From Prince William police:
Armed Robbery | Malicious Wounding – On December 19 at 1:43AM, officers responded to the 4700 block of Pearson Dr. in Dale City to investigate a shots fired call.
When officers arrived, they located one male victim, suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim, identified as a 33-year-old man, was located in the street of the above location with a gunshot wound and assault wounds to the upper body.
Responding officers provided immediate first aid to the victim until fire and rescue personnel
arrived and the victim was flown to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.The investigation revealed that the victim and an acquaintance had just returned to the above area after being at the MGM Grand Casino. As they exited the car, they were approached by multiple masked men who had just pulled into the driveway behind them. During the encounter, the victim was assaulted and then shot in the upper body before the suspects took an undisclosed amount of money and a cell phone from him.
The suspects fled the scene in a dark-colored SUV prior to police arrival. At this time, no suspect information is available. The investigation continues.
Girl, 15, charged with attempted robbery of gas station
Attempted Armed Robbery – On December 19 at 1:32AM, officers responded to the Exxon service station located at 12700 Minniville Rd. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate an attempted robbery. The store employee reported to police that two women, later identified as the accused, entered the store and approached the employee. During the encounter, one of the accused, identified as a 15-year-old female
juvenile, demanded money after brandishing a stun gun. The employee refused and threw merchandise at the suspect. The juvenile ran to the rear of the store while the other suspect fled the scene. The employee was able to detain the juvenile who was then detained by police upon their arrival. Following the investigation, the 15-year-old female juvenile was arrested. Daetectives from the Robbery Unit were able to identify and obtain petitions for the second suspect, also identified as a 15-year-old female juvenile. Attempts to locate the second suspect has been unsuccessful.
Arrested on December 19: [Juvenile]
A 15-year-old female juvenile of Manassas
Charged with attempted robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery and assault & battery
Court Date: Pending | Status: Held at the Juvenile Detention CenterWanted: [Juvenile]
A 14-year-old female juvenile of Manassas
Wanted for attempted robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery
Police nab 13-year-old boy in Woodbridge armed robbery, search for second suspectÂ
Attempted Armed Robbery *ARREST – On December 5, two of the suspects sought in connection to the armed robbery that was reported to have occurred in the 16600 block of Georgetown Road in Woodbridge earlier that day, were identified.
The accused, identified as a 13-year-old male juvenile, was taken into custody without incident. Detectives from the Robbery Unit obtained warrants for the arrest of the second suspect, identified as Michael Charles TALBERT, Jr. Attempts to locate the suspect have been unsuccessful at this time. The investigation continues as detectives seek to identify the other suspects involved.
Arrested on December 5: [Juvenile] A 13-year-old male juvenile of Woodbridge Charged with attempted robbery and use of a firearm in commission of a felony Court Date: Pending | Status: Held at the Juvenile Detention Center
Wanted:[Photo from May 2019] Michael Charles TALBERT, Jr., of the 2900 block of Fox Lair Dr. in Woodbridge Described as a black male, 5’10”, 140lbs., black hair and brown eyes Wanted for attempted robbery, conspiracy to commit a felony and use of a firearm in commission of a felony
The attempted armed robbery occurred on December 5 at 8:48PM, as officers responded to investigate a robbery that was reported to have occurred in a parking lot area in the 16600 block of Georgetown Rd. in Woodbridge (22191) earlier that evening.
The victim, a 17- year-old male juvenile, reported to police that he arranged to sell a pair of shoes to an unknown man through various mobile communications. The victim, who was accompanied by a friend, agreed to meet the buyer in the above area to conduct the transaction.
While conducting the transaction, a burgundy vehicle pulled up and several unknown individuals surrounded the victim. During the encounter, the buyer brandished a handgun towards the victim and demanded the shoes.
When the victim refused, he was assaulted and struck with the handgun which discharged allowing the victim to flee the area. The victim then went to a police station to report the incident.
Montclair man, 18, charged in home burglary
Residential Burglary – On December 18, detectives with the Property Crimes Unit concluded an investigation into a burglary that was reported to have occurred at a residence located in the 4300 block of Jonathan Ct. in Dumfries (22025) on December 7 at approximately 7:00PM.
The investigation revealed that four suspects entered the unsecured home and took several pairs of shoes. The home was unoccupied at the time of the incident. During the investigation, officers identified one of the suspects as a 17-year-old male who was taken into custody without incident.
The investigation revealed one of the suspects was in possession of a firearm during the incident and two of the suspects wore masks. Following the investigation, detectives identified and arrested the remaining suspects in connection to the burglary on December 18.
Arrested on December 18: [Juveniles] Tra Shawn Christopher JONES, 18, of 5107 Spring Branch Blvd. in Montclair is charged with conspiracy to commit burglary, burglary and use of a firearm in commission of felony Court Date: February 11, 2020
Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond
A 17-year-old male juveniles of Dumfries A 17-year-old male juveniles of Woodbridge A 16-year-old male juvenile of Woodbridge All were charged with conspiracy to commit burglary, burglary and use of a firearm in commission of felony
Recent Stories
The ongoing debate over the construction of data centers in Fredericksburg took center stage during the City Council meeting on January 28, 2025, with residents and council members expressing mounting concerns about the potential environmental consequences and the lack of transparency in the approval process.
At the heart of the controversy is the city’s aggressive timeline for approving zoning changes and facilitating the development of new data centers. Local residents have voiced their concerns about the environmental impact of such large-scale projects, particularly in areas close to residential neighborhoods and natural resources like the Rappahannock River. While proponents argue that data centers could bring significant economic benefits, critics worry that the city is rushing to approve projects without fully understanding or addressing the long-term consequences.
Hamilton Palmer, a Fredericksburg resident, raised alarms about the transparency of the decision-making process. At the meeting, Palmer expressed frustration over the council’s handling of the issue, particularly regarding releasing information about the proposed data centers. “There has been little effort by the city to engage the public on data centers until this past year,” Palmer said, emphasizing that many residents are still unclear about the full scope of the projects and their potential impact on the community.
Stafford County Public Schools’ new superintendent says the division is facing significant financial challenges as it prepares for continued growth in student enrollment and increasing demand for specialized services. In a presentation at the Stafford County School Board meeting on January 28, Dr. Daniel Smith unveiled the school system’s funding request for fiscal year 2026 (FY26), which calls for additional resources to support its expanding student body and its growing need for special education services.
Stafford County, one of Virginia’s fastest-growing localities, has seen student enrollment grow from about 2,000 students to 32,000 students—19.2% of the county’s total population. With a projected increase of 6,200 students over the next decade, SCPS says it needs to meet the rising demand for educational resources, staff, and facilities. As the county’s largest employer, with over 5,400 employees, the school division is integral to the community’s economic and social fabric, underscoring the need for investment in education.
“The future of Stafford County is being shaped in our classrooms,” Smith told the school board. However, with this growth comes the increasing need for additional support, especially for students with disabilities and English learners.
Stafford County, one of Virginia’s fastest-growing localities, has seen student enrollment grow from about 2,000 students to 32,000 students—19.2% of the county’s total population. With a projected increase of 6,200 students over the next decade, SCPS says it needs to meet the rising demand for educational resources, staff, and facilities. As the county’s largest employer, with over 5,400 employees, the school division is integral to the community’s economic and social fabric, underscoring the need for investment in education.
“The future of Stafford County is being shaped in our classrooms,” Smith told the school board. However, with this growth comes the increasing need for additional support, especially for students with disabilities and English learners.
Prince William County Schools (PWCS) are embarking on an ambitious $1.098 billion Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) aimed at alleviating overcrowding, modernizing aging school facilities, and preparing for future shifts in student enrollment. The plan, presented at the January 15, 2025, school board work session, includes new school constructions, significant renovations, and sustainability-focused upgrades.
To address overcrowding in high-growth areas, PWCS will build multiple new schools, including:
Occoquan Replacement School – Scheduled to open in December 2025, this school will add 226 seats and include specialized programs for students with special education and autism support needs.
Woodbridge Area Elementary School – Opening in the 2026-2027 school year, this school will provide a capacity of approximately 632 students and will serve the Cardinal and Neabsco Mills Districts, areas currently experiencing significant overcrowding.
The Trump administration’s latest move to freeze payments on several federal programs has sparked alarm among Virginia Democrats, who are questioning how the halt might impact critical funding, reports Insidenova.com.
“I am concerned that yesterday we learned that the Trump administration is pausing federal grants,” state Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, posted on X. “We have asked the Secretary of Finance in Virginia to inform us how this impacts our current budget and cash flow.” Lucas is chair of the Virginia Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee.
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.
