Updated 7 p.m.  – All Fredericksburg City Public Schools were closed Friday after a missing juvenile from Fairfax County, identified as Safar Fasihullah, 16, was spotted trespassing at James Monroe High School earlier in the week. The teen has since been taken into custody in Florence, New Jersey, according to police.

At 5:05 p.m., the Fredericksburg Police Department announced Fasihullah's arrest.
“We want to thank the public for your patience and assistance,” the department stated.

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PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY INCIDENTS

Teen Arrested for Two Strong-Arm Robberies in Woodbridge

A 17-year-old male has been arrested in connection with two robberies in the 14800 block of Winding Loop in Woodbridge.

• The first incident took place on December 25, 2024, when the suspect allegedly brandished a firearm and stole a jacket from the victim.
• The second robbery occurred on February 18, 2025, when a 14-year-old male was approached, and a struggle ensued before the suspect fled with his jacket.
• Police identified the suspect and charged him with two counts of robbery. His court date is pending.

Robbery at Starlight Café in Woodbridge

On March 10 at 11:03 AM, officers responded to Starlight Café on Build America Drive for a reported robbery.

• A suspect grabbed an employee’s bag from a table, leading to a brief struggle.
• The suspect pushed the victim and fled. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and the bag was recovered in the parking lot.

Suspect Description:

• Black male, 5’7” – 5’9”, about 30 years old
• Wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and carrying a backpack

Vandalism at Unity Braxton Middle School

On March 7 at 2:00 PM, a School Resource Officer at Unity Braxton Middle School in Manassas discovered derogatory language marked in a hallway bathroom stall.

• The writing did not contain threats toward students or staff.
• The incident is under investigation.

Manassas Man Charged with Assaulting Police Officer

A 27-year-old Alexandria man was arrested after assaulting police officers during an altercation on Prince William Parkway near Marblestone Drive on March 10 at 2:17 PM.

• Officers responded to a brandishing incident when the suspect, Joshua Justin Berry, became combative.
• Berry kicked multiple officers and damaged a police vehicle while being transported.
• He was charged with assault & battery on law enforcement, obstruction of justice, and destruction of property and is being held without bond.

Two Charged in $130,000 Fraud

Police arrested Darien Deventon Smith, 31, and Sheniece Elaine Smith, 32, of Bridgeport, CT, for running a money scam that defrauded a 77-year-old Woodbridge woman out of over $130,000.

• The scammers convinced the victim she had won a large sum of money and a vehicle and pressured her to pay fees to claim the prize.
• Over several months, they coerced her into opening bank accounts and purchasing money orders.
• The suspects were arrested in Bridgeport, CT, on February 28 and charged with obtaining money by false pretenses and conspiracy to commit a felony.

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STAFFORD COUNTY INCIDENTS

Authorities Seek ‘Arfnold Schwarzenegger’ Dog Ornament Thief

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a theft at Winding Creek Elementary School, where a cutout dog ornament nicknamed “Arfnold Schwarzenegger” was stolen on March 8 at 5:46 AM.

• Surveillance footage captured a light-colored, mid-2000s Chevy Colorado at the school.
• The suspect concealed his license plates before stealing the wooden dog and fleeing.
• This is the second time a similar ornament has been stolen from the school.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy J.M. Smihal at 540-658-4400.

Deputy Attacked at Mary Washington Hospital

A Stafford County deputy sustained minor injuries after being attacked in the lobby of Mary Washington Hospital on March 10 at 12:13 PM.

• While assisting a person seeking mental health resources, the deputy was confronted by a known individual from prior incidents.
• Jackson assaulted the deputy, prompting hospital security and staff to intervene.
• The deputy activated his emergency radio button, bringing in Fredericksburg Police, Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office, and Stafford Sheriff’s Office for assistance.
• Darrell Jackson, 39, of Fredericksburg is charged with assault and battery on law enforcement, disorderly conduct, and obstruction of justice and is being held without bond.

DUI Arrests in Stafford County

Teen Driver Crashes After Drinking Vodka

• Mountain View Road, March 9, 12:04 PM
• A juvenile driver admitted to drinking vodka before crashing a Ford F-150 into a telephone pole, trees, and a fence.
• The driver suffered minor injuries, and DUI-related charges are pending.

Reckless Driver Charged with DUI

• Caisson Road, March 9, 3:45 AM
• A driver in a speeding Chevy swerving on Kings Highway was pulled over.
• The suspect had a suspended license and signs of intoxication.
• Charged with DUI and driving while suspended; held on a $1,000 secured bond.

Theft and Fraud Incidents

Suspect Steals Oil Change at Walmart, Tells Deputy to ‘Go Get Your Warrants’

• Walmart, 217 Garrisonville Road, March 10, 4:23 PM
• A suspect left without paying for an oil change, promising he “maybe” would pay later.
• When confronted, he told Deputy S.M. Kotter to “go get your warrants then.”
• Deputy Kotter did exactly that, serving the suspect with a defrauding warrant.

Juvenile Caught Stealing Stylish Jacket at Target

• Target, 25 South Gateway Drive, March 9, 7:18 PM
• A juvenile suspect attempted to leave the store wearing an unpaid-for jacket.
• A juvenile shoplifting summons was submitted.

Teens Steal Vapes from Valero Fast Mart

• Valero Fast Mart, 2142 Richmond Highway, March 10, 10:57 AM
• Two juvenile females were caught stealing vapes.
• They were charged with shoplifting and underage possession of tobacco.

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Public Intoxication Incident

• Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center, 1600 Mine Road, March 9, 11:53 AM
• A heavily intoxicated man insisted on taking a breathalyzer to prove his sobriety—but blew three times over the legal limit.
• Charged with public intoxication; held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

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Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to contact:

• Prince William County Police: 703-792-7000
• Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: 540-658-4450

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.