Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Two Women Touched At Dumfries Walmart

Published February 4, 2026 at 9:00AM | Updated February 4, 2026 at 10:05AM

Gunfire reported near a Woodbridge shopping center led police activity in Prince William County during the first days of February, according to police.

Officers responded to the 14200 block of Smoketown Road in Woodbridge after callers reported hearing multiple gunshots. Investigators found several shell casings in an alley behind the Prince William Square Shopping Center. No injuries or property damage were reported, and police did not release suspect information.

Police Blotter

Two Fraud Reports Filed In Stafford

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 4, 2026 at 8:30AM

Two fraud cases involving phone scams led the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office daily incident report, with victims losing money after being contacted by callers posing as legitimate financial institutions.

In the first case, a resident on Basalt Drive reported receiving a call from someone claiming to represent USAA. The caller had detailed information about the victim’s bank account and was able to fraudulently wire funds out of it. In a second case on Courthouse Road, a victim reported being contacted by someone claiming to be with a loan company and was convinced to wire money before realizing the company was not legitimate.

Prince William

Dumfries Casino Guest Wins $1M Jackpot

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 4, 2026 at 8:00AM

A Prince William County resident won more than $1 million at The Rose Gaming Resort in Dumfries after placing a 25-cent wager, according to a press release from the casino. The $1,014,879 jackpot is believed to be the largest historical horse racing payout in U.S. history.

The winning bet was placed on January 22, 2026, on a “Straight Cash” historical horse racing terminal at the Dumfries casino. The jackpot surpassed the previous record of $914,530, which was won at Rosie’s Hampton in 2021, the release states.

Schools

Stafford Schools Seek More County Funds

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 3, 2026 at 1:00PM | Updated February 3, 2026 at 8:35PM

Smith

Stafford County Public Schools leaders began the FY27 budget process with a funding request that would require additional county support to operate new schools and raise employee pay.

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Traffic

Police urge sober driving ahead of Super Bowl Sunday

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 3, 2026 at 7:00AM

[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

Police say Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most dangerous days of the year on roadways due to alcohol-related crashes, as friends and families gather to watch the game. Officers are reminding anyone who plans to drink to designate a sober driver in advance or arrange alternate transportation.

The department offered safety tips for those attending parties, including pacing alcohol consumption, eating food, alternating with non-alcoholic drinks and never getting behind the wheel if impaired. Police also encourage people to step in if they believe a friend is about to drive after drinking.

Police Blotter

Man Found Slumped Over at Sheetz

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 2, 2026 at 8:49PM

[Photo: Sheetz, Inc.]

Deputies were called around 10:14 p.m. to the Sheetz at 10 Washington Square Plaza after a pickup truck reportedly backed into another vehicle. The truck was still running and in reverse when a deputy arrived, with the driver passed out at the wheel. The driver appeared disoriented when awakened and showed signs of intoxication. He was later charged with driving under the influence, third offense within ten years, and held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Earlier that evening, deputies arrested another driver found intoxicated and asleep behind the wheel on Maryanne Avenue, with keys in the ignition and alcohol visible inside the vehicle. A third DUI arrest followed the next night after a vehicle was found overturned in a ditch on Poplar Road, where deputies determined the male driver had been drinking. The female passenger was charged separately with obstruction of justice.

Prince William

Teen shot in intersection near Manassas

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 2, 2026 at 8:46PM

A 17-year-old male was shot in the arm during an encounter at an intersection near Manassas on Thursday afternoon, according to police.

Officers were called around 4:55 p.m. to the area of Strasburg Street and Copeland Drive in Manassas (20109). Investigators say the teen was sitting in his vehicle at the intersection when three males approached him.

Schools

School Delays And Closures Tuesday Feb 3

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 2, 2026 at 6:27PM

Several school divisions across Prince William County and the Fredericksburg region announced delays or remote learning for Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, due to lingering road and sidewalk conditions.

Key Takeaways

Features

Donna Summer Musical Lights Up Riverside

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 2, 2026 at 3:02PM | Updated February 2, 2026 at 4:03PM

Jahnay Star performs as “Disco Donna” in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, leading the ensemble during one of the show’s high-energy dance numbers. [Photo: Suzanne Carr-Rossi]

Key Takeaways

When & Where: Running now through Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts in Stafford County.

Politics

Bill Would Shift Voter Challenges To Courts

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 2, 2026 at 2:21PM

Photo: Virginia Department of Historic Resources

A bill advancing in the Virginia General Assembly would eliminate informal voter eligibility challenges at polling places and through local registrars, instead requiring all such disputes to be resolved in circuit court.

Key Takeaways