Osbourn Park High School has received the Virginia School Breakfast Award from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) for its success in expanding breakfast access, maintaining nutritional integrity, and serving more scratch-cooked meals. The school is one of three recipients this year.

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Nothing Bundt Cakes has opened its doors just outside Manassas, bringing its signature, handcrafted bundt cakes to the community. The Prince William Chamber of Commerce celebrated the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new bakery at 9825 Liberia Avenue, Suite 101.

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Maryland Man Convicted of Supplying Drugs to Fredericksburg Trafficker
Sean Shaka Myles Sr., 50, of Baltimore, was convicted for conspiring to distribute cocaine and fentanyl to a Fredericksburg trafficker. He faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison. (Full details)

Stafford Man Convicted for Assaulting Passenger During Flight
Everett Chad Nelson, 44, was found guilty of attacking a sleeping, deaf passenger on a flight to Dulles Airport, causing severe injuries. He faces up to 10 years in prison. (Full details)

Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry & Failing to Register as a Sex Offender
Eliseo Garcia Gordillo, 43, previously convicted of sexual battery in Prince William County, was sentenced to two years in prison for reentering the U.S. and failing to register as a sex offender. (Full details)

Dumfries Man Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Relief Fraud
Kingsley Apenteng, 40, admitted to falsifying documents to obtain a $149,740 PPP loan, which was later forgiven. He faces up to 20 years in prison. (Full details)

Prince William County's ambitious $300 million Route 28 Bypass project is dead.

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From Prince William County Police Department: 

Fatal Crash Investigation Nokesville Rd. & Sowder Village Sq., Nokesville:  On February 6 at 5:48 AM, crash investigators responded to the area of Nokesville Rd. and Sowder Village Sq. in Nokesville to investigate a fatal pedestrian crash. The investigation revealed that the driver of a 2024 Nissan Sentra was traveling southbound on Nokesville Rd. when the vehicle struck a pedestrian who was attempting to cross the road outside of a crosswalk while wearing dark-colored clothing. The pedestrian was subsequently struck by a 2005 Mazda 6, also traveling southbound on Nokesville Rd.

The pedestrian was transported to an area hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the Nissan was also transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities determined that speed, alcohol, and drug use were not factors for either driver.

Crash investigators are seeking any witnesses to this incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Prince William County Police.

Identified:

• The deceased pedestrian was identified as Donte Antonio CARTER, 33, of Manassas.
• The driver of the 2024 Nissan Sentra was identified as a 20-year-old woman of Woodbridge.
• The driver of the 2005 Mazda 6 was identified as a 37-year-old man of Stafford.

From Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: 

Suspect Located Using Drone & SWAT Team Taylors Hill Way, South Stafford: On February 6 at 8:08 PM, deputies responded to a disturbance involving a weapon on Taylors Hill Way. Deputies learned that a 29-year-old resident, identified as Franco Charles, was intoxicated and had fired several shots inside the home.

Deputies received conflicting information on whether Charles was still inside the residence or had fled on foot. A drone was deployed into the home, confirming the suspect was not inside. The SWAT Team responded, and drone operators began scanning the surrounding area.

Deputy C.M. Sterne later spotted Charles walking along Truslow Road and issued commands to surrender. Instead of complying, Charles fled into a wooded area. Drone operators immediately focused on the suspect’s last known location and quickly located him in the woods.

Charles was taken into custody and charged with shooting into an occupied dwelling and reckless handling of a firearm. He was transported to the Rappahannock Regional Jail, where he is being held without bond.

Biblical Break-In: During Bible Study Renee Road, Stafford County On February 5 at approximately 7:35 PM, deputies responded to a disturbance on Renee Road that was quickly escalating. The caller, David Campbell, 48, of Stafford, reported his neighbors had double-parked and, rather than addressing the matter with property management, confronted them directly in their residence. Upon seeing a large gathering of people inside, he assumed it was a human trafficking operation and contacted authorities. While speaking with dispatchers, Campbell could be heard taunting and cursing at the neighbors.

Deputies arrived and found Campbell standing in the roadway, displaying signs of intoxication. He complained about the parking issue and demanded that deputies identify everyone in the residence. After speaking with Campbell, deputies made contact with the neighbors, who provided a much different account of the situation.

According to the neighbors, the gathering was a Wednesday night Bible study, which explained the number of attendees. They stated that Campbell forcibly entered the home, nearly striking an ordained minister and threatening to punch another male. Video evidence corroborated their claims.

Campbell was arrested and charged with breaking and entering, assault, and public intoxication. He was transported to the Rappahannock Regional Jail, where he is being held without bond.

DUI Arrest St. Albans Boulevard:  On February 6 at 7:26 PM, Deputy J.J. Holetzky responded to a report of a reckless driver. Upon contact, the driver, a 23-year-old male, was found to be intoxicated. He was charged with DUI and driving without a license and held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

Fraud Cases

• Chamonix Drive (9:38 AM) – A resident reported that a mailed check never reached its intended destination. The check had been altered and deposited into a fraudulent account.
• Boxwood Drive (1:39 PM) – A resident received a text about a fraudulent purchase. After calling the number in the text, money was fraudulently withdrawn from his account.
• Celebrate Virginia Parkway (1:15 PM) – Deputy A.G. Hart stopped a vehicle for expired registration and an improper lane change. The driver attempted to use a fictitious name but was identified and arrested for false identification, no driver’s license, and traffic violations. He was released on an unsecured bond.

Larceny Reports

• Hatcher’s Run Court (7:55 AM) – A resident reported one vehicle stolen and another damaged. A green Kia Soul was reported stolen and entered into a law enforcement database.
• Corbin’s RV, 348 Kings Highway (9:54 AM) – Employees discovered that catalytic converters had been stolen from four RVs on the lot.

Littering Incident Hartwood (8:13 AM) – A resident awoke to find their property littered with toilet paper and eggs. An 18-year-old suspect was identified and issued a littering warrant.

Public Intoxication Royal Farms, 4 Commerce Parkway (7:36 PM) – Deputy W.E. Trainor IV responded to a disturbance involving a 35-year-old male who was intoxicated and causing issues over missing keys. The suspect was arrested for disorderly conduct and public intoxication and held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

A new Home Depot is set to open in Gordon Plaza, marking a significant step in the redevelopment of North Woodbridge.

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February will be a busy and love-filled month around Prince William County and Manassas with several events and activities scheduled. Take a look at some highlighted events and meetings.

Wednesday (Feb. 5)

• Manassas City Public School Board Work Session, 5 p.m. (Manassas City)
• Reading to Dogs, 5 to 6 p.m. (Dumfries)
• Prince William County School Board Meeting, 7 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Friday (Feb. 7)

• Preschool Fair, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Historic Thoroughfare Gap Exhibit and Discussion, 2 to 3 p.m. (Manassas)
• Kid’s Night Out, 6 to 9 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• First Friday “Souper Bowl,” 6 to 9 p.m. (Manassas City)
• Adapted Recreation: Love You to Pizzas, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Dale City)
• Valentine’s Mocktails, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Virtual)

Saturday (Feb. 8)

• Winter Waterfowl, 8 to 10 a.m. (Woodbridge)
• 7th Annual Prince William Native Plant Symposium, 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Manassas)
• African Folktale Storytime, 11 a.m. to noon (Dumfries)
• Winter Sowing, 11 a.m. to noon (Woodbridge)
• Traditional African Drum Circle, 2 to 3 p.m. (Haymarket)
• My Special Valentine Dance, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Father-Daughter Dance, 6 to 9 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Feb. 10

• Meet and Make: Introduction to Bulgaria, 1 to 3 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Tween Cuisine 101, 4:30 to 6 p.m. (Manassas)
• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (Manassas City)
• Miniature Painting Sessions, 5:3o to 7 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Prince William County School Board Public Hearing, 7 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Feb. 11

• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Work Session, 2 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Manassas City Public School Board Meeting, 6 p.m. (Manassas City)

Feb. 12

• Love Stinks!, 5 to 6:30 p.m. (Haymarket)
• Upcycled Vintage Postcards, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (Manassas)
• Anti-Valentine’s Day Party, 6 to 7 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Feb. 13

• Create to Your Heart’s Content, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Manassas)
• State of the Parks 2025, 7 to 9 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Feb. 14

• My Funny Valentine Cookie Decorating, 9:30 a.m. to noon (Dale City)
• “Who Killed Jolly Roger,” 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Manassas City)

Feb. 15

• Valentine’s Pajama Jam, 8:15 to 9:10 a.m. (Woodbridge)
• Winter Market, 9 a.m. to noon (Manassas City)
• Winter in the Park, 10 a.m. to noon (Haymarket)
• Musical Instrument Petting Zoo, 10:30 a.m. to noon (Dale City)
• Polar Plunge, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Tastes of Home: African American Culture and Cuisine, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Manassas)
• “Who Killed Jolly Roger,” 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Manassas City)

Feb. 16

• “Who Killed Jolly Roger,” 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Manassas City)

Feb. 17

• Active Adults Hike, 9 to 10 a.m. (Manassas)
• Learn Now Music: Ultimate Music Class, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Tape Town, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Woodbridge)
• Family Game Day, 1 to 4 p.m. (Manassas)

Feb. 18

• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Feb. 19

• Prince William County School Board Meeting/Public Hearing, 7 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Feb. 20

• Digital Day, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Bull Run)
• “5000 Steps,” 7 to 9:30 p.m. (Manassas City)
• The Music of Janelle Monae: Love, Liberation and Joy, 7:30 to 9 p.m. (Manassas City)

Feb. 21

• “5000 Steps,” 7 to 9:30 p.m. (Manassas City)

Feb. 22

• Winter Market, 9 a.m. to noon (Manassas City)
• Throwback Craft Day, 2 to 4 p.m. (Haymarket)
• “5000 Steps,” 7 to 9:30 p.m. (Manassas City)

Feb. 23

• Culture Connection, 1 to 2:30 p.m. (Manassas)
• Carnival, 3 to 4:30 p.m. (Dale City)

Feb. 24

• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (Manassas City)

Feb. 25

• American Red Cross Blood Drive, 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. (Manassas)
• Summer Camp Preview Event, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Dale City)
• Manassas City Public School Board Meeting, 6 p.m. (Manassas City)

Feb. 26

• Summer Camp Preview Event, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Manassas)
• Manassas City Council Budget Work Session, 5:30 p.m. (Manassas City)

Feb. 27

• National Polar Bear Day, 9:30 to 11 a.m. (Manassas)

Feb. 28

• Spice Club, all day (Bull Run)
• Stroller Strides, 10 to 11 a.m. (Dumfries)
• Candlelight Yoga, 7 to 8 p.m. (Woodbridge)

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted Tuesday to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass Project, ending years of planning and millions of dollars in studies and design work. The decision, which passed with a 5-3 vote, came after a contentious debate over the feasibility and cost of the project.

Initially estimated to cost more than $200 million, the road would have connected with Route 28 at a signalized intersection north of Bull Run Stream in Fairfax County. The plan to build the road, Alternative 2B, was the top recommendation from the 2017 Route 28 Corridor Feasibility Study. The project had received $89 million in funding from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) as part of a broader effort to improve the county’s transportation infrastructure.

County transportation director Rick Canizales confirmed that the estimated cost had grown beyond available funding, requiring an additional $80–$100 million to proceed. “After taking all this into consideration and doing all the design work that we’ve done at this point, we come to the board and let you know that as staff, we believe that alternative 2B is not viable because we don’t have enough money and we don’t have enough support in some of the challenges we’re facing,” Canizales said.

Fairfax County, a key stakeholder, did not commit to securing right-of-way approvals needed to move the project forward. “We’ve been trying tooth and nail to find an alignment and a price point that would work for this county… But I sit here wondering when that five and a half million dollars becomes $8 million, becomes $10 million, becomes $16 million just to get the project through design,” said Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega, who led the charge to kill the project.

Divided Board, Heated Debate

Supervisors clashed over the decision, with some arguing that the project’s cancellation would leave commuters stranded without a straightforward solution to congestion. Vega, representing the district most impacted by the bypass, was vocal about her opposition to the cancellation. “What are we fighting for? Aside from everything that you stated, I’ll tell you what I’ve been fighting for for the past five years. I’ve been fighting for the people that live in these communities… Do we have a problem on Route 28? Yes, we do. Are we going to do something about it? Yes, we will. Because I gave my word that we would, and I’m a woman of my word, and we’re going to follow through on that,” Vega said.

Others supported the cancellation, citing financial realities and the lack of regional cooperation. Supervisor Bob Weir pointed to Fairfax County’s refusal to support the project, stating, “Is it not correct that Fairfax County, particularly Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay, has stalemated us for months, and we have been spinning our wheels?” Canizales confirmed that he had been discussing right-of-way issues with Fairfax officials for nearly three years without progress.

Occoquan Supervisor Kenny Boddye argued that the project had become an unsustainable financial burden, stating, “We have to find a mechanism for giving this project a hundred million more dollars to even say it’s fully funded to continue on with the project. And right now, neither the CIP nor the five-year plan have any kind of plan for that money.”

Woodbridge Supervisor Margaret Franklin acknowledged the lack of viable alternatives but noted that either way, taxpayers would be footing the bill. “I just want to point out that if we’re canceling the project, we’re going to have to pay out-of-pocket likely for another project. And if we keep the project, you’re saying that we still have to come out-of-pocket. So I just want to be clear that either way, we’re coming out-of-pocket,” she said.

Brentsville Supervisor Tom Gordy also frustrated with regional politics, stating, “Regionalism really doesn’t work here. There are those that have, and then there are those that have not. And those that have wanted to continue to hold those of us who have not under their thumb. And this is a perfect example of that.”

Franklin, Angry, and Bailey voted to keep it, while Vega, Gordy, Boddye, and Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson voted to kill it.

What’s Next for Route 28?

With the cancellation of the bypass, county officials are now looking at alternative solutions to address congestion along Route 28. One option under consideration is widening the existing roadway, though officials acknowledge that this project would also require significant funding and would need to be evaluated by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) for regional funding eligibility.

Despite the board’s decision, the county must now negotiate the financial closeout of the project with NVTA, which had allocated $89 million in funding. Approximately $5.9 million of those funds had already been spent on design and environmental studies and will need to be repaid. The remaining funds will return to NVTA’s regional pool, where Prince William County must compete for future transportation funding.

Residents and local business owners who have long relied on Route 28 for their daily commutes remain concerned about what comes next. “Something needs to be done,” said Vega. “I gave my word that we would, and I’m a woman of my word. We’re going to follow through on that.”

The board is expected to discuss alternative plans in upcoming meetings, focusing on securing funding for a new congestion relief strategy.

Prince William County Police Department

Armed Robbery in Woodbridge
On February 3 at 4:03 p.m., officers responded to the Orchard Mills Apartments in the 3200 block of Blazer Loop, Woodbridge, for a robbery report.

A U.S. Postal Service worker reported that while delivering mail, an unknown man approached him and implied he had a weapon before grabbing a key chain and fleeing. The postal worker left the area and contacted police. No injuries were reported.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 6’0” tall, in his 30s, with a full beard and mustache, wearing all-black clothing.

Manassas area Domestic Strangulation – Suspect Wanted

On February 2 at 1:58 p.m., officers responded to the TGM Sudley Crossing Apartments in the 10800 block of Gambril Drive near Manassas for a domestic assault.

The investigation revealed that a 28-year-old woman and a family member, identified as Masihullah Rahmati, 31, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. Rahmati allegedly struck the victim multiple times before grabbing her neck. The victim was treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Rahmati left the scene before officers arrived. He is currently wanted for strangulation and domestic assault & battery.

Suspect Description: White male, 5’4”, 180 lbs., black hair, brown eyes
Last Known Address: 10800 block of Gambril Drive, Manassas

Anyone with information on Rahmati’s whereabouts is urged to contact police.

Manassas area Domestic Strangulation – Arrest Made
On February 2 at 10:11 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 6600 block of River Ford Court, near Manassas for a domestic assault.

The investigation revealed that a 23-year-old woman was involved in an altercation with a family member, identified as Waleed Ahmad Sadozai, 27. During the dispute, Sadozai allegedly pushed the victim down and grabbed her neck.

Sadozai was arrested and charged with strangulation and domestic assault & battery.

Court Date: Pending
Bond: $1,000 Unsecured

Teenagers Charged with Distributing THC Gummies at Potomac High School
On January 24 and 29, the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Potomac High School in Dumfries investigated two separate incidents where students were found in possession of THC-infused gummies.

The investigation revealed that two female students, aged 14 and 16, brought the gummies to school with the intent to distribute them. Several students who consumed the gummies experienced adverse reactions and required hospital treatment.

The two juveniles were charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Their court dates are pending.

Prince William County Police Department Tipline: (703) 792-7000
Submit a Web Tip: pwcva.gov/policetip

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office

Anvil Attacker Arrested

A 48-year-old Stafford man was arrested on February 2 after allegedly assaulting an individual with a wooden slat.

At 11:51 a.m., Deputy N.D. Fonseca responded to Anvil Road for an assault report. Upon arrival, the deputy found the victim with injuries to his head and arm. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

According to witnesses, the suspect and the victim had been traveling together when the suspect began acting erratically and accused the victim of stealing his property. A verbal argument ensued, escalating into a physical altercation in the roadway. During the fight, Berryman reportedly picked up a discarded wooden slat and struck the victim before fleeing the scene.

A warrant for malicious wounding was obtained for Marcellus Berryman, and deputies later discovered he had a similar warrant out of Maryland. Later that night, at approximately 9:52 p.m., First Sergeant D.W. Fetterolf and Deputy C.A. Osborn spotted Berryman driving in the area of Short Street. With the assistance of Sergeant E.E. West, Deputy S.T. Myers, and his K-9 partner, Gunner, deputies conducted a high-risk traffic stop at Fredericksburg Tattoo Works, located at 348 Warrenton Road.

Police said Berryman was driving on a revoked license and was taken into custody without further incident. He has been charged with malicious wounding and driving on a revoked license. He is currently being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Assault at Monarch Court
At approximately 4:59 p.m. on February 2, Deputy J.J. Holetzky responded to Monarch Court for an assault. The victim reported that while playing “chuck it” with his dog, an unknown male approached aggressively. The suspect assaulted the victim and attempted to kick his dog. The victim was able to defend himself using a dog toy, forcing the attacker to walk away without further incident.

The suspect remains unidentified, and the investigation is ongoing.

Juvenile Assault at Domino’s Pizza
Deputy K.F. Bierfeldt responded to the Domino’s at 2606 Richmond Highway at approximately 6:31 p.m. on February 2 after reports of a disturbance. The juvenile victim reported being assaulted by a former friend. The altercation, which resulted in damage to the business, was captured on security footage.

Bystanders intervened to separate the two juveniles. Deputy Bierfeldt later located the suspect and submitted criminal complaints for assault and battery and destruction of property.

Fraudulent Returns at Walmart
At approximately 3:51 p.m. on February 2, Deputy C.M. Sterne responded to Walmart at 11 Village Parkway for a fraud report. Store staff reported that a known male had been making fraudulent returns in multiple locations along the East Coast, including Stafford.

Surveillance footage confirmed the suspect had returned tampered-with external hard drives in exchange for refunds. The investigation is ongoing.

Purse Stolen in Walmart Parking Lot
Deputy T.K. Phillips responded to Walmart at 217 Garrisonville Road at approximately 1:07 p.m. on February 3 for a reported larceny. The victim stated she left her purse in her vehicle while shopping. Upon returning, she discovered it had been stolen.

Deputies are reviewing security footage and urge anyone with information to contact the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.

Contact Information
Anyone with information regarding the incidents listed in this report is encouraged to contact:

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: (540) 658-4450
Twitter: @staffcosheriff
Facebook: Stafford Sheriff
Instagram: @StaffordSheriff