On Saturday, Aug. 10, the Stafford County Animal Shelter will host its sixth annual “Clear the Shelter” adoption event. This summer, the shelter has been overwhelmed by the number of pets surrendered by owners for many reasons, including increasing costs of pet care.

The shelter is legally required to take in all animals brought to them. Stafford County Sheriff’s Capt. Joseph Bice, who oversees the shelter, said, “We’re getting dogs at a rate of three to one compared to the rate of adoption.” He added, “We want to provide care and a place for them to stay, but the problem is space…In 2014, we took in around 330 dogs. Last year, we took in over a thousand, and this year we’re on track to take in 1,200 to 1,400.”

Adoption fees for Saturday’s event have been covered for the day by Ginger Walker and Give Back Team Real Estate. Walker helped start the “Clear the Shelter” program at the Stafford Animal Shelter, having sponsored animals for the past six years at the current location at 26 Frosty Lane, and an additional four years at the prior location. Winter said “my goal every year is for the shelter to be completely empty” after the event; after last year’s, there were still a few dogs and cats left at the shelter. Winter said almost everyone on the Give Back Team has adopted an animal from the shelter. The Give Back Team donates to a charity of the client’s choice after every closing, and has donated over $1 million to local charities.

The animal shelter will be open at 9 a.m. and will have several vendors who have each pledged a portion of their proceeds to the shelter. At the event, Lianafit Canine Training, offering mini training sessions for the first 10 adoptions.  Whimsical Faces will provide face painting,  and B101.5 is providing music.

The shelter’s event has been shared on their social media. In addition to visiting the event’s vendors and adopting animals, citizens can help by donating to the shelter or purchasing supplies from their Amazon and Chewy wishlists.

The Stafford County Sheriff’s officer injured in a high-speed chase on July 23 has been identified as Captain Lee Peters, who ran for the Virginia House of Delegates in 2023.

On July 23rd, a high-speed chase involving a wanted suspect began on Kings Highway and ended at Centreport Parkway. The pursuit intensified as the suspect fled onto I-95, exited onto Courthouse Road, and then re-entered I-95 before being stopped by Deputy McAlister’s PIT maneuver. Following the crash, all three suspects fled on foot. The driver, Nicholas Morales, was quickly apprehended by Deputy Vaughn and found to be intoxicated; the back passenger, Ajee Whitter, was captured by Deputy Gildea, and the front passenger, Raymond Whalen, was tracked and caught with the help of a K-9 and SWAT team. All suspects were charged with multiple offenses and are held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

According to information posted on Facebook by Ellie’s Elves, Peters was hit by a car during the pursuit and pinned between his vehicle and another car. Despite minimal external cuts, he suffered extensive bruising and nerve damage, requiring intensive rehabilitation. Lee was flown to Fairfax Hospital, where initial scans showed no broken bones, but he is now undergoing extensive physical and occupational therapy in Fredericksburg.
Peters sought to represent the 63rd District as a Republican candidate, focusing on public safety, crime, and community issues. Josh Cole (D) won the election.

The Stafford County Agricultural and Homemaking Fair will return Oct. 17 through Oct. 20 at the UMW Stafford Campus (121 University Boulevard). The fair features family-friendly activities like a children’s power wheel derby and tractor pull, a petting zoo, and carnival rides. Attendees can enjoy live music, explore a variety of vendor stalls, and experience displays from first responders. This year’s fair continues the legacy of a community-focused event that celebrates local culture, agriculture, and togetherness.

The roots of the Fair trace back to October 1922, when it was first held at Stafford High School. The inaugural event, organized by the School Board and fair officers, featured a school parade and a range of exhibits highlighting agricultural achievements, domestic arts, and educational displays. Over the years, the fair has faced interruptions, including a cancellation in 1930 due to drought and a hiatus during World War II. It was revived in 1948 at Falmouth High School, where it continued for several more years before coming to an end. 

After more than fifty years, local Gordon Shelton reignited the fair in 2010 at Mountain View High School. By 2014, the growing fair moved behind Margaret Brent Elementary School, adding new attractions such as a demolition derby, tractor pull, and the Miss Stafford County Pageant. In 2022, the fair found a new home at the UMW Stafford Campus, where it continues to flourish as a non-profit, volunteer-run organization.

This year’s Miss Stafford County Fair Pageant will be held at 2 p.m. on Aug. 17 at the Fredericksburg library theater room. Applications are due by Aug. 11, and a wide range of ages may participate.

As the fair gears up for another exciting year, it invites local vendors, music acts, and sponsors to participate and contribute to this vibrant community event. Interested parties can contact Shelton, who not only manages the fair and the Stafford County Christmas Parade but also serves on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Association of Fairs. 

The fair, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, is also searching for a larger, permanent home to continue the annual tradition.

Prince William County

Attempted Malicious Wounding (Domestic Related) – On August 2 at 1:04AM, officers responded to the Woodbridge Station Apartments located in the 1500 block of Constellation Pl. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a domestic dispute. The investigation revealed a man, later identified as the accused, forced entry into the apartment of an acquaintance where he then brandished a knife toward a 43-year-old male occupant of the apartment. The accused broke the man’s phone before leaving the apartment. Officers and a police K-9 searched the area for the accused who was not located. No injuries were reported. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Eduin Misael FLORES GUTIERREZ. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful.

Wanted: [No Photo Available]
Eduin Misael FLORES GUTIERREZ, 45, of no fixed address
Described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5’10”, 150lbs., with black hair
Wanted for malicious wounding and destruction of property

Strong-Arm Robbery – On August 2 at 12:02AM, officers responded to the area of Forestdale Ave. near Fairview Ln. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 36-year old man, was riding his scooter in the above area when he was approached by an unknown man. During the encounter, the suspect grabbed the victim off the scooter causing both parties to fall to the ground. The suspect then struck the victim before leaving the area with the victim’s wallet and scooter. Minor injuries were reported. The suspect was described as a white male wearing dark-colored clothing.

Strong-Arm Robbery – On August 1 at 5:03PM, officers responded to investigate a robbery that was reported to have occurred in the 14100 block of Potomac Mills Rd. in Woodbridge (22191) on the evening of July 29. The investigation revealed the victim, 26-year-old man, was in the above area when he was approached by an unknown man. During the encounter, the suspect struck the victim who fell to the ground and temporarily lost consciousness. Upon waking, the victim’s Polaroid P1 speaker was missing. The victim went to an area hospital later for treatment where police were contacted. The suspect was described as a black male, about 5’9” with a skinny/muscular build and short black hair.

Burglary of a School – On August 2 at 4:45AM, officers responded to investigate a burglary that was reported to have occurred at Ann Ludwig Elementary School located at 14575 Potomac Branch Dr. in Woodbridge (22191) sometime between 3:30AM on August 1 and 4:38AM on August 2. The investigation revealed forced entry was made into the school through a door that was found damaged. No property was
reported missing.

Burglary of a School – On July 31 at 10:46AM, officers responded to investigate a burglary that was reported to have occurred at Woodbridge High School located at 3001 Old Bridge Rd. in Woodbridge (22192) on July 16 at approximately 8:50PM. Video surveillance revealed three individuals, possibly juveniles, were seen inside the school. Initial entry was made into the building through an unsecured window. The parties dispersed leaving the property, two in a dark-colored sedan. No property was reported missing.

Attempted Residential Burglary – On August 2 at 11:06AM, officers responded to a residence located in the 7600 block of Michelle Ct. in Manassas (20109) to investigate an attempted burglary. The investigation revealed the occupants of the residence heard a loud noise and found the rear sliding glass door damaged. Outside the residence, an unknown man was seen leaving the area on a bicycle. No entry was made into the home and no property was reported missing.

Suspect Description:
A black male, approximately 6’2”, between 190-200lbs., bald, with facial hair
Last seen wearing a white tank top, blue jeans, carrying a black/white Adidas backpack -more-
Public Information Office • 5036 Davis Ford Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192 • 703-792-5123 | pwcva.gov/police Prince William County Police Department is a Nationally Accredited Law Enforcement Agency

Arrests

Attempted Malicious Wounding – On August 1 at 10:05PM, officers responded to the 7300 block of Sudley Rd. in Manassas (20109) to investigate an attempted assault. The investigation revealed the victim, a 35-year-old man, and two other parties, one identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation in a parking lot in the above area. During the encounter, the accused got into a vehicle and drove towards the victim before leaving the area. The victim was not struck by the vehicle and contacted the police. Officers located the accused nearby where she was detained without incident. No injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Tamara Deshana SMITH, was arrested.

Arrested on August 1:
Tamara Deshana SMITH, 45, of 7249 New Market Ct. in Manassas
Charged with attempted malicious wounding
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

Spotsylvania County

Early this morning, deputies responded to an attempted robbery at a 7-Eleven store on Plank Road. An unknown male suspect assaulted the store clerk but left without stealing anything after the clerk fought back. The clerk provided a detailed description, and K9 teams from the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office and Fredericksburg Police Department tracked the suspect, Kenneth Wayne Auston, to a location behind Advance Auto Parts on Salem Church Road. Auston, 48, was arrested for attempted robbery, public intoxication, assault on the clerk, obstruction of justice, and assault on law enforcement. He was also wanted for a felony probation violation. During the arrest, Auston assaulted deputies. The clerk sustained minor injuries and was treated on-site. Auston is being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Deputies responded to an attempted robbery at the 7-11 in the 4200 block of Plank Road just after 3am this morning after the store clerk reported that an unknown male suspect went behind the counter and assaulted her.  The clerk fought back causing the suspect to leave without obtaining anything.  The clerk was able to provide a detailed description of the suspect and K9 teams from the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office and Fredericksburg Police Department starting tracking the suspect through the shopping center and area businesses off Salem Church Road and were able to locate the suspect hiding behind Advance Auto Parts in the 2300 block of Salem Church Road.  Kenneth Wayne Auston, 48 years of age from Fredericksburg was arrested for Attempted robbery by force, public intoxication, assault and battery on the 7-11 clerk, obstruction of justice and assault and battery on law enforcement.  Mr. Auston was also wanted by Fredericksburg Police Department for Felony probation violation.  During the arrest, Mr. Auston assaulted deputies.  The clerk suffered minor injuries during the robbery attempt and was treated at the scene.  Mr. Auston was incarcerated under no bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.    

Stafford County

Ford T. Humphrey Public Safety Building, 8/1, 1:11 p.m. Employer at a Stafford County Business came to the Sheriff’s Office lobby to report an employee falsifying hours worked on a timesheet. The case is under investigation.

FOUND PROPERTY
Lakewood Apartments, 8/1, 4:21 p.m. Staff at the apartment complex found a suspected controlled substance wrapped in a Powerball lottery ticket. The ticket was not a winner.
Rowser Building 1739 Richmond Highway, 8/1, 6:06 a.m. Deputies recovered an unoccupied stolen car in the parking lot. The Honda sedan was determined to be stolen from Fairfax. A prime suspect is already incarcerated at the nearby Rappahannock Regional Jail.

FRAUD
Barclay Lane, 8/1, 10:17 p.m. Resident reported she used Paypal to purchase a vehicle through Facebook. The seller account was found to be fictitious.

Richards Ferry Road, 8/1, 12:05 p.m. Resident reported a gift card was used without her permission.

Le Way Drive, 8/1, 11:20 a.m. A business in Florida had their account hacked and the offender used the account to purchase two vehicles from the Auto Auction.

Holly Corner Road, 8/1, 10:06 a.m. Resident reported she attempted to purchase a golf cart through Facebook Marketplace. After a deposit of $500, the account was determined to be fraudulent.

LARCENY
Goose Pond Road, 8/1, 5:30 p.m. Resident reported an ex-boyfriend transferred money out of her bank account.

VANDALISM
Cynthia’s Place, 8/1, 11:12 a.m. Resident reported her car window was shattered overnight.

Mary Washington Healthcare's Stafford Hospital has been certified by The Joint Commission (TJC) as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital. The Fredericksburg hospital campus has been certified since 2009.

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Stafford County

DUI crashes

The Stafford County Sheriff’s office marked the end of July with several arrests for charges involving vehicles and alcohol.

On July 27, just before midnight, a 21-year-old man crashed his father’s Mustang into a median near Circle K on Prosperity Lane, disabling the car. The occupants tried to move the car but left it unattended in a Lowe’s parking lot. Deputy T.G. Croson found the driver, who showed signs of intoxication and admitted to drinking margaritas. Empty alcohol bottles were found in the vehicle, and a witness provided video showing the driver’s reckless behavior before the crash. The driver was charged with DUI and reckless driving and was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

On July 29, a 39-year-old Stafford man, Stephen Alexander, was arrested after crashing into a deputy’s vehicle while allegedly driving intoxicated. Deputy S. Waheed had initiated a traffic stop when Alexander’s black Acura MDX, traveling at high speed, struck the deputy’s cruiser. Although there were no injuries, Alexander fled the scene but was quickly tracked down with the help of evidence left behind and local police. Alexander, whose license was previously revoked due to a DUI, showed signs of intoxication. He faces numerous charges, including a second DUI offense, felony hit and run, and multiple traffic violations. He is being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

On July 30, a series of alcohol thefts led to a police chase and subsequent arrest. Deputies responded to thefts at two ABC Stores, discovering the suspects were targeting multiple locations. The suspects were driving a blue Honda Odyssey, which was later spotted and pursued by deputies. The chase, which included dangerous driving and nearly hitting a pedestrian, was eventually called off due to safety concerns. The vehicle was found abandoned, and a K-9 unit helped locate the passenger, Adrian Barett, 21, who said the stolen alcohol was to pay for fentanyl. Barett was charged with possession of controlled substances, possession of a stolen vehicle, and obstruction of justice. The driver remains unidentified.

Nestled in the corner of a Stafford shopping center, a new restaurant has arrived off White Oak Road: Wild Waylon’s BBQ, a family-owned restaurant that has quickly made a name for itself with its scratch-made barbecue and weekend specials.

Founded by the Murphy family—David and Molly, and David’s parents Tom and Linda—Wild Waylon’s BBQ is the culmination of a lifelong passion for cooking and a deep love for barbecue. David Murphy said he grew up smoking pork for family events alongside his father, Tom. He followed his mother’s footsteps, working in restaurants after college. In 2023, David and his mom Linda worked in the same restaurant and decided it was time to launch their own family spot. Waylon is David’s son, and the restaurant’s namesake.

“We wanted to create a place where we could share the food we love and make everything from scratch,” David explained. They offer seven varieties of house-made sauces for smoked meats like baby back ribs, pulled pork, and brisket, all prepared using an offset barrel smoker and hickory wood. David said “since I was young my dad always said [hickory] gave you the best smoke flavor.”

Wild Waylon’s BBQ offers more than just traditional barbecue. The menu features rotating weekend specials like brisket cheesesteaks, smoked Reuben sandwiches, smoked soft shell crab sandwiches, and homemade desserts crafted by Tom, like pecan pie and banana pudding.

The restaurant sources fresh produce daily and partners with local businesses like Working Man Bread Company, Charlie’s Crab House, and the Fredericksburg Farmers Market to provide seasonal ingredients. This community-focused approach has helped the restaurant establish strong local ties, and they have been active in contributing to Stafford High School’s athletic and theater programs.

The response from the local community has been overwhelmingly positive, with the restaurant quickly becoming a beloved spot in White Oak. David said the pulled pork and brisket sandwiches are popular with customers, but special offerings like the smoked soft shell crab sandwich draw a lot of attention. The staff favors the homemade bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers.

David said, “We love BBQ and I love getting up every day and getting to make fresh food that people enjoy.”

Wild Waylon’s BBQ is located at 43 Town and Country Drive. They are open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Almost three months after two men in a box truck attempted to illegally access Marine Corps Base Quantico, the names of the two suspects have been obtained.

Hasan Y. Hamdan and Mohammad K. Dabous attended their first hearing July 22 at the Alexandria courthouse. Both men, accompanied by an Arabic translator, were charged with Class B misdemeanors for allegedly trespassing on a military facility on May 3, charges which carry up to six months in prison and a $5,000 fine. The judge supported conditions for release, and both men have been released with their next hearings in September. They both requested a court-appointed attorney.

“The Department of Justice, Department of Defense, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the FBI all circled wagons to guard even the identities of the two Jordanians against five written congressional inquiries, a sixth by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin seeking government briefings about the incident, and most recently a subpoena by the Republican-led House Homeland Security Committee of DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas,” reports Todd Bensman with Center for Immigration Studies.  Read more here.

Learning Lane will close for emergency storm water pipe repairs beginning August 16, 2024. The detour route will direct drivers southbound on Patriot Highway (US 1), turning left onto Harrison Road, left onto Lafayette Boulevard, left onto Hotchkiss Street, right onto Rose Avenue, and left onto Pender Street to reach Learning Lane.

Parents, staff, and school buses for Lafayette Elementary and Walker-Grant Middle School are advised to use Lafayette Boulevard to Pender Street for arrivals. Exiting traffic should use Pender Street to Rose Avenue, then Hotchkiss Street at the traffic light.

Due to anticipated congestion, the public is urged to avoid Lafayette Boulevard and use US Route 1 until the expected completion in October 2024. Increased traffic is expected on Lafayette Boulevard during peak school hours, from 7:00 am to 9:00 am and 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Drivers should be vigilant, follow detour signs, and exercise caution, particularly in school zones.

A neighborhood meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 31, at 6:30 pm in the cafeteria of Lafayette Elementary School. Community members are encouraged to attend to discuss the detour and the emergency repairs with city officials.