This week's adoptable animal from Manassas:
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At Potomac Local News, we’re working around the clock to bring you the stories that matter most to your community. From Dale City and Fredericksburg to Stafford and Manassas, our dedicated team keeps you informed, engaged, and connected to your hometown.
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Stafford
- Holiday Gift Guide Spotlight: As part of our holiday gift-giving series, we’re highlighting local businesses and their unique offerings.
- Olde Virginia Gourmet: Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this Stafford staple specializes in Virginia-made products, from wines and beers to gourmet treats. Owners Sean and Annabelle Tarallo offer customizable gift baskets perfect for the holiday season.
Fredericksburg
- Celebrating History: The Fredericksburg City Council is planning a three-year commemoration leading to the city’s 300th anniversary in 2028. These celebrations will honor the area’s rich Revolutionary War heritage and community spirit.
Dale City
- A Lifesaving Addition: Governor Glenn Youngkin inaugurated Dale City’s second Red Cross Blood Donation Center. This facility is a vital resource for local cancer patients and others in need of blood and platelet donations.
Manassas
- Podcast Spotlight: In our latest podcast episode, Manassas City Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis discusses the North Star Branding Study, balancing historic preservation with economic growth and her vision for a thriving community.
Manassas Park
- Downtown Revitalization Gains Momentum: Manassas Park’s downtown redevelopment is progressing with the addition of a luxury eight-screen B&B Theatres cinema, complete with a restaurant and entertainment amenities.
- This project anchors the city’s revitalization efforts, replacing the previously planned Cinema Café, which withdrew in 2022 due to inflation concerns.
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Stafford County is gearing up for a magical evening to kick off the holiday season with its annual Tree Lighting Event, scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Stafford County Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road. Beginning at 6 p.m., the event promises various performances, activities, and surprises for the whole family.
Attendees will be treated to holiday music from local choirs and bands, showcasing the talents of Stafford's youth and community groups. For art enthusiasts, artisans and crafters will offer unique holiday-themed creations.
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A fire at the Eagle Village Shopping Center yesterday damaged two businesses and disrupted several others. Play It Again Sports and A Stitch in Time sustained significant fire damage, while adjacent businesses, including the U.S. Post Office, a laundromat, and Perfect 10 Nail Salon, experienced smoke and heat exposure but no flames. The fire, reported at 12:43 p.m., was controlled in approximately 35 minutes by a team of 50 firefighters.
Crews from the Fredericksburg Fire Department, Spotsylvania County Fire, Stafford County Fire-Rescue, King George Emergency Services, and an ambulance from the Naval District of Washington worked together to extinguish the blaze. The cold, brisk wind spread the flames across the roof, which had a styrofoam insulation and rubber membrane structure that complicated firefighting efforts. Firefighters had to cut through the roof membrane over five stores to ensure the flames were fully extinguished.
The shopping center, located at 1281 Emancipation Highway, was formerly known as the Park & Shop Center. A prominent fixture in the Fredericksburg community, Eagle Village hosts a mix of retail and service-oriented businesses.
No injuries were reported among firefighters, though a few civilians were treated for minor smoke inhalation. The Fredericksburg Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire’s origin and cause, with a report expected in the coming days. Utilities to affected businesses were disconnected to prevent further hazards.
A fire broke out at the Eagle Village Shopping Center, located at 1245 Emancipation Highway in Fredericksburg, at 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2024.
The Fredericksburg Fire and Rescue Department responded to the scene, with additional assistance from Stafford County Fire and Rescue, Spotsylvania Fire and Rescue, King George Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management, and Naval District Washington (NDW) Dahlgren.
According to a statement from Fredericksburg Fire and Rescue, personnel remain on-site and are expected to operate for an extended period. The Fredericksburg Volunteer Fire Company and the Salvation Army have provided support to the crews during the response.
The Eagle Village Shopping Center, a 127,788-square-foot complex, houses businesses including Giant Food, Planet Fitness, and the Salvation Army. It is located near Mary Washington University and Mary Washington Hospital.
There are no reports of injuries at this time. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Officials have asked the public to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to continue their work.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Photos from the Fredericksburg Fire and Rescue Department.
Fredericksburg will host its annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in downtown. The weather will be clear and cold on Saturday night, with temperatures dropping to 28 degrees.
The parade route will follow Caroline and Princess Anne Streets. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly and wear walking shoes. The event is free and open to the public.
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Update 7:50 p.m. — Prince William County police have identified Michael David Burke, 58, as the man who died in an officer-involved shooting on December 5 in Woodbridge.
Police did not say where the man was from.
Prince William police:
Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation *DECEASED IDENTIFIED – Prince William County police have identified the man who died during an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the 5000 block of Davis Ford Rd in Woodbridge (22192) on December 5. The deceased was identified as Michael David BURKE, 58. The investigation into the encounter between the officer and the deceased before the shooting remains active and led by the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.
Update 12:45 p.m — Prince William County Police Chief Peter Newsham held a press conference today following a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred near the Central District Police Station in Woodbridge. Chief Newsham expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and outlined preliminary details of the incident.
“This morning, an adult white male, believed to be in his 50s, arrived at the joint fire and police department complex. He entered the rear parking lot of the fire station, armed with a knife,” Newsham said. “One of our officers, who was at a nearby gas pump, was alerted to the man’s presence and responded to the scene.”
The armed individual confronted the officer and advanced toward him. Despite commands to drop the knife, the subject continued moving forward, prompting the officer to discharge his firearm. The man was struck, and officers attempted to render aid before he was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His identity has not yet been confirmed.
Investigation Underway
Prince William County’s Critical Incident Response Team is handling the investigation, which will be reviewed by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Afterward, the department will conduct an administrative review to determine whether the use of force complied with department policies.
Body camera footage of the incident exists but will not be released until the investigation is complete. Surveillance footage from the area is also being reviewed.
Officer’s Status
The officer involved is a two-year veteran of the force. “This incident is very impactful for the officer, who is understandably shaken but physically uninjured. He will receive support at our resiliency center,” Newsham added.
Witness Accounts and Questions
According to Chief Newsham, a witness observed the man in the fire station parking lot and alerted the officer. The suspect’s motives for being at the complex remain unclear. Investigators are exploring whether the individual was experiencing a mental health crisis, as initial evidence suggests.
When asked if less-lethal force, such as a Taser, could have been used, Chief Newsham stated that it remains unclear whether the officer was equipped with such a device at the time. The timeline of events, from the officer being alerted to the confrontation, was described as very brief, with the situation escalating rapidly.
Community Impact
The shooting occurred during a shift change for fire department personnel. “The fire chief expressed gratitude that the officer placed himself between the individual and the firefighters, ensuring their safety,” said Chief Newsham.
The investigation will continue, with updates provided as more details are confirmed. Authorities emphasized the importance of patience as the process unfolds.
Below is the full transcript of Prince William County Police Chief Peter Newsham’s remarks following an officer-involved shooting near the Central District Police Station:
Chief Peter Newsham:
Good morning, everyone. I’m Pete Newsham, Chief of Police here in Prince William County. I’m here to speak about a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred this morning.First, I want to express my condolences to the family of the decedent. In policing, when we come to work, our goal is to help people. Unfortunately, there are times when we are forced to use force, and in some instances, that force results in the loss of life. That’s what happened here this morning.
The information I have right now is preliminary because this just occurred a few hours ago, and more details will emerge as the investigation progresses. Here’s what we know so far:
An adult white male, appearing to be in his 50s, arrived at this joint fire and police department complex. He entered the rear parking lot of the fire department. One of our officers, who was at a nearby gas pump, was alerted to the man’s presence and the fact that he was armed with a knife.
The officer approached the man, who confronted the officer with the knife. The man advanced toward the officer, prompting the officer to discharge his firearm, striking the individual. Officers immediately attempted to render aid, but the individual was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
We have not yet identified the individual. Once we confirm their identity, we will release that information.
Investigation Process:
The investigation is being handled by the Critical Incident Response Team, which will present its findings to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. The Commonwealth’s Attorney will determine if there is any prosecutorial merit to the case. Afterward, the Police Department will conduct an administrative investigation to determine whether the officer’s actions were consistent with department policies.Questions from the Press:
Reporter: Was the man observed by someone at the fire station?
Chief Newsham: Yes, a witness in the area alerted the officer to the man’s presence and his possession of a knife.Reporter: Is this individual known to your department?
Chief Newsham: Until we have a full identification, I don’t want to speculate.Reporter: Could this person have been suffering from a mental health crisis?
Chief Newsham: That is one of the things we will investigate. Initial information suggests that the individual may have been in crisis.Reporter: Was there any de-escalation or commands given?
Chief Newsham: The officer retreated and gave commands for the man to drop the knife.Reporter: Was there body camera footage?
Chief Newsham: Yes, there is body camera footage. We will determine whether to release it after the investigation is completed.Reporter: Could less-lethal force, such as a Taser, have been used?
Chief Newsham: I don’t know at this point whether the officer was equipped with a Taser. That will be part of the investigation.Reporter: What do we know about the officer?
Chief Newsham: The officer is a two-year veteran, a male, who will be placed on leave and will receive support at our resiliency center. He is understandably shaken but physically unharmed.Reporter: Was the area well-lit?
Chief Newsham: The area has lighting. I wouldn’t characterize it as dark.Reporter: How quickly did this situation unfold?
Chief Newsham: It happened very quickly, in less than 10 minutes.Reporter: Was there a threat made toward law enforcement?
Chief Newsham: If someone advances toward an officer with a knife, that is considered a threat.Reporter: How close was the individual to the fire station?
Chief Newsham: He was in the back parking lot, close to the fire station.Reporter: How many shots were fired?
Chief Newsham: That will be part of the investigation.
Original Post 8:40 a.m. — On December 5, a Prince William County police officer fatally shot a man who advanced toward them with a knife at the Department of Fire & Rescue Station 26 and Central District Police Station in Woodbridge. The man, who ignored commands to drop the knife, was transported to a hospital, where he died; no officers or others were injured, and the Critical Incident Response Team is investigating.
From Prince William police:
Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation – On December 5 at 5:06AM, a Prince William County police officer was involved in an officer-involved shooting on the grounds of the Department of Fire & Rescue Station 26 and the Central District Police Station located in the 5000 block of Davis Ford Rd in Woodbridge (22192) during an encounter with a man on the property.
Preliminarily, a uniformed police officer was completing their work shift when the officer received information about a man in the rear parking lot of the fire station. As the officer made contact with the man, a knife was seen in the man’s hand. The man began approaching the officer, waving the knife in front of him and towards the officer. The officer gave several commands to the man to drop the knife. The man did not comply and continued advancing towards the officer.
At one point, the officer discharged their service weapon, striking the man in the upper body. Additional officers arrived on the scene soon after, and immediate first-aid was administered by officers and fire & rescue personnel from the nearby fire station. The man was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries. No officers, fire & rescue personnel, or other community members were injured during the incident, which remains contained to the grounds of the property.
There is no active threat to the surrounding community. The identity of the deceased, preliminarily identified as an adult man, is pending and will be released once confirmed and a next of kin is notified.
The Prince William County Police Department, at the request of Chief Peter Newsham, has requested the regional Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) to oversee the investigation as an independent body.
The involved officer will be placed on routine administrative leave. More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.
From Prince William fire and rescue:
House Fire
Thursday, December 5, 2024
3:28 AM
Earlier this morning units were dispatched to the 9900 blk of Suheil Road (Buckhall) for a reported fire near a home. Crews arrived on the scene with the fire quickly spreading throughout the home. The amount of fire and windy conditions prompted a second alarm to assist. All occupants were safely out of the home. No injuries were reported. The single-family home sustained extensive damage. The Building Official declared the structure unsafe to occupy. Three (3) adults were displaced. The Fire Marshal’s Office is on the scene looking into the cause of the blaze.
Photos from Prince William fire and rescue.
Get ready for a sharp drop in temperatures and gusty winds as a strong cold front moves through the region tonight into Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecast Overview
Thursday Morning: A mix of rain and snow showers may persist until 10 a.m., transitioning to snow in some areas briefly before tapering off. Temperatures will fall to around 33°F by late afternoon. Strong west winds at 16-20 mph could gust as high as 46 mph—precipitation chance: 40%.
Thursday Night: Skies will clear, but it will remain cold with lows around 29°F. Winds will continue from the west at 14 mph, with gusts up to 23 mph.
What to Expect
The powerful cold front will bring:
- Windy Conditions: Gusts could reach up to 46 mph, with the potential to cause isolated power outages and downed tree limbs.
- Chilly Temperatures: Wind chills will make temperatures feel much colder, especially on Thursday night when it could feel like the teens or single digits in some areas.
- Precipitation: A mix of rain and snow may lead to slick spots during the morning commute, especially in higher elevations and areas northwest of the immediate area.
Potential Impacts
- Power Outages: High winds may result in minor power disruptions, so residents should charge devices and prepare for outages.
- Travel Safety: Due to dangerous conditions, including whiteouts and reduced visibility, drivers in the mountains or other high elevations are advised to avoid non-essential travel.
The cold snap is expected to continue through Friday, but high pressure moving in will bring a gradual warming trend over the weekend. By early next week, another weather system could increase the chance of rain in the area.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and advisories. Those in higher-risk areas should prepare for rapidly changing conditions and consider limiting travel during peak wind and snow times.
