After a week marked by tragedy and intense emergency response, Riverside Center for the Performing Arts offers a night of respite to those serving on the front lines. The center is giving away 200 free tickets to local first responders and teachers for Friday night’s performance of Jesus Christ Superstar on April 11, 2025.
The offer is open to area educators, fire and rescue personnel, law enforcement officers, and other first responders. All seats are first come, first served, and must be claimed in person at the Riverside Center box office. Valid credentials are required.
“This week has been especially difficult for our first responders,” said Riverside Center spokeswoman Allison Mayberry. “We hope this performance can offer them a moment of peace and appreciation for all they do to keep our community safe.”
A Week of Crisis
The free ticket offer follows a series of disturbing incidents that unfolded in Spotsylvania County, putting significant strain on emergency services.
Triple Shooting Leaves Three Dead
On Tuesday, April 8, deputies responded to a shooting near Olde Greenwich Circle, just outside Fredericksburg. Three young men—identified as Chase Feaster, 18, and Alonzo Goffney, 18, both of Spotsylvania, and an unidentified 20-year-old—were killed. Three others were hospitalized.
According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the violence stemmed from an illegal gun transaction that escalated into a robbery. Four individuals, including three juveniles and 18-year-old Jeremiah Upson, face charges including malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and unlawful assembly.
The shooting prompted Fredericksburg City Public Schools to delay classes by two hours the following day out of an abundance of caution.
Plane Crash in Chancellor Community
On Wednesday afternoon, a Beechcraft aircraft en route from Leesburg to Hampton Roads crash-landed in the 11000 block of Scarlett Oak Road in the Chancellor area of Spotsylvania. The pilot reported oil pressure problems before attempting an emergency landing. The plane’s roof became lodged in a tree.
Both passengers were taken to Mary Washington Hospital with minor injuries. The FAA and NTSB are now investigating.
Gun Discharges in Elementary School Classroom
On Monday morning, a handgun discharged inside a third-grade classroom at Lee Hill Elementary School. The weapon was inside a student’s backpack when it went off accidentally. The teacher quickly evacuated all 26 students and alerted the school resource officer. No one was injured.
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate, and early indications show that the student did not intend harm.
A Night of Reflection
Friday’s performance of Jesus Christ Superstar begins at 7:30 p.m., and arrival is recommended by 6:45 p.m. Those wishing to purchase appetizers before the show must arrive by 6:15 p.m.
The groundbreaking rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice tells the story of the final week of Jesus Christ’s life, as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Featuring timeless songs like “Superstar,” “Gethsemane,” and “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” the production dives deep into themes of love, betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption.
Claim Your Tickets
First responders may claim their free tickets by calling or visiting the box office:
Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
95 Riverside Parkway
Fredericksburg, Virginia 22406
Box Office Hours:
Thursday & Friday: 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Phone: 540-370-4300
Tickets are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
A small plane crashed Wednesday afternoon in a residential area of Spotsylvania County, marking the third major emergency response in the region this week.
Virginia State Police say the crash occurred around 3:08 p.m. in the 11000 block of Scarlett Oak Road, in the Chancellor area of the county, about six miles west of the Spotsylvania Towne Centre mall.
The aircraft, identified as a Beechcraft, had departed from Leesburg and was en route to Hampton Roads when the pilot reported an oil pressure issue and attempted to make an emergency landing in a nearby field. The plane crashed near Chancellor Road, with the roof of the aircraft becoming lodged in a tree.
Two people were on board at the time. According to state police, both were taken to Mary Washington Hospital with minor injuries.
Images provided by Virginia State Police show the plane severely damaged in a wooded area. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and will conduct a full investigation.
Friday’s crash follows a week of intense activity for first responders in Spotsylvania County. On Wednesday, a mass shooting tied to an illegal gun sale left three people dead and resulted in charges against four suspects. One day earlier, a child brought a loaded handgun into a third-grade classroom at Lee Hill Elementary School, prompting criminal charges against the child’s parents.
This is a developing story. Stay with Potomac Local News for updates.
Three young men are dead, and four others — including three juveniles — now face charges following a violent shooting tied to an illegal gun sale and robbery in Spotsylvania County.
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office announced today that investigators have charged four individuals with Malicious Wounding, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, and Unlawful Assembly. The suspects include two 16-year-olds, a 17-year-old, and 18-year-old Jeremiah Upson, whose photo was released by the Sheriff’s Office. One of the 16-year-olds is currently being treated at a local hospital for a gunshot wound and will be taken into custody upon discharge.
According to Major Elizabeth Scott, two of the suspects are from Spotsylvania County, and the other two are residents of Caroline County. Three of the suspects are currently being held without bond.
The incident unfolded around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, when deputies responded to reports of a shooting in the area of Olde Greenwich Circle, just outside Fredericksburg. Upon arrival, law enforcement found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
The victims were identified as:
- Chase Feaster, 18, of Spotsylvania County
- Alonzo Goffney, 18, of Spotsylvania County
- A 20-year-old male whose identity is being withheld pending confirmation by the Medical Examiner’s Office
- Three additional individuals were transported to area hospitals for treatment.
Investigators say the shooting stemmed from an illegal gun transaction that escalated into a robbery. “We commend our detectives on bringing this tragedy to a closure,” said Major Scott. She also thanked the Fredericksburg Police Department and the Virginia State Police for their assistance, along with community members who provided support during what she described as a “stressful and heartbreaking” time.
The incident prompted Fredericksburg City Public Schools to operate on a two-hour delay today, April 9, out of an abundance of caution.
The investigation remains active, and authorities urge anyone with additional information to come forward.
This is a developing story. Check back with Potomac Local News for updates.
Fredericksburg City Public Schools will open two hours late on Wednesday, April 9, in response to a mass shooting that left three people dead and three others hospitalized Tuesday evening in neighboring Spotsylvania County.
School officials announced the delayed opening late Tuesday, citing the “profound impact this incident has had on members of our school community.”
“We appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate this together,” the division said in a statement.
The shooting occurred around 5:30 p.m. in the area of Olde Greenwich Circle, just off Lafayette Boulevard. Deputies with the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunfire and found six people suffering from gunshot wounds. Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while three others were taken to area hospitals. Their conditions have not been released.
Law enforcement officials say the investigation remains “active and fluid,” and no suspects have been arrested. A large police presence continues in the area as detectives work to determine what led to the deadly shooting.
“We are urging members of the public to avoid the Olde Greenwich Circle area while our investigation continues,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
The names and ages of the victims have not been released.
Potomac Local News will continue to follow this developing story.
Emergency crews remained on scene late into the evening Monday after a major gas leak was reported at the QTS data center just outside the City of Manassas.
Prince William County Fire and Rescue was dispatched to 9540 Godwin Drive at 2:10 p.m. for reports of a gas leak. As of 9 p.m., units were still actively working the scene.
Spokesman Matt Smolsky said the leak involved an 8-inch gas line, which significantly prolonged containment efforts.
“Takes time to isolate and secure leaks of that size,” Smolsky said. “Units are protecting the scene regarding escaping vapors and scene safety.”
There were no immediate reports of injuries or evacuations, but emergency personnel continued to monitor the area for potential hazards.
The QTS data center sits near Godwin Drive, across from Mircon Technologies, and is part of the region’s growing technology infrastructure.
This is a developing story. Check back with Potomac Local News for updates.
At 5:30 p.m., the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a shooting in the area of Olde Greenwich Circle, just off Layfaette Boulevard. Upon arrival, deputies discovered multiple individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while three others were transported to nearby hospitals with unknown conditions. The identities and ages of the victims have not yet been released.
The incident has prompted a large police presence in the area as investigators work to determine what led up to the shooting. No suspects have been arrested as of this report, and law enforcement officials say the situation remains “active and fluid.”
“We are urging members of the public to avoid the Olde Greenwich Circle area while our investigation continues,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Stay with Potomac Local News for continuing coverage of this developing story.
Authorities say the incident happened around 10:50 a.m. when a handgun went off while inside a student’s backpack. Early interviews indicate the student did not intend to harm anyone, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The classroom teacher immediately evacuated all 26 students and alerted the School Resource Officer stationed at the school. Thankfully, no students or staff were injured during the incident.
Detectives are in the early stages of a preliminary investigation and are interviewing the student involved and the student’s parents.
“We will make you aware of all pertinent facts concerning the incident as we progress,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
The school sits about three miles from the Spotsylvania Medical Center. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Due to wet weather conditions across the region, the Championship Celebration and Ring Ceremony honoring the 2024 Carolina League Champion Fredericksburg Nationals has been relocated from Riverfront Park to Virginia Credit Union Stadium.
The event will take place Monday, April 7 at noon on the Total Property Services Club Level inside the stadium.
Fans are invited to celebrate with players from the championship team, including several now playing in Wilmington. The ceremony will feature remarks from FredNats Manager Jake Lowery, Team Owner Art Silber, and Fredericksburg City Councilman Jon Gerlach.
The location change comes as a low-pressure system continues to move across the region, bringing lingering rain, especially along and east of the I-95 corridor. According to the National Weather Service, the area will remain wet through the afternoon, gradually clearing from northwest to southeast. However, southeastern portions of the region may not fully dry out until later this evening.
Despite the soggy conditions, the celebration will go on — and fans are encouraged to head to the ballpark and be part of this historic moment for the FredNats and the Fredericksburg community.
A fire that broke out Wednesday afternoon in a Woodbridge townhouse could have turned into a devastating incident—but thanks to a working sprinkler system, it was largely brought under control before it could spread.
At around 4 p.m. on March 26, 2025, fire and rescue crews were dispatched to the 14700 block of Mason Creek Circle, near Potomac Library on Opitz Boulevard, for reports of a townhouse fire. When units arrived, they found a fire at the rear of a set of double-stacked townhomes, with flames stretching from the ground level up to the attic.
According to a report from Prince William County Fire and Rescue, the exterior sprinkler head of the home’s built-in system had already activated and was effectively controlling the blaze before crews arrived.
“This is an excellent example of today’s building and fire codes preventing a much more serious incident,” the department noted in a statement. “Property damage was limited, life safety was enhanced, and firefighting efforts were reduced. Sprinklers save lives and property.”
Firefighters quickly completed extinguishment. Officials confirmed no injuries and that the fire had not extended into adjacent townhomes.
However, the fire caused enough damage that the Building Official declared two homes unsafe to occupy. Three adults and one child were displaced, and the American Red Cross is assisting them.
The Fire Marshal’s Office investigated and determined that the fire was caused by an electrical event at the electric meter located at the rear of the home.
