Woman charged in Woodbridge armed robbery

Police arrested an 18-year-old woman in connection to an armed robbery that occurred last month in a Woodbridge neighborhood.

On May 22, officers arrested Saniyah Ayan Quash Wesley, of Tackett’s Village Square in Woodbridge. She faces a robbery charge and is being held without bond.

The incident occurred April 2, in the 3600 block of Golf Side Circle. A food delivery driver told police a man and a woman threatened him and took his delivery. The male suspect implied he was armed before both fled the area. No one was injured.

Police continue to search for the man involved, described as Black, in his early 20s, about 5’8” to 5’9”, with short dreadlocks. He was last seen wearing a dark sweatshirt and sweatpants.

Manassas man accused of strangling woman

A Manassas man was arrested following a domestic dispute in which he allegedly strangled and beat a woman.

Police arrested Otis Lee Allen, 54, of the 7900 block of Deward Court, on May 22. He is charged with strangulation and domestic assault and battery. Bond information was not available.

The charges stem from a March 30 incident, where police say Allen assaulted a 61-year-old woman during an argument. She was treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Attempted robbery reported at Potomac Mills

Police are investigating an attempted strong-arm robbery outside the Cheesecake Factory near Potomac Mills.

Officers responded to the restaurant at 2708 Potomac Mills Circle on May 22, at 8:45 p.m. A 40-year-old man told officers two men approached him while he was entering his parked car. One man tried to grab his keys, while the other attempted to climb into the back seat.

A struggle followed until a bystander intervened, and the suspects fled. No one was hurt, and nothing was stolen. One suspect was described as possibly a juvenile. Both wore dark clothing.

Driver charged with DUI, child neglect

A Woodbridge woman was arrested after police say she was driving drunk with three children in her car.

On May 20, at 8:43 p.m., officers stopped a vehicle on Hoadly Road near Websters Way after observing it swerving. Police say the driver, Bridget Catherine Rohm, 46, was intoxicated. Three children between ages 4 and 13 were also in the car.

The children were not harmed and were released to known parties. Rohm is charged with three counts of felony child neglect and one count of DUI. Bond information was not available.

Zozo, a neutered male dog estimated to be 3–5 years old, is ready to meet his forever family at the Prince William County Animal Services Center.

This playful, friendly pup is always up for an adventure. Zozo is a happy-go-lucky boy who loves to explore, make new friends, and share his signature kisses. He’s smart, treat-motivated, and thrives on companionship and fun. Whether it’s playtime in the yard or a walk around the park, Zozo is all in.

Zozo is in great health and fully up to date on his vaccinations. He’s strong, fit, and eager to become someone’s loyal companion. If you’re looking for a sweet, easygoing dog who loves people and lives for fun, Zozo may be your perfect match.

Visit Zozo at:
Prince William County Animal Services Center
14807 Bristow Road, Manassas, VA 20112
703-792-6465
www.pwcva.gov/department/animal-services

Open daily for adoptions:
Monday–Friday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Think Zozo could be your new best friend? Stop by the shelter today or share this post to help him find a loving home!

QUANTICO, Va. – Expect some noise this week if you live near Marine Corps Base Quantico, as a series of intensive live-fire training events are set to begin Tuesday, May 28, and run through Thursday, June 6.

According to a notice from Marine Corps Base Quantico, the exercises will kick off with a smaller-scale live-fire event from May 28 at 8 a.m. through May 30 at 4 p.m., including the use of fragmentation grenades, small explosive charges under 50 pounds, and weapons firing 5.56mm rounds and below.

Things get even louder starting June 3 through June 6, each day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with training that includes the 155mm Howitzer, mortar systems, missiles, rockets, robot maneuvers, rotary-wing aircraft operations, and live fire of 7.62mm and 5.56mm weapons. Aircraft movement and robot exercises are also part of the action.

The base notes that these exercises are essential to national security training for Marines, the Department of Defense, federal agencies, and law enforcement. With 43 live-fire ranges operating year-round, base officials say residents can expect occasional noise and vibrations depending on atmospheric conditions and terrain.

To stay informed about any rare schedule changes that may affect the area, residents are encouraged to follow Marine Corps Base Quantico on Facebook. Those with concerns or curiosity about the noise impact can visit quantico.marines.mil/Info/Noise-Advisories for more information.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Do you know which elementary school your child will attend next year? ?

Fredericksburg City Public Schools has released a newly approved elementary school zone map that will go into effect for the 2025-26 school year. In a Facebook post, the school division encouraged families to explore the changes, share the news with others, and prepare for what’s ahead.

The rezoning process began with a proposal shared on September 9, 2024, which was shaped by 2023-24 enrollment data. After several months of review and community feedback, school leaders refined the plan to better reflect updated projections and priorities like neighborhood unity, equity, and demographic balance.

The final zones assign students to Hugh Mercer (Central), Lafayette (West), or Gladys West (East) elementary schools, each with a diverse student population. Key considerations included ensuring fair representation of Special Education students, English Language Learners, and families from varying economic backgrounds.

According to school officials, this change aims to foster more balanced, inclusive learning environments citywide. You can view the new map and demographic breakdowns for each school here.

As we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation, we wish you and your loved ones a safe and reflective Memorial Day.

In observance of the holiday, many local services and facilities will be closed or operate on modified schedules on Monday, May 26, 2025:

? Closed on Memorial Day

• All Public Schools
• Libraries:
  • Prince William Public Libraries (closed Saturday–Monday)
  • Central Rappahannock Regional Library (all branches closed Monday)
    • Note: Sunday, May 25: Library website, catalog, and mobile app down from 5–10 a.m. for maintenance
• Local Government Offices & Courts:
  • Prince William County and Stafford County offices and courts
  • State and Federal Government offices
  • Post Offices
  • Most banks
• Landfills:
  • Stafford R-Board/Regional Landfills (Eskimo Hill & Belman Road)
• Prince William County Parks & Rec Facilities:
  • Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center
  • Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center
  • Veterans Memorial Community Center
  • Pat White Center at Ben Lomond
  • Administration office at George Hellwig Memorial Park

? Open on Memorial Day

• Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center (Manassas): 5:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (pools close at 11:30 a.m.)
• Prince William County Parks & Trails
• Water Activities:
  • SplashDown Waterpark
  • Waterworks Waterpark
  • Veterans Memorial Park pool & waterslide
  • Hammill Mill, Birchdale, and Graham Park Community Pools
  • Lake Ridge Park Marina
  • Locust Shade Park Marina
• Stafford County Parks: Outdoor parks open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Prince William County Landfill & Compost Facility: Open 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

?? Public Safety & Emergency Services (Stafford)

• Fire & Rescue: (540) 658-7200 | Emergency: 911
• Sheriff’s Office: (540) 658-4400 | Emergency: 911
• Magistrate: (540) 659-2968

? We’ll be back to our regular publishing schedule on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Thank you for being part of our community. From all of us at Potomac Local News, have a meaningful and restful holiday.

Uriah Kiser
Founder & Publisher, Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. – A new class of future first responders is ready to serve.

In a Facebook post, Stafford County Public Schools congratulated the graduates of High School Fire Academy 6, a program that prepares high school students for careers in fire and emergency services. The photo shows a proud group of students in uniform standing in front of the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department, smiling with certificates in hand.

The High School Fire Academy is a partnership between Stafford County Public Schools and Stafford County Fire and Rescue. Students who complete the program receive hands-on training in firefighting skills and emergency medical response while earning high school credit and gaining a head start on their careers.

These young cadets represent the sixth class to complete the program — and judging by the photo, they’re more than ready for the next challenge ?

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The popular water feature at Riverfront Park is officially open for summer fun!

In a Facebook post, Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events invited families to come cool off and enjoy the splash pad, now running for the season. The downtown park, located at 701 Sophia Street, also includes green space, a playground, and scenic views of the Rappahannock River.

Riverfront Park was named Virginia’s Best New Facility in 2023 and sits just steps from local shops and restaurants, making it a great stop for summer outings.

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County residents gathered at the Armed Services Memorial on Friday, May 23, 2025, for the county’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony, a time to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to the nation.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Deuntay Diggs opened the ceremony by thanking those in attendance and inviting veterans and their families to stand. “We welcome you and thank you for coming today to help us honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” said Diggs. “We do this because it is our solemn sacred duty, but more than that, we do it to ensure their sacrifice was not in vain”.

Pastor Chris Brown delivered the invocation, praying:
“Heavenly Father, as our nation pauses today to remember the men and women of our military who have sacrificed their lives so that we could experience the freedom we enjoy as citizens of the greatest nation in the world, we dedicate this service to them… Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction if it’s not fought for, if it’s not protected, if it’s not passed down to future generations”.

The U.S. Army’s Third Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, presented the colors during the ceremony.

Retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Lester Evans, president of Rolling Thunder, Inc., VA Chapter 3, gave the keynote address. “You’ve heard it already, and you’re going to hear it again and again, that we don’t forget,” Evans said.

“I think it’s important for you all to hear real quickly our mission statement… The major function of Rolling Thunder Incorporated is to publicize the POW-MIA issue, to educate the public that many American prisoners of war were left behind after all previous wars, and to help correct the past and to protect future veterans from being left behind should they become prisoners of war or missing in action”.

He also paid tribute to Rolling Thunder’s founding executive director, Arnie Miller, who passed away in April, and shared emotional testimonies from other members about why they joined the organization. “I joined Rolling Thunder to honor the silent battles many veterans face long after combat ends, especially those struggling with PTSD, having lost more friends to these invisible wounds than to the war itself,” one member wrote.

Evans concluded: “We must be louder. We must be bolder in remembrance.”

In closing, Diggs reflected, “Though our ceremony ends, remember our duty does not. Let us leave here not only with solemn hearts, but with a renewed commitment to uphold the values these brave men and women died defending—liberty, unity, and service to others”.