself.
