On Thursday afternoon, a single-vehicle crash brought down power lines and shut down a heavily traveled portion of Route 610 (Garrisonville Road).

According to Stafford County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Ryan Wilbur, the crash occurred in the 1200 block of Garrisonville Road, between Tech Parkway—near the WaWa gas station—and Joshua Road, by a Tractor Supply store.

Wilbur said emergency crews took the driver to a hospital out of abundance of caution.

Both directions of Garrisonville Road remain closed as emergency crews respond to the scene. Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office and personnel from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are working together to assess the damage and clear the roadway.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area and seek alternate routes until further notice.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

A top-ranking member of the violent MS-13 gang was arrested in Dale City, according to federal authorities who held a Thursday morning press conference at the FBI’s regional office near Manassas.

While officials provided few details about the suspect — whose name has not been released — U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Erick Siebert said the individual was involved in gang-related criminal activity along the East Coast. The arrest is the latest in an ongoing effort to target violent gang members with suspected immigration violations.

“This arrest stems from a task force we launched on March 3, 2025, to identify and apprehend individuals in the country illegally who are involved in criminal enterprises,” said Siebert. “We are using an intelligence-based model to locate and arrest suspects.”

Of the 575 individuals identified so far by the task force, 342 have been arrested. Authorities say 81 of those arrested have confirmed gang ties, including to MS-13.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and other high-ranking officials joined Siebert at the press conference. Prince William County Police have a representative on the task force, but the department declined to comment on this specific arrest.

Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson responded to news of the arrest in a statement.

“Let me assure you that there is no welcome mat for criminals. Gang violence is not welcome anywhere – especially within Prince William County,” Jefferson said. “For too long, MS-13 has been terrorizing the communities where it has taken root, and I hope this arrest relieves some anxiety.

“We are still gathering additional information about this arrest that I hope will soon be shared publicly. But I would like to add that Prince William County follows all applicable state and federal laws.”

Several locally elected officials and members of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors said they were unaware of the arrest or Thursday’s press conference. Many regional and local media outlets were also not notified in advance.

The press conference is available to view online. Authorities say more information will be released as it becomes available.

Alan Gloss contributed to this report.

Members of the Manassas City Council voiced support for efforts to keep teacher pay competitive with neighboring Prince William County Schools during a joint meeting with the city’s School Board on March 26, 2025—even as the city faces tighter fiscal limitations and a far smaller student population.

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Prince William County is grappling with dozens of long-term staff vacancies, prompting concern among officials about recruitment, retention, and the impact on services.

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Updated 10 a.m. – A Stafford County Sheriff’s deputy was injured early Tuesday morning after being struck by a vehicle that fled the scene.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 6:15 a.m. on northbound Interstate 95 near the Warrenton Road (Route 17) exit ramp. The deputy, who was operating a department-issued motorcycle, was stationary and stuck in traffic as he exited the interstate when an unidentified vehicle struck him from behind and continued driving.

The deputy sustained what officials describe as minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. He was released 30 minutes ago, according to Sheriff’s Office spokesman Ryan Wilbur.

Authorities do not have a description of the suspect vehicle at this time but say it is expected to have front-end damage. The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or was in the area at the time to contact them immediately.

In an effort to learn more, Potomac Local News has asked the Sheriff’s Office about the circumstances of the crash, including whether the deputy was conducting radar enforcement and how long he has served with the department. As a motor unit deputy, it is likely he has significant tenure.

The investigation is ongoing, and more information is expected to be released.

A new agreement between the City of Fredericksburg and its public school system will open school gymnasiums and facilities to the public, expanding access to recreation programs for children, teens, and families.

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Vice President JD Vance arrived by helicopter at Marine Corps Base Quantico today to meet with Marines at HMX-1, the presidential helicopter squadron, at about 1:30 p.m. — nearly two hours later than scheduled.

Vance addressed the delay head-on during his remarks, joking with the crowd and recalling lessons from his time in the Corps.

“That is not Marine Corps time, my friends,” he said. “I remember Gunny Arledge always told me, if you’re five minutes early, you’re 10 minutes late… What does it mean when the Vice President is two hours late? I guess I’m on time, because who the hell is going to get me in trouble, right?”

He explained that his meeting with the President of the United States ran long, but he prioritized the visit to Quantico.

“I stood up and said, ‘Sir, I know we’re in the middle of something, but the Marines at Quantico are waiting on me.’ And he said, ‘Oh, I didn’t realize that. You’ve got to get out there,’” Vance told the crowd.

The Vice President brought with him a message from the Commander-in-Chief.

“He wanted me to tell you two things,” Vance said. “First of all, that he loves you. And second of all, that he’s proud of you.”

Vance, a former Marine, also shared how his service shaped his life and thanked those stationed at Quantico for their dedication and professionalism.

Quantico Town Mayor Kevin Brown attended the event and was impressed by the Vice President’s words and presence.

“Personally, as I see Vice President Vance at events across the country and abroad, you can definitely recognize the Marine in him,” said Brown. “It’s encouraging to know we have someone in the White House with that pedigree, advising the President.”

Following his remarks, Vance was expected to tour other base parts. Marines in attendance appeared pleased and honored by the Vice President’s visit, said Brown.

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Dozens of Stafford County residents packed the chambers Tuesday night during a special-called meeting of the Board of Supervisors to weigh in on the proposed $1.015 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget — and the tax increase that may come with it.

The meeting featured a detailed budget presentation by Chief Financial Officer Andrea Light, followed by a public hearing where residents delivered emotional appeals both for and against the proposed increase in the county’s real estate tax rate.

The Board recently voted to advertise a five-cent tax increase, which would raise the rate from the current $0.89 to $0.94 per $100 of assessed property value. If adopted, the increase would mean the average Stafford homeowner would pay an additional $229 per year in real estate taxes.

During the presentation, CFO Andrea Light explained that while the total proposed budget exceeds $1 billion, only a fraction of that is truly flexible. Over 59% of all county expenditures—about $669 million—go toward the school system, with much of the rest tied up in state-mandated services, utilities, and transportation.

Only about $209 million falls under the general government budget that the Board of Supervisors can directly allocate.

“When people hear ‘a billion-dollar budget,’ they think we can fund everything,” said Chairman Deontay Diggs. “But the reality is, a lot of that funding is restricted or already spoken for.”

The proposed increase is intended to help fund rising costs across the county, including public safety staffing, health insurance increases, debt service, and school system needs.

School Funding Tops the List

Stafford County Public Schools has requested full county funding to keep pace with enrollment growth, aging infrastructure, and competitive salary demands. Multiple speakers urged the board to deliver.

“I’m willing to pay a little more in taxes to ensure our students get the education they deserve,” said Don Gray, a George Washington District resident. “We need to attract and retain quality teachers and build schools where they’re needed.”

Michelle Wickman, a former Stafford teacher and single mother, said, “We can’t say we’re part of Northern Virginia but not tax like they do. I’m not rich, but I’m willing to pay more because I believe in this community.”

Abram Marsh, a Hartwood resident and Air Force veteran, spoke passionately about values. “Officers eat last,” he said. “We must do what’s necessary to ensure our children have the same opportunities we did.”

Nonprofits Plead for Reinstated Funds

Several local nonprofits voiced concern over proposed cuts or eliminations in county support:

Legal Aid Works, which provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents, was zeroed out in the current proposal after decades of support.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Fredericksburg saw its allocation cut by more than half, from around $6,000 to $2,980.

Fredericksburg SPCA touted a $7,000 investment last year that helped reduce shelter cat euthanasias by 17% and asked the board to help continue its life-saving work.

Not all were in favor of the proposed hike.

Mary Hanson, speaking on behalf of her elderly parents, said, “There are seniors who’ve taken out reverse mortgages or opened their homes to adult children just to survive. They can’t afford another tax increase.”

Jenny Solt, of the Rock Hill District, added: “Families don’t get to raise their neighbors’ rent when money’s tight. The government shouldn’t either.”

Some speakers expressed frustration that business growth hasn’t translated into tax relief. “We’ve got Walmarts, Targets, Amazon, warehouses. Why are we still shouldering the burden?” asked Todd Hanson.

Others, like Renee Kendall, questioned whether more money would improve outcomes. “Nearly 60% of the budget already goes to schools, and we’re still talking about low test scores,” she said. “There’s something deeper going on, and it’s not just money.”

The Board of Supervisors is expected to hold a public hearing on the proposed tax rate on April 15, with a vote on the final FY2026 budget scheduled before the May 1 deadline.

Chairman Diggs concluded the meeting by thanking the community. “Whether you’re for, against, or somewhere in the middle, your voice matters,” he said.

A Woodbridge man has died after being struck by a car outside a gas station, marking the second fatal crash reported in Prince William County this week.

The incident occurred at 11:32 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, at the Citgo gas station at 1320 Old Bridge Road. According to Prince William County Police, a 2014 Toyota Camry exited the fuel pump area toward Gordon Boulevard when it struck a pedestrian near the fuel pump island.

Police say the pedestrian, Jeffrey Wayne Holman, 56, of Woodbridge, fell to the ground and was subsequently run over by the vehicle. Emergency crews from fire and rescue extracted Holman and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Monday, March 25.

The driver of the vehicle remained on the scene. No other injuries were reported. Pending the outcome of the investigation, police have not filed any charges at this time.

Earlier in the week, on Monday, March 24, another person was killed in a separate crash on Linton Hall Road near Glenkirk Road.

Police said a 2019 Toyota Highlander was traveling northbound on Linton Hall Road at 9:48 a.m. when it crossed into the southbound lanes, left the roadway, struck a guardrail, went down an embankment, became airborne, rolled over, and came to rest on its side in a field.

The driver, Marat Lise Essex, 52, of Bristow, was the sole occupant of the vehicle. She was taken to a hospital, where she later died.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed either crash to contact Prince William County Police. Both investigations remain ongoing.