Stafford County Sheriff’s Office has been actively investigating several incidents recently, spanning a range of offenses. Here’s a breakdown of the incidents they’ve been handling:
ASSAULT
- Brooke Point High School: On February 12 at 11:19 a.m., Deputy A.L. Chaves responded to an assault incident at Brooke Point High School. Two students were reportedly involved in a fight, resulting in one assaulting school staff who intervened. A criminal complaint for assault and battery was filed.
- The assault comes after nearly 20 Brooke Point students were suspended, and two teachers were assaulted in separate assaults on Jan. 29, 2024. The county sheriff placed the school on lockdown on that date.
- Following the assaults, the school division announced the end of its “power hour” lunch periods, which allowed high schoolers to roam freely around campus.
Rappahannock Regional Jail: Later that day, at 9:14 p.m., Deputy W.E. Trainor responded to an assault at the Rappahannock Regional Jail. One inmate assaulted another following a disagreement, leading to the victim being hospitalized. The suspect faces charges of malicious wounding and assault and battery.
DUI
- CVS: On February 11 at 10:01 p.m., Sergeant A.T. Leckemby stopped a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction on Garrisonville Road. The driver, showing signs of intoxication, admitted to consuming alcohol prior to driving. The individual faces charges including driving under the influence and driving without a license.
- Intersection of Centreport Parkway and I-95 Northbound: In another DUI incident on February 12 at 12:01 a.m., First Sergeant A.I. Assur conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with a loud exhaust. The driver exhibited signs of intoxication and confessed to drinking before driving. Further investigation revealed a revoked license and open containers of alcohol in the vehicle. The individual was charged accordingly.
LARCENY
- Target: Stafford Market Place saw two larceny incidents on February 11. In the first instance at 1:10 p.m., Deputy S.M. Eastman responded to a report of a male suspect stealing over $1,000 worth of items. Later, at 6:05 p.m., R.W. Stamm responded to another incident where a habitual shoplifter stole over $100 worth of items.
PUBLIC INTOXICATION
- Various Locations: Two incidents of public intoxication were reported on February 11, with individuals charged and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
WARRANT SERVED
- Various Locations: On February 11 and 12, warrants were served in separate incidents involving traffic stops. Individuals faced charges ranging from possession of controlled substances to brandishing a firearm.
This summary only scratches the surface of the cases investigated by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information on these incidents is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (540) 658-4450. Stay updated by following them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
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As high pressure asserts its dominance over the region, residents can expect a gradual shift in weather patterns through the end of the week. According to the National Weather Service, high pressure will continue to build into the area through Thursday morning, offering clear skies and a slight temperature uptick. However, a series of low-pressure systems is on the horizon, promising some variability in the days ahead.
Today, locals can anticipate mostly sunny conditions, with highs hovering around the 40s for most areas, reaching into the 50s in central Virginia. While patches of stratocumulus clouds may linger in the morning, they are expected to dissipate as the day progresses. However, gusty northwest winds, ranging from 15 to 25 mph, may persist into the afternoon, adding a brisk edge to the otherwise tranquil weather.
Tonight, as winds diminish and skies remain clear, temperatures are forecasted to drop into the 20s to low 30s across the region. However, clouds are set to reappear late tonight as an approaching low-pressure system begins to make its presence known.
Looking ahead to Thursday, mostly sunny conditions are predicted again, with temperatures climbing slightly higher, reaching around 53°F. Winds are expected to shift from light and variable in the morning to southerly, with speeds ranging from 8 to 13 mph, potentially gusting up to 18 mph.
Thursday night will bring mostly clear skies, with temperatures dipping to around 35°F. Winds will shift from southwest to northwest after midnight, maintaining 8 to 13 mph speeds.
As we head into Friday, expect mostly sunny conditions to prevail, with temperatures cooling slightly to near 47°F. Northwest winds of 6 to 10 mph are anticipated, bringing another day of relatively calm weather before the arrival of the aforementioned clipper-type low-pressure system expected late Thursday into Friday, followed by another low pressure passing to the south Friday night into Saturday.
Director Juan Rivera highlights significant achievements and forward-looking initiatives in the latest update from Manassas Regional Airport, emphasizing the airport’s vital role in regional development. Key points include near-full hangar occupancy, upgrades to security and infrastructure, and the pursuit of commercial service certification.
Additionally, the report outlines upcoming projects like the rehabilitation of Taxiway B and Taxilane Y, plus a Master Plan update. These developments will be discussed in detail at the Manassas Regional Airport Commission Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the Terminal Building’s 1st Floor Conference Room, located at 10600 Harry Parrish Boulevard in Manassas.
The meeting is open to the public. Here’s the full meeting agenda.
Manassas Regional Airport, the largest general aviation airport in Virginia, serves as a key transportation hub for both business and personal aviation needs. With a commitment to safety, efficiency, and community service, the airport offers a range of amenities and services, including hangar space, fueling services, and maintenance facilities. Its location near Washington, D.C., and robust infrastructure support economic growth and aviation education, making it a pivotal asset for the region’s development and connectivity.
Rape Investigation
On November 26, 2023, at 12:26 AM, officers responded to a residence in the Woodbridge (22192) area of Prince William County to investigate a sexual assault. The investigation revealed a female juvenile victim was being sexually assaulted by a man, identified as Dimas Alexis LAZO, inside the home. A family member intervened, separating the victim from the accused who fled the residence. Detectives determined the victim and the accused had previously met on a social media app and arranged to meet at the residence. Dimas Alexis LAZO, 26, of the 9200 block of Limestone Pl. in College Park, MD, is wanted for rape.
Reckless Handling of a Firearm
On February 11 at 1:42 PM, officers responded to the area of Sudley Manor Dr. and Ashton Ave. in Manassas (20109) to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed the driver of a blue van struck the rear end of a white Jeep and attempted to drive away. When the driver of the Jeep stopped the van from leaving, two occupants of the van appeared to don masks and approached the other driver who retrieved a firearm and fired multiple rounds into the air. The parties separated and left the area prior to police arriving on the scene. No injuries or property damage were reported. Following the investigation, no criminal charges will be sought.
Shooting into a Residential Dwelling
On February 13 at 4:38 AM, officers responded to a residence located in the 2200 block of Scotch Ct. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed residents of the home heard loud noises just before the home was struck with gunfire. No injuries or additional property damage were reported.
Strong-Arm Robbery
On February 12 at 3:30 PM, officers responded to the 4200 block of Glendale Rd. in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 42-year-old man, was in a parking lot of the above area when he was approached by an unknown man. During the encounter, the suspect asked the victim for money. When the victim declined, the suspect struck the victim in the face and took his money before fleeing on foot. The victim was treated for minor injuries. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, approximately 50 years old, wearing a green jacket, blue jeans, and red shoes.
Updated: One of the victims involved in the initial stabbing altercation with the suspect has died. All parties involved in the incident were adult males. The surviving victim remains hospitalized in critical condition. A knife was recovered at the scene. The identities of the deceased will be released pending notifications of their next-of-kin, police said.
Original post: Prince William County Police responded to a reported stabbing incident at an apprenticeship training center on Infantry Ridge Road, near Northern Virginia Community College Manassas Campus, on February 13 at 3:23 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers encountered an individual armed with a knife near the entrance. Multiple officers discharged their firearms, resulting in the suspect being pronounced deceased at the scene, police said.
Two individuals with stab wounds were found and provided with initial medical aid before being transported to nearby hospitals. Their current conditions remain undisclosed. No further victims were discovered, and the situation is under control with no ongoing threat to the community, police said
The investigation into the officer-involved shooting has been handed over to the regional Critical Incident Response Team at the request of Prince William police Chief Peter Newsham, ensuring an independent review of the incident.
An IBEW electrical training center is in the area. However, police have not confirmed it is where the shooting took place.
The shooting is the latest in a violent week in Prince William County, where an 18-year-old was carjacked at gunpoint near Potomac Mills mall.
More as we have it.
Rappahannock Goodwill (RGI) has recently announced significant changes within its leadership structure. The organization welcomed Felicia Ainsa, Director of Economic Development for Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, to its Board of Directors. Ainsa’s appointment reflects her alignment with RGI’s mission of community development and individual empowerment.
Additionally, RGI disclosed the election of new officers for the upcoming year. Brian Roinestad, Director of Purchasing at Atlantic Builders, secured the position of Board Chair. Andy Withers, Senior Vice President, Central CRE Region Group Leader at Atlantic Union Bank, transitioned into the role of Vice Chair, having previously served as Treasurer. John Rogers, Local Sales Manager at Effectv, a Comcast Company, retained his role as Treasurer, while Stephanie Lyles, Director of Marketing Outreach at Topside Federal Credit Union, remained as Board Secretary.
Expressing gratitude for these developments, Steve Cox, President and CEO of Rappahannock Goodwill, emphasized the organization’s strategic positioning to fulfill its mission of creating work opportunities, offering job search assistance, and providing employment skills training to individuals across the region.
Acknowledging Martha Hutzel, Executive Director of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, for her two-year tenure as Board Chair, the organization extends its appreciation for her continued service on the Board of Directors, it noted in a press release.
For further details regarding Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, Inc. (RGI) and its dedication to community welfare, interested parties are encouraged to visit fredgoodwill.org.
Fairfax County’s first winery, Paradise Springs Winery, is part of an exclusive contingent from the Commonwealth of Virginia as it becomes one of just six state wineries to be showcased on the global stage at the 5th Wine Paris Vinexpo Paris this week, bringing Fairfax County’s wine scene into the spotlight.
The winery, already the first bi-coastal wine brand in the United States after opening a second location in Santa Barbara, CA, will showcase several of its key blends, including last year’s Virginia Governor’s Cup Case Winner, the 2021 Petit Verdot, at the Wine Paris Vinexpo event. The renowned international wine and spirits exhibition, one of the largest wine shows in the world, is scheduled from February 12 – 14 in Paris, France.
In addition to the Petit Verdot, the winery will also be pouring the Cabernet Franc Petit Manseng and the specialty PVT (50% Petit Verdot/50% Tannat), which will also be served at the U.S. Ambassador’s home during the U.S. Ambassador Dinner this week.
“To think of the journey we’ve been on since opening the winery over 18 years ago, to now have our wine being well received globally by audiences in different regions that are known the world over for producing excellent wines, is a really satisfying feeling,” said Kirk Wiles, CEO & Founder of Paradise Springs Winery. “Having served as the chairman of the Virginia Wine Board for 8 years now, we’ve always had a vision for where Virginia wine can go, and to be here in this moment is validating for the Commonwealth – being recognized as producing some of the best wine in the United States. The goal is to reach new audiences that don’t know the quality of Virginia wine, and the more people that know about our exceptional product, the higher the demand will be.”
Paradise Springs, nestled in Fairfax County’s bucolic town of Clifton, has been family-owned and operated for 18 years. The historic property where the winery is located was part of the original land grant from Lord Fairfax in 1716 to the family’s direct ancestors and has been passed down through the generations since.
On February 6, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce played host to nearly 550 high school students hailing from King George, Spotsylvania, Caroline, Stafford, and Fredericksburg, as well as homeschool and private school attendees, along with college students from Mary Washington University and Germanna Community College.
This marked the third annual Intern Expo, themed “Oh the Places You’ll Go.”
The event, which boasted a record turnout of almost 100 vendors, showcased businesses representing diverse career options spanning agriculture, architecture and construction, business management and administration, education, engineering, finance, government and public affairs, health science, hospitality and tourism, law and public safety, manufacturing, marketing, real estate, science, transportation, and distribution. Additionally, 50 volunteers facilitated breakout sessions featuring mock interviews and career assessments, making the event an unequivocal success.
“The Intern Expo was more than just an event; it was a gateway to unlocking the potential of tomorrow’s workforce. Our almost 100 attending businesses had the opportunity to engage with the brightest minds from local schools, colleges, and universities. The 3rd annual Intern Expo was an interactive platform that fostered connections, promoted collaboration, and provided a firsthand look at the talent that is shaping the future. We are thrilled about the success of the event as we look to the future, tracking the progress of the connections made and the knowledge obtained. We send a huge thank you to all that aided in making it a regional success,” said Carley Swaim Walker, director of WorkForce NOW.
Attendees also had the opportunity to vie for one of three $1,500 scholarships, with applications due by April 19th, 2024. The Workforce Now Selection Committee will choose the scholarship winners the following week, with notifications slated for June 1st, 2024.
The event, hosted by WorkForce NOW and the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the University of Mary Washington, was generously sponsored by FAB, Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, Matern Staffing, and Ignite Cinemas.
Greetings, Prince William – StreetLight Community Ministries needs volunteers to provide a nourishing dinner for 30 people each night at the Bill Mehr Drop-In Center, 14716 Potomac Mills Road in Woodbridge, through March 31. Meals should be prepared at home and provided in disposable aluminum pans or serving trays; drop-off is between 6:15 pm and 7 pm only. Desserts and sides are also appreciated but not required. It’s a fantastic group project, and you’ll feel great knowing you are providing a delicious home-cooked meal for our homeless neighbors! Please visit https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/lowvd4/ to sign up. If you sign up to bring a meal and cannot honor your commitment/make it on time, please email [email protected] or call 571.677.2883.
- Back by popular demand, BEACON is bringing back their Scrabble Scramble Fundraiser on February 24, 5 pm-8 pm! The venue has changed; it’s now at Linton Hall School Gym, 9535 Linton Hall Road, Bristow 20136.  Tickets for a team of 4 are $120 and include two rounds of competitive Scrabble, food, and drinks.  Raffle prizes and 50/50 add to a fun evening for a fantastic cause! Please visit https://bit.ly/3SbALec to purchase tickets, and email [email protected] to learn more.
- You’re under 12 and need to do service hours for school, church, or club, but most agencies want youth volunteers to be at least 12 or older and volunteer with an adult. The wonderful staff at Boxes of Basics has some great ideas on how you can help kids in urgent need of clothing! Help out and feel great as you learn the joy of giving back and making a difference in the lives of kids your age! Please visit www.boxesofbasics.org/young-volunteers for suggestions, email [email protected], or call 571.338.3369 for more information.
- Capital Caring Health is seeking certified dogs (with their owners) to provide friendly visits to their hospice patients and families. Dogs need to be certified by a dog certifying organization and must be current on shots and a dog license. You’ll feel wonderful knowing your pet will bring much love, comfort, and great joy to those facing life-limiting illnesses. Please email [email protected] to learn more.
- Grace United Methodist Church, 9750 Wellington Road, Manassas 20110, is holding its next session of ESL from March 11 to May 22. They need volunteers age 18+ to help as Classroom Aides on Monday and/or Wednesday evenings, 7 pm-9 pm. No experience is necessary, and you’ll enjoy working with students as they improve their English language skills! An orientation/training will be held on March 3 at 12:30 pm, and a light lunch will be provided. Please email [email protected] to learn how you can get involved.
- It may be chilly outside, but Girls on The Run Northern Virginia is already preparing for their Spring season, March 4 to May 19! Girls on the Run is more than a running program; it’s also a positive youth development program that teaches key life skills like confidence and teamwork through various activities. They’re looking for volunteer Coaches to coach teams in greater Prince William County for the session. No running experience is needed; just have a desire to support and encourage the next generation. Must commit to 2-3 hours a week for the season, with a few additional hours required for Coach Training and the GOTR NOVA season-ending 5K celebration. Coaches receive all the tools and support they need and find that they get as much out of coaching as they give. You’ll feel awesome as you help young girls gain confidence in themselves and their abilities! Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/3tD9md1. Please email [email protected] to learn more.
- The fun folks at Habitat for Humanity-Prince William County are holding a Cleanup at the Hylton Boys & Girls Club, 5070 Dale Boulevard, Woodbridge, on February 17, 9 am-3 pm. Volunteers (including volunteers with muscles) are needed to help trim weeds, tear down a couple of sheds, assemble furniture, and stain benches. It’s a terrific way to spend the Presidents Day weekend and the staff at the Boys & Girls Club will appreciate all your hard work! Please visit www.habitatpwc.org and click on their Volunteer Calendar to sign up; email [email protected] to learn more.
- The Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center in Woodbridge needs volunteers aged 21+ to assist their residents in finding jobs, including jobs that allow for remote work. Meetings would be held with shelter residents at Hilda Barg on any day and time that would fit the volunteer’s schedule. Volunteers must successfully complete a background check; computer and job searching experience is a must. You’ll feel great as you help a resident get back on their feet by helping them find steady employment and become independent again! Please email [email protected] to learn more.
- Attention Theatre Lovers! Prince William Little Theatre needs volunteers to help build sets for their next play, “Stick Fly,” beginning this Saturday, February 3, 10 am-1 pm through March 2. No experience is necessary. It’s a fantastic way to get involved with a production; behind-the-scenes work like sets are just as important as the actors themselves! Please email [email protected] for more information.
- Save the Date!  Prince William Trails & Streams Coalition is hosting the Neabsco Boardwalk Cleanup March 2, 9 am-12pm. Two locations will be worked on: Neabsco Regional Park and Neabsco Eagles Park. All ages are welcome and it’s a beautiful chance to get out with the family and beautify these two spots in Prince William County! Please visit https://bit.ly/3U7NlOi for more information and a link to register. Please email [email protected] for more information.
- Saved Hands Foundation is marking its 35th anniversary this year, and they have a busy schedule ahead! If you enjoy event planning, they need your skills to help them prepare for their upcoming Community Health Fair/Backpack Giveaway in August and their Gala to celebrate 35 years in October. Admin skills are a tremendous help, and a desire to connect with the community will do much to make these events successful! Please call Pam at 571.406.5112 or email [email protected] to learn how you can get involved.
- If you enjoy helping in the kitchen, the staff at SERVE wants to meet you! They’re looking for a volunteer Shelter Kitchen Assistant age 18+ to help the shelter cook on weekdays, 11 am-2 pm. Duties include assisting with meal preparation, serving lunch/cleaning up after the meal, maintaining overall cleanliness of the kitchen, including countertops, dishes, etc., and more. You’ll feel good knowing you’re helping to keep daily kitchen operations going smoothly and also serving a nutritious meal to those coping with homelessness! Please visit https://bit.ly/3UpvFxD for details, and email [email protected] for more information.
If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292. You can also visit our website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org. Thanks so much for all you do in our community.
— Information submitted by Volunteer Prince William