Woodbridge, Va. –– Overall crime in Prince William County fell slightly in the past year, according to newly released crime statistics.
Falling slightly was the number of rapes that were reported, down four from the five-year high in 2009 of 57 reported rapes in Prince William.
Police heralded the capturing the notorious East Coast Rapist that terrorized women for 14 years, and in his most recent suspected attack, raping two of three girls behind in woods behind a shopping center at gunpoint in Dale City on Halloween night 2009.
“This was a case that we put a lot of effort into…this is truly a stranger abduction, rape of the worst kind,” said Prince William Police Chief Charlie T. Deane.
As the county population increased over the past year, the county’s overall crime rate slightly fell from 19.5 to 19.2 percent. That continues a trend of a falling crime rate over the past five years, when it was at a recent high of 21.6 percent in 2006, according to the crime stats report.
The number of murders in the county fell last year by one to nine, and all of which have been solved, said Deane.
There were some categories of crime that rose last year, including larcenies (virtually any type of theft), and cases of aggravated assault.
Of the 224 people charged with aggravated assault last year, at least 20 of them used a firearm, knife or some type of cutting instrument.
Several illegal immigrants were arrested last year, including 274 for not having a driver’s license, six for rape and three for murder.
Prince William began keeping track of illegal immigrants who were arrested after county officials passed an illegal immigration ordinance in 2008.
Recent Stories
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a double homicide following the discovery of two deceased individuals in a Heatherwood Drive residence about two miles from Courtland High School.
Investigators are mum about how they died.
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., deputies responded to a call from a concerned individual who reported not having heard from a friend. Upon visiting the residence in the 10800 block of Heatherwood Drive, the caller entered the home and discovered a female’s body. They exited and contacted the Spotsylvania County 911 call center.
Patricia A. Healy, the longest-serving member in the history of the Stafford County School Board, celebrated a remarkable milestone on January 14, 2025—25 years of dedicated service to Stafford County Public Schools. First elected to represent the Rock Hill District in 2000, Healy has since become a pillar of leadership and advocacy for education in the community.
In a special recognition at the school board meeting, Healy was lauded for her steadfast commitment to students, families, and educators. Over the course of her tenure, Healy has served alongside 33 board members and held leadership roles, including seven years as chair and one year as vice chair. Her guidance has been instrumental in navigating the board through significant growth, challenges, and transformations within the school system.
This week, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman of the Prince William County School Board, and Jennifer Wall, Gainesville District Representative, for an engaging discussion on the state of education in Prince William County on the next Potomac Local News Podcast.
Rania Lateef, a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School and the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park, daughter of Prince William School Board Chairman Babur Lateef, has been named one of 40 finalists in the prestigious 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS). Selected from nearly 2,500 applicants nationwide, Rania is recognized for her groundbreaking research on the effects of artificial light and circadian disruption on biobehavioral systems in Drosophila melanogaster. Her work highlights the impact of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances on physical and mental health.
Rania credited her success to the supportive academic community of Prince William County Public Schools, her teachers Stephanie Brown and Dr. Alexis Patanarut, and her unique opportunities at GS@IP. As a finalist, she has already won $27,000 and will compete for additional awards totaling over $1.8 million during a week-long event in Washington, D.C., in March 2025. Rania’s journey emphasizes the power of passion and commitment in achieving meaningful scientific discoveries.
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.
