DRUGS
300 block of Garrisonville Road, 2/4, 12:36 a.m. Deputy J.J. Yenchak stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. The deputy identified the driver as Abdul Kargbo Jr., 18, of Woodbridge. Upon a search of the vehicle, a controlled substance was located. Kargbo was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and released on a $2,500 unsecured bond. A passenger in the vehicle was discovered to be wanted out of Prince William County and was taken into custody.
LARCENY
560 Warrenton Road, Holiday Inn Express, 2/4, 1:22 p.m. The victim reported the license plate on his vehicle was stolen. The theft is believed to have occurred between 10:30 p.m. on February 3 and 7:25 a.m. on February 4. The license plate number was entered into a national database as part of the investigation.
217 Garrisonville Road, Walmart, 2/4, 3:48 p.m. A loss prevention employee reported the suspect, Daniel Avelar Lemus, 18, of Stafford, concealed a car radio and car battery inside a bag and attempted to leave the store without paying for the items. The employee stopped Avelar Lemus and called the Sheriff’s Office. Deputy A.T. Leckemby responded and issued Avelar Lemus a summons for shoplifting. He was then released.
9 South Gateway Drive, Wawa, 2/4, 4:20 p.m. The victim reported she left her wallet in the restroom. Upon returning to the business, the victim discovered the wallet had been stolen. The theft is believed to have occurred between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on February 4.
Recent Stories
Properly using a car seat can reduce the risk of injury or death in a car crash by a significant amount, with studies showing reductions of 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
This daily police blotter covers major incidents and arrests, including a sexual assault investigation in Woodbridge, a robbery of a juvenile, felony child neglect in Gainesville, and multiple drug-related offenses at Rappahannock Regional Jail.
Manassas is working on a major maintenance project at Harris Pavilion, a well-known community hub in the heart of downtown.
If you’ve been watching the real estate market in Northern Virginia, you know things are constantly shifting. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or looking to sell, staying informed is crucial. That’s where experienced Realtor Mark Worrilow of Fathom Realty comes in. With his deep knowledge of the local market and an eye on mortgage trends, Mark helps clients make the best decisions in a competitive real estate landscape.
Mortgage Rates are Trending Down
One of the biggest concerns for homebuyers is mortgage rates, and the good news is that rates have been trending downward. Mark points to the latest numbers, showing that conventional loan rates have dipped to 6.59%, with VA loans falling below 6.15%. FHA loans have also seen a decrease, making homeownership more accessible for many buyers. While Jumbo loan rates remain near 7%, Mark remains optimistic that the overall trend is moving in the right direction.
“For buyers who have been hesitant due to high interest rates, now may be a great time to revisit their options,” says Mark. “We’re seeing a slow but steady decline in mortgage rates, which is encouraging for both buyers and sellers.”
Market Trends: Prices Remain Strong, Inventory is Growing
According to Mark’s research, home prices across Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Prince William counties, Manassas, and Manassas Park cities are holding steady. In Stafford, the average home price for March 2025 is $662,000, while Spotsylvania sits at $652,000, and Prince William, Manassas, and Manassas Park average at $678,000. While prices are still high, the pace of appreciation has slowed slightly, making it easier for buyers to find a home without experiencing extreme bidding wars.
Additionally, inventory levels are improving. According to data from the Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR), active listings jumped 21% year-over-year, from 661 homes in February 2024 to 795 in February 2025. However, new listings are down 12%, and pending sales have dipped 10%, signaling that buyers are becoming more discerning in their choices.
Multiple Offers Still a Factor, But Cash Offers Less of a Concern
Even with inventory increasing, buyers should still expect some competition. “The market remains strong, and while more homes are available, we’re still seeing multiple offers in certain price ranges,” Mark explains. “That said, the fear of being constantly outbid by cash buyers seems to be easing.”
Properly using a car seat can reduce the risk of injury or death in a car crash by a significant amount, with studies showing reductions of 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
Check your child safety seat with the Montgomery County Safe Kids Coalition on Thursday March 20, 2025 from 10am-12:30pm. No appointment necessary.
Fitzgerald GMC Rockville
McClung-Logan Equipment Company is hosting its 40th Annual Oyster Roast, a signature customer appreciation event celebrating tradition, community, and generosity.
This year’s milestone celebration will take place on Thursday, March 6th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds.
The first Oyster Roast began as a fundraiser in 1985, led by White Oak Equipment founder Frank McCarty, to raise donations for an employee battling cancer. This turned into a time-honored tradition for individuals facing hardship.
Environmental Film Festival: Turtle Walker
DC Premiere.
In the late 1970s, Satish Bhaskar embarked on an epic journey along India’s coastline and the spectacular Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where he uncovered the vital nesting beaches of sea turtles. During his death-defying quest, he unravels mysteries
