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A high-speed crash late Friday night claimed the life of an 18-year-old driver near Dumfries, while three others sustained injuries, authorities reported.

Prince William County crash investigators responded to the scene at Route 234 and Van Buren Road intersection at 10:36 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, where they found a two-vehicle collision involving a 2013 Audi A7 and a 2024 Cadillac Escalade.

According to the preliminary investigation, the Audi driver was traveling eastbound on Dumfries Road at a speed above the posted limit when the vehicle crossed the median into oncoming traffic. The Audi then collided with the Cadillac, heading in the opposite direction.

Emergency responders pronounced the driver of the Audi deceased at the scene. Authorities have identified him as 18-year-old Mihai-Mario Stoica, of Woodbridge. A 25-year-old male passenger in the Audi sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The driver of the Cadillac, an 18-year-old man from Woodbridge, along with a 32-year-old male passenger, were also hospitalized with varying injuries.

Police have not yet determined the cause of the crash, beyond the fact that speed was a factor. Crash investigators are seeking additional witnesses and have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact authorities.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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Firefighters responded to a house fire Tuesday evening at 100201 Waterford Drive, near Clover Hill Road.

Crews from Manassas and Prince William County Fire and Rescue were dispatched at 5:05 p.m. to the three-story home, where flames had spread to the second floor. All occupants and a dog safely evacuated before firefighters arrived.

During the response, the roof collapsed, intensifying firefighting efforts. Crews worked to bring the blaze under control, and no injuries were reported, according to initial reports. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

More as we have it.

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Winter Weather Closures for Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Federal Government Status

  • Status: Open - Suggesting 2 Hour Delayed Arrival - With Option for Unscheduled Leave or Unscheduled Telework.
  • Given critical work being done across the federal government, please consult with your agency for final guidance.

As winter weather conditions are expected to impact the region, several government offices, school systems, and institutions have announced closures and delays for Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Below is a list of confirmed updates:

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A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the region from 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, to 7 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, prompting numerous school closings and early dismissals. The National Weather Service forecasts heavy snowfall between 4 to 8 inches, with snowfall rates reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour Tuesday afternoon and evening. Hazardous road conditions are expected to impact both the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes.

As a precaution, school districts across the area have announced schedule changes:

Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS)

  • Schools will close two hours early on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
  • Morning and full-day preschool students will be dismissed two hours early, while afternoon preschool is canceled.
  • Field trips, late activity buses, and all after-school and evening activities are canceled.
  • The School Age Child Care (SACC) program will not operate.
  • Lunch will be served on an adjusted schedule.
  • School-based employees working directly with students may be dismissed early, but all administrative and classified staff must remain on their normal schedule.
  • All PWCS buildings will close by 4 p.m..

Stafford County Public Schools

  • All Stafford County schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 11, for both students and staff.

Spotsylvania County Public Schools

  • Schools and offices will be closed Tuesday, Feb. 11.
  • Code 1 status: Essential personnel must report as needed for emergency services.

Fredericksburg City Public Schools

  • School buildings will be closed Tuesday, Feb. 11.
  • Essential personnel should contact their supervisor for report times.

Manassas City Public Schools

  • Schools will have an early release on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
  • No Pre-K classes.
  • School officials are monitoring weather conditions and will provide updates as necessary.

Manassas Park City Schools

  • Schools will operate on an early release schedule:
    • Secondary campus dismisses at 10:30 a.m.
    • Elementary campus dismisses at 11:30 a.m.
  • No Pre-K classes.
  • All after-school activities are canceled.

King George County Schools (KGCS)

  • Schools will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 11 for students and staff.
  • Code 3 for 12-month staff.
  • The King George Virtual Academy Information Session, originally scheduled for Feb. 11, has been rescheduled to Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. at KGMS Auditorium.

Germanna Community College

  • All Germanna locations will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 11 due to inclement weather.

Weather Outlook & Travel Advisory

The storm is expected to begin late Tuesday morning, intensifying in the afternoon and evening, bringing heavy snow and hazardous road conditions. The snowfall may transition into a light wintry mix overnight into Wednesday morning, but further accumulation is expected to be minimal. Motorists are urged to use caution and avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm hours.

Local officials advise residents to stay informed on weather and road conditions and to prepare for potential delays or further closures on Wednesday, Feb. 12.

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Update – Feb. 7, 2025: Stafford’s Simply Perfect Wedding Expo has been canceled due to inclement weather. The event will be rescheduled to a date yet to be announced, acceding to the organizer, Stafford County Tourism Office.

Original Post – Feb.  4, 2025: The Stafford County Simply Perfect Wedding Expo is coming up on February 8, 2025, at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center in Fredericksburg! This event is a must for couples planning their big day, featuring top wedding vendors, venues, florists, caterers, photographers, and more—all in one place.

If you’re a wedding professional, vendor opportunities are available, but spaces are limited. Don’t miss your chance to connect with engaged couples ready to plan their special day!

  • Date: February 8, 2025
  • Location: Holiday Inn and Conference Center, 20 Sanford Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22406
  • Registration is required to attend. More details here: Stafford Wedding Expo.

Want to spread the word about your own upcoming event? It’s FREE to submit events to Potomac Local News! Simply fill out this form: Submit an Event. Provide the event name, date, location, and details, and we’ll help share it with the community!

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Due to the current weather advisory and anticipated adverse weather conditions, several school systems in the region have announced delays for Thursday, February 6, 2025.

Stafford County

  • Stafford County Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay.

Prince William County

  • Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) will open two hours late.

Manassas City

  • Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS): Schools will open on a two-hour delay due to expected inclement weather. There will be no PreK.
  • MCPS will continue monitoring the weather and provide an update if any changes are needed. Please check MCPS alerts for the latest information.

Manassas Park

  • Manassas Park City Schools: All schools will open 2 hours late due to winter weather conditions.

Fairfax County

  • Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS): Schools and offices will open on a two-hour delay.

We will continue updating this post as more school systems announce schedule changes. Stay tuned for the latest information.

Please check back for updates on additional school delays.

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Romero

A case of child abuse and neglect has led to the arrest of three family members following the death of a 4-year-old boy on January 19.

Officers responded to The Regency Apartments in the 9800 block of Shallow Creek Loop near Manassas at 7:36 p.m. January 19, to investigate reports of an unconscious child. When emergency responders arrived, they found the young victim, later identified as a 4-year-old boy, unresponsive.

Fire and Rescue personnel administered CPR before transporting the child to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

As detectives delved into the investigation, they discovered that the boy and his 5-year-old sister had endured long-term abuse and neglect at the hands of three family members, police said. These individuals were the primary caretakers of the children.

The investigation revealed the victim had been regularly bound with plastic wrap and packing tape, and he showed signs of severe malnutrition and dehydration at the time of his autopsy. Both children had been routinely deprived of food and water.

On January 29, detectives obtained arrest warrants for the three family members responsible for the children’s care. The arrested individuals have been charged with aggravated murder, felony murder, and felony child abuse and neglect. They are being held without bond.

The arrested individuals are:

  • Rebecca Ann Romero, 53 – Charged with aggravated murder, felony murder, and felony child abuse and neglect.
  • Shanyah Elizabeth Dilda, 22 – Charged with aggravated murder, felony murder, and felony child abuse and neglect.
  • Kemmilyn Anita Wade, 18 – Charged with felony murder and felony child abuse and neglect.

The 5-year-old sister, along with two other children aged 12 and 14 who lived in the apartment, has been placed into the custody of Child Protective Services for their safety and well-being.

Due to the sensitive nature of the case and the age of the deceased, law enforcement has not released the victim’s identity. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure the remaining children are safe and adequately cared for.

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A mid-air collision occurred Wednesday evening over the Potomac River involving a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, operating as American Airlines Flight 5342, and a Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter. At least 30 bodies have been recovered so far.

The crash occurred around 9 p.m. local time while the Bombardier CRJ700 approached Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on its flight from Wichita, Kansas. The collision prompted a large-scale rescue operation, with more than 300 first responders deployed.

Rescue Efforts in Challenging Conditions

The crash site, located in the Potomac River, is surrounded by icy and dark waters, complicating efforts to recover survivors. D.C. Fire and EMS, along with local and regional fire departments, police, and the U.S. Coast Guard, have been working tirelessly to locate and retrieve victims from the wreckage. Chief John Donnelly of D.C. Fire and EMS highlighted the dangers of the situation, saying, “The water we’re operating in is about eight feet deep. There is wind and pieces of ice, making it extremely dangerous and difficult to work.”

At the time of the collision, 60 passengers and four crew members were aboard the American Airlines flight, while three personnel were aboard the military helicopter. The U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies have focused on saving lives, continuing rescue operations through the night.

Federal and Local Support

Mayor Muriel Bowser and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy held a press conference late Tuesday, offering condolences to the victims and promising full support for the ongoing rescue operation. Secretary Duffy emphasized that the President has committed all necessary resources to assist in the recovery efforts. U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall of Kansas also expressed their deep sorrow and pledged support for the victims’ families.

“We are deeply concerned for the passengers and crew aboard American Airlines Flight 5342,” said an American Airlines spokesperson. The airline has set up a toll-free hotline at 800-679-8215 for loved ones seeking information about those on board.

Impact on Airport Operations

In response to the crash, Reagan National Airport temporarily halted all flights, and the terminal remains operational while authorities investigate. The airport will remain closed until at least 11 a.m. Wednesday, while 19 aircraft were diverted to other nearby airports. Other airports, including Dulles International, have not been affected.

Investigation Underway

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the collision, with the NTSB taking the lead. Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police (MPD) have confirmed that multiple calls were received at 8:53 p.m. reporting the crash, prompting the rescue operation. No casualties have been confirmed, but authorities are continuing to assess the situation.

The NTSB has announced that further updates on the investigation will be provided once the rescue efforts are concluded.

As recovery efforts continue in the cold, dark waters of the Potomac River, officials are urging residents to respect the work of first responders and avoid interfering with the operation. A press update is expected at 7:30 a.m. Thursday.

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[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]
Authorities have released additional details regarding the homicide of 61-year-old Charles Childress and 59-year-old Kimberly Newcomb, whose bodies were discovered on January 25, 2025, at a residence in the 10800 block of Heatherwood Drive.

The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office initially responded to the home after a concerned friend discovered a deceased female and called 911. Upon arrival, deputies found both victims dead at the scene. Investigators have now confirmed that both victims died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Following the autopsy, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death as gunshot wounds. Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) continue their investigation and work around the clock to process evidence and interview potential witnesses. While the relationship between the victims remains under investigation, it has been confirmed that they were living together at the residence.

“We are working diligently to gather all the necessary information to bring clarity to this tragic situation,” said Major Elizabeth Scott. “Our team is following every lead and continuing to process evidence.”

The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information about the case to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously via the Spotsylvania Crime Solvers hotline at 1-800-928-5822 or online at Spotsylvania Crime Solvers. The P3tips app is also available for those who wish to submit information anonymously.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released additional details regarding possible suspects or motives.

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