Virginia Department of Transportation: “A federally-funded safety project was completed on time on Route 218 (White Oak Road/Caledon Road) between Route 604 (Belle Plains Road) in Stafford County and Route 206 (Dahlgren Road) in King George County.”

“The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and contractor crews replaced and installed approximately 100 signs and pavement safety messages over 21 miles of Route 218.”

“New flashing beacon signs were installed and activated between Vertical Ridge Road and Ford Lane in King George, near rumble strips that cross the Route 218 travel lanes. The flashing beacons provide a visual warning to drivers that they are approaching a curve, along with a new ‘Slow’ symbol applied to the pavement in this area.”

“Various safety signs were replaced and installed along the corridor, including curve warning signs and curve chevron signs, to reduce the risk of crashes and improve safety. The new signs provide additional warning and delineation at curves.”

“The project’s contractors were CES Consulting, LLC; Dominion Energy; and Northern Neck Electric Cooperative. The $300,000 project was federally funded by the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and was completed on time on Monday, Nov. 27.”

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: “On November 26 at approximately 2:21 a.m. Deputy W.E. Trainor was traveling Northbound on Richmond Highway. While doing so, a vehicle passed him at a high rate of speed, and drifted into his lane and nearly struck his vehicle. She would do this once again traveling at speeds of nearly 70 MPH.”

“Deputy Trainor conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle at the intersection of Richmond Highway and Aquia Town Center. As he approached the vehicle, he observed two children in the back seat: one was sitting in a car seat that was improperly secured and on its side, the other child was laying on the backseat with no safety device. The driver, identified as Cluadia Sorto Ortiz, [25, of Glenn Dale Maryland] advised her driving behavior was due to her wanting to get home. It was later discovered she consumed two red solo cups full of red wine.”

“After conducting field sobriety tests, Deputy Trainor placed Ortiz under arrest. Ortiz advised she knew she shouldn’t have been driving drunk. She was charged with driving under the influence with a child present, refusal, two counts of transporting a child without a proper restraint device, reckless driving, and two counts of felony child neglect. She was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.”

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: “On November 25 at approximately 6:51 p.m. Deputy D.S. Jett and Deputy M.A. Holub responded to a disturbance at El Viejon, located at 1243 Richmond Highway. The caller advised a woman was screaming before getting behind the wheel of a black Kia.”

“Deputy Jett and Deputy Holub would spot the vehicle on Richmond Highway near Alabaster Lane, and made contact with the occupants. It was determined the screaming was due to the driver, Tonya Whitaker, getting into an argument with the passengers because she wanted to drive, despite being obviously intoxicated. Deputies also noticed those obvious signs while conversing with Whitaker. Not only did Whitaker admit to drinking prior to driving, there was an empty can of Four Loko, empty bottle of vodka, and partially empty bottle of vodka located in her area. It was also discovered she did not possess a valid license.”

“Whitaker was charged with driving under the influence third offense in ten years, drinking while driving, and driving without a license. Her list of charges does not end there. While being processed at Rappahannock Regional Jail, it was discovered she was attempting to hide a knife on her person. She was additionally charged with felony by a prisoner, and was held without bond.”

Stafford deputies have made more than 430 DUI arrests so far in 2023. Last year, deputies arrested 456, said sheriff’s spokesman Ryan Wilbur.

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: “On November 23, at approximately 11:24 p.m. Deputy A De Hoyos and Deputy S.A. Fulford responded to a residence on Smith Street for a breaking and entering. The victim advised a neighbor was currently in her kitchen.”

“Deputies entered the residence and discovered the suspect to be wobbling as he was gobbling. The suspect had feasted not only with his eyes, but he stuffed himself with goods. He also had poured coffee grounds on some of the leftovers. The icing on the cake was in fact leftover cake. Deputies detained the mashed potato murderer before he set his eyes on the pie.”

“The suspect admitted to consuming alcohol prior to driving to his neighbor’s residence. Considering the cake wasn’t a rum cake, it was determined he drove in an intoxicated state. The suspect was charged with driving under the influence, as well as, breaking and entering. He would spend Black Friday at Rappahannock Reginal Jail, for he was held without bond.”

Virginia State Police: “Virginia experienced a 53% decrease in the number of fatal traffic crashes over the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday.? Preliminary data indicates nine people lost their lives over the five-day holiday statistical counting period, compared to 19 fatalities in 2022. In a majority of the crashes, those who died were not wearing a seat belt.”

“During the five-day counting period, which began at 12:01 a.m. Nov. 22, 2023, and concluded at midnight Nov. 26, 2023, nine people lost their lives to eight traffic crashes on Virginia roadways.? The crashes occurred in Amelia, Buchanan, Fairfax, Henrico, Henry, Madison, and Wythe counties, as well as the city of Chesapeake.”

“?To prevent traffic deaths and injuries during the Thanksgiving holiday, the Virginia State Police participated in Operation C.A.R.E., the Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort The 2023 Thanksgiving Holiday CARE initiative led to state troopers citing 4,520 drivers for speeding and 1,840 for reckless driving.??State troopers also arrested 89 drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and wrote 427 citations for not wearing a seat belt.”

“Overall, state troopers worked 1,359 crashes, a decrease of nearly a hundred traffic crashes compared to the 2022 Thanksgiving holiday.?Of the 2023 traffic crashes, 137 of them resulted in injuries.”

Prince William Police Department: “Shooting Investigation – On November 25 at 8:05 p.m., officers responded to the Dale Forest Apartments located in the 14300 block of Westminister Lane in Woodbridge to investigate a shooting. The initial investigation revealed a physical altercation occurred in the parking lot of the complex before shots were fired. Responding officers located an 18-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds and provided first aid to the man who transported to an area hospital for treatment. The other parties involved fled prior to police
arriving on scene. Officers and a Fairfax County police helicopter searched the area for the suspects who were not located. Shell casings were located in the stairwell area. No additional injuries or property damage were reported. The other parties were only described as black males. There is no further suspect description at this time.”

City of Fredericksburg: “On Saturday, December 2, Fredericksburg will host one of our favorite Holiday traditions: the Fredericksburg Christmas Parade. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., guests can border the sidewalks of downtown Fredericksburg to enjoy the over-75 groups participating in the Parade.”

Here are a few tips to Know Before You Go to the Parade:

• Parking will be strictly limited in downtown Fredericksburg. There will be no parking allowed starting at 2 p.m., and the streets will close at 3:30 p.m.
• Be advised that once you park downtown, you will not be able to move your car until after the Parade.
• Make sure that you park in an open space; No Parking signs will be prevalent throughout downtown.
• There will be handicapped parking available at the VRE drop-off, and garage parking will be $2.00 per car for the first three hours, and $1 for each additional hour (the maximum day rate is $8).

“When planning to go to the Parade, know that all viewing locations will be on a first come, first serve basis, and will fill up quickly. We recommend finding a spot early, and welcome you to bring blankets and lawn chairs.”

“The Parade can be viewed on downtown sidewalks, with the exception of the sidewalk in front of the courthouse.  Unless there are safety concerns from the weather, the Parade will take place rain or shine. On the off chance that the Parade is canceled, it will not be rescheduled.”

More information can be found online.

“We always have a great time with the Christmas Parade, and cannot wait for you to enjoy it as well. If you would like to volunteer, you can sign up here.
See the Fredericksburg Christmas parade map here.”

Prince William Police Department: “Strong-Arm Robbery *ARREST – On November 22, the suspect sought in connection to the robbery that was reported to have occurred at the Potomac Mills Nordstrom Rack located at 2700 Potomac Mills Circle, suite #972, in Woodbridge on November 13, was arrested. The accused, identified as Dwayne EDWARDS, was located in the Woodbridge area and taken into custody without incident. The case remains active as officers attempt to identify the second suspect involved in the incident. Arrested on November 22: Dwayne EDWARDS, 60, of 3983 Antwerp Court in Woodbridge. Charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit a felony, and grand larceny. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable. Suspect Description: Black male, unknown age, 5’10, 180lbs with a medium build. No clothing description available.”

“Strong-Arm Robbery [Previously Released] – On November 13 at 11:37 a.m., officers responded to the Potomac Mills Nordstrom Rack located at 2700 Potomac Mills Circle, suite #972, to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed loss prevention staff observed a man conceal merchandise and exit the store through an employee door. The staff member confronted the man in the parking lot loading the merchandise into a vehicle. During the encounter, a second man exited the vehicle before both men struck the staff member. The suspects then got into the vehicle and fled the area. Minor injuries were reported, and various handbags were taken. During the investigation, officers identified the second man involved as Dwayne EDWARDS and obtain arrest warrants. The initial suspect who concealed the merchandise has not been identified. Attempts to locate EDWARDS have been unsuccessful.”

“Shooting into a Residential Dwelling – On November 27 at 11:14 p.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 4500 block of Kentmore Drive in Woodbridge to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed a residence was struck by gunfire as a black four-door sedan was seen fleeing the area. Officers located shell casings in the roadway. No injuries or additional property damage were reported.”

“Malicious Wounding – On November 28 at 2:44 a.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 18500 block of Cabin Road in Triangle to investigate a stabbing. The preliminary investigation revealed the victim, a 43-year-old man, was stabbed following an altercation with an alleged unknown individual(s). Another occupant of the home contacted the police. The victim was treated at an area hospital for non-life threatening injuries. There is no suspect description at this time.”

“Reckless Handling of a Firearm – On November 27 at 3:50 p.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 4300 block of Kentland Drive in Woodbridge to investigate a destruction of property. The
investigation revealed at approximately 1:00 p.m., a resident of the home woke to loud noises before discovering their vehicle parked in the roadway had been struck by gunfire. No injuries or additional property damage were reported.”

“Reckless Handling of a Firearm – On November 26 at 11:07 a.m., officers responded to investigate a shots fired call that was reported to have occurred in the 10600 block of Flory Road in Nokesville earlier that morning. The investigation revealed at approximately 2:00 a.m., gunshots were heard in the above area before the caller located shell casings in the roadway later that morning. No injuries or property damage were reported.”

“Reckless Handling of a Firearm – On November 27 at 12:03 p.m., officers responded to the 12400 block of Hedges Run Drive in Woodbridge  to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed witnesses had observed an unknown man retrieve a firearm from the trunk of a white BMW in the above area. While handling the firearm, the man fired two rounds before leaving the area. No injuries or property damage were reported. The suspect was described as a black male wearing a dark-colored hat, a green sweat suit, and a white vest.”

“Brandishing of a Firearm – On November 26 at 10:54 a.m., officers responded to Gordon Blvd. near Horner Road in Woodbridge to investigate a brandishing. The investigation revealed the victim, a 73-year-old man, followed a truck to the above area where he confronted the driver for allegedly dumping trash in a nearby parking lot. During the encounter, the driver brandished a firearm towards the victim who contacted the police as the suspect fled the area. No shots were fired. The suspect was described as an 18–25-year-old Hispanic male with short black hair.”

“Indecent Exposure – On November 26 at 11:28 p.m., officers responded to the Princeton Woods Apartments located in the 3300 block of Dry Powder Close in Dumfries to investigate an indecent exposure. The investigation revealed the victim, a 26-year-old woman, was in the parking lot when she observed an unclothed man making inappropriate gestures. No interaction occurred between the victim and the suspect who left the area a short time later. Suspect Description: A white male, approximately 5’7, 165lbs., with short curly black hair, and tattoos on his shoulders.”

“Malicious Wounding | Domestic Related – On November 26 at 2:54 a.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 3500 block of Shandor Road in Woodbridge to investigate a stabbing. The investigation revealed the victim, a 39-year-old man, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the accused threw a phone striking the victim before she retrieved a knife and attempted to cut the victim. When another occupant of the home, a 33-year-old man, intervened, the accused cut the with the knife. The parties eventually separated, and the police were contacted. Minor injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Kelly Jhohana MENESES ROJAS, was arrested. Arrested on November 26:
Kelly Jhohana MENESES ROJAS, 24, of the 3500 block of Shandor Road in Woodbridge. Charged with malicious wounding, attempted malicious wounding, and domestic assault & battery. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.”

Press Release: “On Thursday evening, November 30, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting event will occur in Washington, D.C. The planned road closures and increased pedestrian traffic are expected to cause congestion and delays within the D.C. service area.”

“This will cause changes to OmniRide Express P.M. service. OmniRide Express trips that would originate in D.C. will instead start at the Pentagon. Trips will start at the Pentagon at the same time they are scheduled to start from their last D.C. timepoint. Regular fares will be in effect.”

“All other OmniRide Express routes will operate normal service.”

City of Fredericksburg: “The City of Fredericksburg, the Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the University of Mary Washington’s (UMW) Athletics Department are partnering to bring in more sports tourism events and drive room nights to city hotels.”

“Fredericksburg City Council in this fiscal year’s budget allocated $100,000 to the Fredericksburg EDA to be used for sports tourism development. Some of those funds have been put toward a new agreement with UMW that is expected to boost sports tourism-related revenue for the City. For every hotel room booked in the City of Fredericksburg due to a UMW athletics event, UMW Athletics will receive $10 per room, per night from the EDA. The agreement also includes a $5,000 sponsorship that will allow the City of Fredericksburg’s tourism office to have more visibility with incoming athletic groups, and provide other marketing opportunities.”