A new report on the state of local news in the U.S. shows the number of local news outlets continued to contract at a steeper rate in 2023.

On the current trajectory, by the end of next year, the country will have lost a third of its newspapers since 2005. Discouragingly, the growth in alternative local news sources — digital and ethnic news outlets and public broadcasting — has not kept pace with what’s being lost.

As a result, most communities that lose a local newspaper do not get a replacement.

Treat your customers fairly, tell the truth

I worked at three of our area’s now-shuttered newspapers: Potomac News, Manassas Journal Messenger, and Stafford County Sun.  I sold advertising and later reported the news in what became my most fun job ever.

My role as an ad sales rep, and later as a breaking news reporter, allowed me to see all facets of the community — building relationships with business owners and policymakers and putting me at the center of the breaking news that shaped the conversation in our region.

Since founding Potomac Local News in 2010, I’ve tried to carry on the traditions I learned while working in the local newspaper business in our area: Treat your customers fairly, tell the truth, and always deliver for the readers, members, and advertisers.

The future of local news

While the future of local news outlets looks bleak across the country, there are a few bright spots, such as new online-only local news outlets springing up to do their best to fill the gap. The most promising is knowing you support our efforts to bring our communities from Manassas to Fredericksburg authentically local, honest journalism, community news, and events.

Members like you help pay for our original reporting, supporting a team of young and experienced freelance journalists with a stake in our communities. The future of local news gathering is that they’re committed to asking tough questions, telling the truth, and reporting what they see.

I value your trust, so we don’t report fake news.

Your support also helps me continue our mentorship program for our reporters in high school and college, providing them with experience they may not receive otherwise.

Hurry before December 1

Our Fall Membership drive is open, and it’s the last time this year you’ll be able to get an Annual Membership for $216 $108 until Friday, December 1, 2023. Afterward, you won’t be able to buy an annual plan until we’re well into 2024.

Our members receive 100% access to our original journalism, community news, and events and know they’re supporting a small, independent online news outlet with the community’s interest at heart.

Please click here to become a member today. Already a Quarterly Member? Click here to sign in, then upgrade your existing account to an Annual Membership, and save.

Thank you,

Uriah Kiser
Potomac Local News
Founder & Publisher

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season are upon us. I’m surprised at how fast it creeps up on us every year.

This Thanksgiving, as we do each year, will take a break for a holiday and reflect on the many blessings in our lives.

This is my 13th Thanksgiving as the founder and publisher of Potomac Local News. I’m grateful for the many people like you, our members, advertisers, and freelance writers I’ve had along the way who have helped me build this business into a product you read and trust daily.

This year, we’ve made strides with the local school divisions in Stafford and Spotsylvania counties and Manassas to bring on work-based learning students who are eager to help us write stories, post content to our website, and tell the stories of our communities. I’m proud of our student interns and of the work they’ve done.

Thank you to our members whose financial support goes to pay for the program to give these opportunities to high school and college students.

On Thanksgiving, I look forward to spending my day with my family, away from a computer screen. I hope you, too, take some time to enjoy the holiday.

We’ll see you again on Friday.

Oh, and don’t forget about the upcoming Small Business Saturday. So many mom-and-pop merchants in our community need your support to keep the lights shining.

National Park Service: “Kick-off the 2023 holiday season with the National Christmas Tree Lighting. This tradition is presented by the National Park Service (NPS) and the National Park Foundation (NPF), and will feature musical performances and the official lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse at The White House and President’s Park in Washington, D.C.”

“This year, the ceremony and official lighting will take place on Nov. 30. Hosted by American country artist Mickey Guyton, this year’s event features Darren Criss, Samara Joy, Ledisi, Reneé Rapp, St. Vincent, Joe Walsh, and Dionne Warwick. The event will also feature performances by the United States Coast Guard’s Guardians Big Band.”

“In partnership with NPF, CBS will broadcast the 2023 ceremony on Friday, December 15 (8 p.m. EST/PST) on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live on Paramount+.”

The celebration was first celebrated in 1923 by President Calvin Coolidge. Learn more about the history of the National Christmas Tree Lighting online.

“The National Christmas Tree and 58 smaller trees are free to visit and open to the public December 2, 2023, through January 1, 2024. Hours are 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Lights turn on near sunset each evening.”

“The National Christmas Tree Lighting is produced by White Rose Way Entertainment. Kristi Foley and Leon Knoles are executive producers and Renato Basile is producer. Knoles will also direct the special.”

More event information and updates can be found online, or also by following the President’s Park on Facebook or Twitter.

Potomac Local News Fall Membership Sale is Friday, November 24, through Friday, December 1, 2023. You can purchase an Annual Membership for only $108 during this time.

You’ll save over $100 during this sale by purchasing an Annual Membership vs. a Quarterly Membership sold all other times of the year.

Quarterly members may upgrade to enjoy the savings.

You may also purchase a gift membership for a friend or loved one so they can keep connected to their community.

Limited availability 

We sell Annual Memberships four times a year. If you have wanted to become a member and get 100% access to all of our original reporting on community meetings and local news on our website, now is the time!

New features on the way

We have several new features coming in 2024 that will be exclusive for our members, including deeper dives into crime trends in our area, new restaurants opening in our area, and local entertainment news. We are a firehouse of community information, and you don’t want to miss a post.

Trusted original reporting

Your membership helps pay our community reporters to bring you the original reporting of local news and information you’ve come to rely on us for. We’re working to bring you the local news daily, from reports from city council meetings to what new businesses are opening on my street to what’s happening in my child’s school.

Many community reporters are high school and college students working to build a resume and body of work to obtain future employment.

Stop the paywall

End the frustration of hitting the paywall when you click on a headline, become a member, and support us as we cover our communities by taking advantage of this quarterly sale by clicking here Friday, Nov. 24, through Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.

After December 1, 2023, you won’t be able to purchase an Annual Membership until we’re well into 2024.

 Quarterly Members may upgrade to save!

Existing Quarterly Members can log in to our account by going to the Members menu at the top of the site, selecting Account from the drop-down list, clicking Subscriptions on the left side of the Account page, and then clicking Change Plan.

You can select Change Plan, upgrade to our Annual Plan, and pay only the difference from there. Your new renewal date will become the date you purchased your Annual plan.

As always, thank you for being a member supporting local news and our small business.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Uriah Kiser
Founder and Publisher
Potomac Local News

Prince William Police Department: “Malicious Wounding *ARREST – On November 12, the suspect sought in connection to the stabbing that was reported to have occurred at a residence located in the 10200 block of Farragut Court in Manassas on October 29, was arrested. The accused, identified as Maynor LEMUS AMAYA, turned himself in to police without incident. Arrested on November 12: Maynor LEMUS AMAYA, 28, of 10223 Farragut Court in Manassas. Charged with malicious wounding and assault & battery. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.”

“Malicious Wounding *SUSPECT IDENTIFIED [Previously Released] – On November 7, officers identified the suspect sought in connection to the stabbing that was reported to have occurred at a residence located in the 10200 block of Farragut Court in Manassas on October 29. Officers obtained arrest warrants for the suspect, identified as Maynor LEMUS AMAYA. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful.”

“Malicious Wounding [Previously Released] – On October 29 at 1:08 a.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 10200 block of Farragut Court in Manassas to investigate a stabbing. The investigation revealed the victim, a 37-year-old man, and an unknown man were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the suspect cut the victim in the upper body with a machete before walking away. The victim was treated at an area hospital for non-life threatening injuries.”

“Shooting into a Residential Dwelling – On November 12 at 2:11 a.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 14900 block of Enterprise Lane in Woodbridge to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed two residences and two parked vehicles were struck by gunfire as a white sedan was seen fleeing the area. While checking the area, officers located shell casings in the parking area. No injuries or additional property damage were reported.”

“Shooting Investigation – On November 12 at 7:35 p.m., officers responded to investigate a shooting that was reported to have occurred in the area of Prince William Parkway and Summerland Drive in Woodbridge earlier that evening. The investigation revealed two vehicles were traveling in the above area when the occupants of one of the vehicles shot into the other vehicle, striking a 17-year-old male occupant. The juvenile was driven to an area hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. No other injuries or property damage were reported. This incident was not random. Detectives are actively following-up on leads regarding the identity of the shooter. The investigation continues.”

“Armed Robbery – On November 13 at 3:14 a.m., officers responded to the 7-Eleven located at 13304 Occoquan Road in Woodbridge to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed two masked men entered the store and one of the men brandished a firearm towards the employee and demanded money from the cash registers. The suspects took an undisclosed amount of money before fleeing on foot. A police K-9 and Fairfax County police helicopter searched the area for the suspects who were not located. No injuries were reported. The suspects were described as black men wearing masks and dark-colored clothing.”

“Armed Robbery – On November 10 at 9:02 p.m., officers responded to investigate a robbery that was reported to have occurred at the Super 8 located at 17416 Fraley Boulevard in Dumfries on November 5. The investigation revealed the victim, a 33-year-old woman, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the accused struck the victim multiple times and physically prevented her from leaving their room. At one point during the encounter, the accused brandished a firearm and demanded the victim’s money before leaving the room. Minor injuries were reported. No shots were fired. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Bryce Laron HENRY. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful. Wanted: [Photo from February 2023] Bryce Laron HENRY, 24, of the 5700 block of Gilesburg Drive in Manassas. Described as a black male, approximately 5’10, 244lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. Wanted for robbery, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, abduction, and domestic assault & battery.”

“Strong-Arm Robbery | Malicious Wounding – On November 9 at 10:41 p.m., officers responded to investigate an assault that was reported to have occurred at the commuter lot located at 14090 Gemini Way in Woodbridge earlier that evening around 6:30 p.m. The investigation revealed the victim, a 19-year-old man, was approached by a masked man. During the encounter, the man struck the victim, causing him to fall to the ground. When an acquaintance intervened, another masked man kicked the victim while he was on the ground before the suspects took the victim’s shoes and fled. The victim was eventually treated at an area hospital for non-life threatening injuries. The men were described as wearing masks, one of which was wearing all dark-colored clothing while the other wore a grey hooded sweatshirt, dark-colored jeans, and white sneakers.”

“Felony Child Neglect – On November 12 at 8:05 p.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 10200 block of Balls Ford Road in Manassas in an attempt to locate the owner of a vehicle that was involved in a hit & run crash in the area of the Prince William Parkway and W. Longview Drive. When officers arrived at the vehicle owner’s home, four children, between the ages of 2-9, were located alone inside the residence without proper supervision. The investigation revealed the vehicle owner and mother of the children, identified as the accused, left the children unattended at some point on November 11. The children were not harmed and turned over to a family member. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Leslie Carolina MILLA. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful. The investigation into the hit and run crash continues. Wanted: [Photo from February 2020] Leslie Carolina MILLA, 26, of the 10200 block of Balls Ford Road in Manassas. Described as a Hispanic female, approximately 5’0, 170lbs., with long brown hair and brown eyes. Wanted for 4 counts of child neglect.”

“Reckless Handling of a Firearm – On November 11 at 1:54 a.m., officers responded to the 13500 block of Lynn Street in Woodbridge to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed two men were
involved in a verbal altercation outside of a residence when shots were fired. No injuries or property damage were reported. While checking the area, officers located shell casings and rounds in front of the residence.”

“Commercial Burglary – On November 13 at 2:43 a.m., officers responded to Tobacco Max & Vape located at 8301 Sudley Road #101, in Manassas to investigate an alarm activation. The investigation revealed two
suspects shattered the front glass door of the business. Once inside the store, the suspects took an undisclosed amount of money, tobacco products, and vape products before fleeing. A police K-9 searched the area for the suspects who were not located. Suspect Descriptions: A black male, with a thin build. Last seen wearing a black mask, a black hooded sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, and white shoes. A male with a thin build. Last seen wearing a black mask, a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and black shoes.”

“Commercial Burglary – On November 10 at 2:20 p.m., officers responded to investigate a burglary that was reported to have occurred at Karen Radley Acura located at 14700 Richmond Highway in Woodbridge on November 9 at approximately 11:03 p.m. The investigation revealed two men entered the service area through an unsecured rear door. Once inside the business, the suspects stole a black 2005 Acura RL with Virginia license plates: UFB3299, a JBL speaker, and a power tool. One of the suspects was wearing a black mask, blue sweater, blue jeans, and brown boots, while the other wore a black ski-style mask, a grey vest over a grey hooded sweatshirt, light-colored pants, and white shoes.”

“Reckless Handling of a Firearm – On November 10 at 11:49 p.m., officers stopped a vehicle in the area of Delaney Road and Pearson Drive in Woodbridge for recklessly handing a firearm. The investigation revealed the occupants of the vehicle, identified as the two accused, were on Minnieville Road when they each fired rounds from two different firearms. Officers located both firearms in the vehicle and shell casings near the entrance to the Logan Park baseball fields. No injuries or property damage were reported. Following the investigation, the two accused, identified as Raven Nicole EARLE and Todd Collin WRIGHT, were charged. Charged on November 10: [No Photos Available] Raven Nicole EARLE, 28, of 2127 Hemlock Bay Road in Dumfries. Todd Collin WRIGHT, 55, of 2127 Hemlock Bay Road in Dumfries. Both Charged with reckless handling of a firearm. Court Date for Both: Pending | Status: Released on a Court Summons.”

“Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds – On November 9 at 8:30 a.m., the School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to Independence Non-Traditional School located at 14550 Aden Road in Manassas was
notified by school personnel of a student in possession of a knife on school grounds. The investigation revealed the student, identified as the accused, was entering the school when school security found the knife and notified the SRO. The SRO determined the accused did not brandish the weapon in any way to threaten students, faculty, or staff, or threaten the safety of the school. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as a 14-year-old female juvenile, was arrested. Arrested on November 9: [Juvenile] A 14-year-old female juvenile of Woodbridge. Charged with possession of weapon on school grounds. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held at the Juvenile Detention Center.”

Prince William County Government: “Prince William County real estate tax for the second half of 2023 is due on December 5th. If you have not received a tax bill for your property, please email [email protected] or call (703) 792-6710. Visit http://pwcva.gov/tax”

 

Prince William Police Department: “Armed Robberies *ARREST – On October 6, the suspect sought in connection to three separate armed robberies that were reported to have occurred across the county between September 14 and September 22, was arrested. The investigations revealed the suspect entered the Dollar Tree, located at 5275 Waterway Drive in [Montclair], and the Dollar General located at 13215 Occoquan Road in Woodbridge, where he brandished a firearm towards an employee before demanding money from the registers. The suspect fled prior to police arrival at the businesses.

While investigating the incidents, detectives determined the suspect was also involved in a third robbery reported to have occurred at the CVS located at 7500 Centreville Road in Manassas on September 14. While inside the business, the suspect brandished a firearm towards the employee before taking money and fleeing. On October 5, detectives identified the suspect involved in all three robberies and following the investigation, obtained warrants for his arrest. On October 6, the accused, identified as Brandon Lewis GILLIAM, was located in the Manassas area and taken into custody without incident. The investigation into the robbery at the Dollar General continues as detectives attempt to identify the second suspect involved in the incident. Arrested on October 6: [No Photo Available] Brandon Lewis GILLIAM, 27, of no fixed address. Charged with 3 counts of robbery, 3 counts of use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and 1 count of abduction. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.”

“Armed Robbery [Previously Released] – On September 22 at 8:48 p.m., officers responded to the Dollar Tree located at 5275 Waterway Drive in Dumfries to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed an unknown man brandished a firearm at employees and demanded money from the register. The suspect took an undisclosed amount of money before leaving the store and getting into a waiting dark-colored sedan. No shots were fired during the incident.”

“Armed Robbery [Previously Released] – On September 20 at 9:40 p.m., officers responded to the Dollar General located at 13215 Occoquan Road in Woodbridge to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed two masked men entered the store where one of the men brandished a firearm at the service counter and demanded money. The suspects took an undisclosed amount of money before fleeing in a dark-colored four door sedan. Minor injuries were reported. The suspects were described as a black male wearing a blue/green bandana head wrap, a black face mask, a black/white ADIDAS sweatshirt, black jeans, white gloves, and black shoes; and an unknown race male wearing a black ski-style mask, a navy-colored sweatshirt, black pants, white gloves, black shoes, and carrying a grey backpack.”

“Armed Robbery – On October 9 at 1:01 a.m., officers responded to the 7-Eleven located at 12417 Cape Cod Court in Woodbridge to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed an unknown man was at the service counter purchasing an item, when he produced a firearm before grabbing money from the cash register. The suspect then fled the store on foot. A police K-9 and Fairfax County police helicopter searched the area for the suspect who was not located. An undisclosed amount of money was reported missing. No injuries were reported. The suspect was described as a black male. Suspect Description: A black male, approximately 6’0, with a medium build. Last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, a red bandana across his face, plaid style underwear, black pants, grey/black gloves, and black shoes.”

“Abduction | Domestic Related – On October 7 at 4:45 a.m., officers responded to investigate a domestic dispute that was reported to have occurred at a residence located in the 10200 block of Irongate Way in Manassas earlier that morning. The investigation revealed the victim, a 26-year-old woman, who was holding her infant boy in her arms, was involved in a verbal altercation with a family member, identified as the accused, that escalated. During the encounter, the accused took the victim’s phone and went outside of the residence where the victim followed. While outside, the accused broke the victim’s phone, and struck her multiple times. The accused then prevented the victim from re-entering the residence and when she attempted to flag down a passing motorist, the accused grabbed her and pulled her towards the parking lot. As the victim began to yell for help, the accused grabbed her neck and upon releasing her, the accused kicked the victim several times. Shortly after, the parties separated, and the accused left the area. The victim gathered the children and went to the hospital where they determined her injuries were non-life threatening and the children were unharmed. Following the investigation, officers obtained warrants for the accused, identified as Argenis CORDOVA JIMENEZ. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful. Wanted: [Photo from December 2022]
Argenis CORDOVA JIMENEZ, 29, of the 10200 block of Irongate Way in Manassas. Described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5’7, 183lbs., with black hair and black eyes. Wanted for abduction, strangulation, domestic assault & battery, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, destruction of property, and grand larceny.”

“Reckless Handling of a Firearm – On October 7 at 3:52 p.m., officers responded to the 13400 block of Delaney Road in Woodbridge to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed shots were fired in the above area before two men were seen running towards Kraft Court. No injuries or property damage were reported. While checking the area, officers located shell casings near the shoulder of the roadway between Kenyon Court and Kraft Court.”

“Commercial Burglary – On October 7 at 9:03 a.m. officers responded to the Tobacco King located at 3930 Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge to investigate a burglary. Video surveillance revealed an unknown man forced entry into the business through the front door which was found damaged. While inside the business, the suspect took money and vape products before fleeing the store. The suspect is described as a white male wearing a black face mask, a black jacket, carrying a grey backpack, black jeans, and black
shoes.”

“Attempted Commercial Burglary – On October 7 at 7:17 a.m., officers responded to All Shooters Tactical located at 3310 Noble Pond Way in Woodbridge to investigate an alarm activation. Upon arriving at the business, officers observed the front glass door was shattered. Video surveillance revealed a white male wearing all black clothing used a hammer to smash the front glass door and attempt to make entry into the business. The suspect fled after he was unable to make entry into the business.”

“Sexual Assault Investigation – On October 7, detectives responded to investigate a sexual assault that was reported to have occurred in the 13900 block of Richmond Highway in Woodbridge earlier that morning. The investigation revealed the victim, a 19-year-old man, was at the above location with an acquaintance, identified as the accused, when the accused the accused wrapped his arm around the victim’s neck and sexually assaulted the victim. At some point during the encounter, the victim was able to separate from the accused and fled the residence. Officers were in the area at the time and were flagged down shortly after the encounter. The victim was transported to an area hospital where they determined his injuries were non-life threatening. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Alejandro PIEDRAS PADILLA, was arrested. Arrested on October 7: Alejandro PIEDRAS PADILLA, 41, of 13974 Jefferson Davis Highway in Woodbridge. Charged with 1count of strangulation and 2 counts of forcible sodomy. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.”

“Brandishing of a Firearm – On October 6 at 2:22 p.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 4900 block of Lombard Lane in Woodbridge to investigate an assault. The investigation revealed a resident of the home, later identified as the accused, was involved in a verbal altercation with an acquaintance, a 36-year-old woman, that escalated.

During the encounter, the accused struck the victim and a physical altercation ensued before another resident of the home intervened and separated both parties. A short time later, the victim and three other adult occupants of the home were outside of the residence when the accused came outside brandishing a firearm towards them. At some point during the encounter, one of the men took the firearm from the accused who then went back inside the residence while police were contacted. The victim reported minor injuries. At no point during the encounter were any shots fired. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Nickia Marie HEBB, was arrested. Arrested on October 6: Nickia Marie HEBB, 39, of the 4900 block of Lombard Lane in Woodbridge. Charged with 4 counts of brandishing and 1 count of assault & battery. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.”

Prince William Police Department: “Fatal Crash Investigation *DRIVER CHARGED – On August 29, crash investigators obtained charges for one of the drivers involved in the fatal crash that occurred in the area of Catharpin Road and Fallen Oaks Place in Gainesville (20155) on August 26. The drivers of the initial vehicles involved were found to have been traveling well above both the posted 40 MPH speed limit, and the recommended posted 30 MPH safe speed for roadway conditions at the curve where the crash occurred. The driver of the third vehicle, which was traveling in the opposite direction, was found to be operating their vehicle, a 2006 Scion, properly, and was uninvolved in the driving behavior of the other two drivers. The collision killed the 19-year-old driver of a 2016 Hyundai Elantra and injured a passenger inside the vehicle, who were both not properly wearing their seatbelt in the vehicle. Following the investigation, crash investigators charged the driver of the 2015 Toyota Corolla, identified as a 16-year-old male juvenile, who was also found to have been driving the vehicle without a license. Charged on August 29: [Juvenile]

A 16-year-old male juvenile of Haymarket [driver of the 2015 Toyota Corolla]. Charged with reckless driving and no operator’s license. Court Date: Pending | Status: Charged/Petitions Obtained. Identified: The deceased driver of the 2016 Hyundai Elantra was identified as Qais  JAILANI, 19, of Haymarket. The passenger of the 2016 Hyundai Elantra was identified as a 19-year-old man of Gainesville. The driver of the 2006 Scion was identified as a 50-year-old woman of South Riding.”

“Fatal Crash Investigation [Previously Released] – On August 26 at 1:10 a.m., crash investigators responded to the area of Catharpin Rd and Fallen Oaks Place in Gainesville (20155) to investigate a crash. The investigation revealed the drivers of a 2015 Toyota Corolla, and a 2016 Hyundai Elantra were traveling southbound on Catharpin Road at a high rate of speed when driver of the Corolla passed the Elantra, crossing over the double yellow line. The driver of the Elantra then attempted to overtake the Corolla in a ‘No Passing’ zone when the Elantra made contact with the rear of the Corolla as it began to pass. The Corolla then rotated and struck
a 2006 Scion that was traveling the opposite direction. The Elantra left the roadway and traveled down an embankment before striking a tree. The driver of the Elantra later died at an area hospital as a result of his injuries. A passenger in the Elantra sustained non-life threatening injuries. The drivers of the Corolla and the Scion were not injured. Speed is a factor in the collision. The investigation continues.”

“Armed Robbery – On August 28 at 3:16 p.m., officers responded to the 2900 block of Potomac Mills Close in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a robbery. The preliminary investigation revealed the victim, a 38-year-
old man, was allegedly robbed by three unknown men while in the above area. During the encounter, one of the men was reportedly armed with a knife, while another had a handgun. At one point, the victim was cut on his finger and back. The victim’s money and phone were taken before the parties dispersed and the suspects fled in dark-colored BMW sedan. Minor injuries were reported. The suspects were described as three Hispanic males between 15-25 years of age.”

“Armed Robbery – On August 26, officers responded to investigate a robbery that was reported to have occurred in the area of Irongate Way and Winchester Court in Manassas (20109) on August 25 at approximately 10:30 p.m. The investigation revealed the victim, a 22-year-old man, was walking in the above area when he was approached from behind by an unknown man who brandished a firearm. During the encounter, the suspect demanded the victim’s shoes before fleeing on foot. The victim left the area and contacted the police the following day. Suspect Description: A Hispanic male, approximately 24 years old, 5’5, 170lbs., with long straight hair, and a beard.
Last seen wearing a black ball cap, a green shirt, and black shorts.”

“Strong-Arm Robbery – On August 28 at 9:04 p.m., officers responded to the 8600 block of Parkland Street in Manassas (20109) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 21-year-old man, was
walking in the above area when he encountered an unknown man who struck him from behind. The suspect was joined by another unknown man and the two suspects took the victim’s backpack before fleeing on foot.
The victim reported minor injuries. The backpack was recovered later with the victim’s money and food items removed. The suspects were described as two Hispanic males who were wearing black clothing.”

“Residential Burglary – On August 27 at 6:27 p.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 10900 block of Mission Ridge Drive in Manassas (20109) to investigate a burglary. The investigation revealed sometime between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. entry was made into the home through an unsecured kitchen window. A phone, a THC vape cartridge, Apple Air Pods, and jewelry were reported missing.”

“Malicious Wounding – On August 25, officers concluded an investigation into an assault that was reported to have occurred at a residence located in the 14800 block of Danville Road in Woodbridge (22193) on July 1 at approximately 3:30 a.m. The investigation revealed the victim, a 34-year-old man, observed a verbal altercation between an unknown man and woman in his driveway. During the encounter, the male suspect used a bat to strike the victim in the head before the female suspect struck the victim with her hands. The parties dispersed, and the suspects left the area with the bat which originally belonged to the victim. While investigating the incident, officers identified the male suspect and obtained arrest warrants. On August 25, the male suspect, identified as Payton Alexander RHODES, was arrested. The investigation remains active as officers attempt to identify the female suspect. Arrested on August 25: Payton Alexander RHODES, 23, of 14820 Danville Road in Woodbridge. Charged with malicious wounding and petit larceny. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable. Suspect Description: A Hispanic female, approximately 5’0, with straight long brown hair. Last seen wearing a grey tank top and blue jeans.”