Store robbed of cash, cigarettes
Police are looking for the man who walked into a 7-Eleven in Dale City, pulled out a gun and then took cash and cigarettes.
Officers were called to 14797 Darbydale Avenue at 6:20 p.m. Monday where the store clerk told them about the robbery.
The clerk described the man was black, between 18 and 25-years-old, 5 feet 9 inches tall, 160 pounds with a thin build, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt under a red and white jersey, jeans, gloves and mask. No one was injured.
Teen beaten
Also in Dale City at 8:18 p.m. Monday, police were called to the 5000 block of Ketch Court for a robbery that reportedly happened at 12:35 a.m. Monday. The 14-year-old victim told police he was walking in along Ketch Court, off Hoadly Road and Apollo Drive, when he was approached by a group of males he didn’t know.
They surrounded him, demanded money, and when he told them he didn’t have any they assaulted him. He was able to break free, but was tackled again and the males continued beating him, said police.
The victim was not seriously hurt and nothing was stolen. He told police all of the males were black, between the ages of 18 and 24, with heights between 5 foot 8 and 6 foot 1 inches tall.
Mysterious gunshots
And finally in Woodbridge, police want to know who’s been firing gunshots. Officers were called to the area of Rippon Landing Boulevard and Old Coach Road at 8:16 p.m. Tuesday after several callers reported hearing gunshots, police said.
Neighbors told police they saw large fight in the area, and saw a group of cars flee the area before police arrived. Police were not able to find anything suspicious, they said.
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Welcome to another City Council preview, this time for the Jan. 27 regular meeting. This week’s meeting will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers at 9027 Center St. The Department of Economic Development, led by Director Patrick Small, will present its fiscal year 2024 report to City Council.
Fiscal year 2024 — from July 2023 to July 2024 — showed an increase in industrial and retail vacancies in the last two quarters of the fiscal year. However, office space vacancies increased slightly over the fiscal year to just over 3.5%.
The city generated $12.9 million in sales taxes and $6.25 million in meal taxes, both increases from fiscal year 2023, the department’s presentation states. The department estimates nearly 340,000 people visited Manassas in fiscal year 2024, generating $60.5 million in spending in the city.
Inspired by the devastating wildfires in California that have affected over 38,600 acres and led to evacuation orders for 88,000 residents as of Jan. 15, we reached out to Stafford County’s Fire and Rescue team to explore how they get ready for wildfires in this area.
A wildfire outbreak began in California on January 7, 2025 and continues as of Jan., 23. Over 47,000 acres have burned, with a new fire starting yesterday in Hughes County. Over 16,000 structures have burned due to wildfires in 2025.
Katie Brady, county fire department spokeswoman and Fire Life Safety Manager, clarified that “wildfire” is a broad blanket term. Stafford is likelier to experience “brush fires” than quick-moving wildfires that cause widespread destruction like California’s. Brushfires can range in size from a few feet to several acres and can be precursors to a larger wildfire capable of causing significant damage. Brushfires are more common when the area experiences drought conditions, like in 2024.
The disciplinary action taken against Patriot High School Principal Michael Bishop earlier this month is the latest chapter in a turbulent tenure at the school, Insidenova.com reports.
Bishop was placed on involuntary leave, the school announced Jan. 9.
The school division did not provide further details upon request from InsideNoVa because it is a “personnel matter,” said Diana Gulotta, the school system’s director of communications.
Fredericksburg police arrested Daquan Warren, 24, for a December 2024 shooting and investigated a January 20 shots fired and burglary incident on Townsend Boulevard. Stafford County saw assaults at Chatham Heights Road and North Stafford High School, a break-in on Ripley Road, and larcenies at Walmart, Buffalo Wild Wings, and an ABC store. In Prince William County, a strong-arm robbery on Balls Ford Road resulted in the arrest of Jose Fernando Martinez-Gonzalez. Authorities urge public assistance with investigations and provide tips hotlines for each jurisdiction.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
