Update – All lanes reopened at 7:15 p.m., following a six and a half hour closure.

Original post – A major crash on Route 17 (Warrenton Road) in Stafford County has led to an extended road closure in Lichfield Boulevard and McWhirt Loop. The incident involves downed power lines, creating hazardous conditions for drivers.

Authorities have not provided an estimated time for reopening the roadway, and motorists are urged to use the most convenient alternate route to avoid delays.

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are en route to establish a detour while emergency responders work to clear the scene and assess damage to the power infrastructure.

More as we have it.

Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the Stratford Place subdivision in South Stafford on the evening of February 28, 2025. A 61-year-old bystander, who was attempting to de-escalate the situation, was shot and killed when a federal law enforcement officer’s gun discharged during an altercation.

According to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of a reckless driver and disturbance in the area at approximately 6:35 p.m. The incident began when an off-duty federal law enforcement officer confronted a motorcyclist reportedly driving recklessly on an off-road motorcycle. The motorcyclist initially left the scene but later returned with family members. Deputies stopped them in a white Lincoln near the intersection of North Jenny Lynn Road and Cross Cut Lane, where a confrontation ensued, about a mile from a Giant Food store at Town and Country Marketplace on White Oak Road.

Police said that three individuals—identified as Nicolas Vazquez, 20, Angel Vazquez, 21, and Xavier Vazquez, 46—began causing a disturbance with both the deputies and the off-duty agent, who lives in the neighborhood and was out walking his dog. As deputies attempted to control the situation, the encounter turned physical, Stafford County authorities said.

During the altercation, authorities said an unidentified 61-year-old man who lived nearby approached the scene to defuse the conflict. At some point, the federal agent’s firearm discharged, striking the 61-year-old man in the chest. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Officials have not identified the federal agent involved, and it remains unclear whether the agent drew his weapon or if it was discharged unintentionally. The agent has not been charged.

Additionally, a deputy suffered minor injuries and was grazed by the bullet, but no deputies fired their weapons during the incident.

Following an initial investigation, Nicolas, Angel, and Xavier Vazquez were charged with assault and battery on law enforcement, assault by mob, conspiracy to commit a felony, and obstruction. All three were taken into custody at the Rappahannock Regional Jail and are being held without bond.

Authorities are urging anyone with additional information or video evidence of the incident or the motorcyclist’s reckless driving to contact Detective Boyle at 540-658-4400.

The sheriff’s office expressed condolences to the victim’s family, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the deceased resident.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

A winter storm bringing snow and strong winds will force schools in Stafford County, Fredericksburg City, and Spotsylvania County to close on Thursday, February 20, 2025.

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A high-speed crash late Sunday 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.

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.

Winter Weather Closures for Wednesday, February 12, 2025

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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.

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!

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.