Armed Robbery in Manassas
On January 26, around 11:33 p.m., two men, ages 19 and 21, were robbed at gunpoint at the Gardens of Crestwood Village on Provincial Drive. Suspects, described as Black males with thin builds, brandished firearms and stole various items, including a camera and recording equipment, before fleeing in a Toyota Camry. One victim was struck with a firearm and sustained minor injuries.
Brandishing Incident in Dumfries
Police responded to the Red Roof Inn on Dumfries Road on January 25 at 4:00 a.m. after a man reported being threatened with a firearm by an acquaintance of a female companion. The suspect fled before officers arrived. No injuries or shots were reported.
Reckless Handling of a Firearm in Woodbridge
On January 24, officers investigated a shots-fired report on Blackburn Road near Wentwood Lane. Shell casings were found, but no injuries or property damage occurred.
Series of Commercial Burglaries
Several commercial burglaries occurred between January 25 and 27:
- Two Smoke Hut stores in Woodbridge were broken into using hammers. Tobacco products were stolen.
- A filing cabinet was stolen from Woodbridge Auto Auction on Horner Road.
- Forced entry was reported at Pep Boys and Tobacco & More locations, with varying levels of property damage and theft.
Residential Burglaries in Dumfries and Woodbridge
Two residential burglaries occurred:
- A home on Cherry Hill Road was broken into via a kitchen window, but nothing was stolen.
- Another residence on Silvia Loop was damaged but not entered, and no property was reported missing.
Arrests
- Domestic Violence Arrests:
- Yvonne Watson, 43, of Fredericksburg, was charged with malicious wounding after striking a family member during an altercation on January 25.
- Yeni Carolina Suria, 31, of Manassas, was charged with malicious wounding after biting a family member during a dispute.
- Juvenile Shooting Arrest:
- A 17-year-old male was charged with shooting into an occupied vehicle on January 23. No injuries were reported, and the suspect is being held at the Juvenile Detention Center.
Stafford County Crime News
Rocks are thrown at cars
On January 25th, around 9:30 p.m, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center began receiving calls about suspects throwing rocks at vehicles in the England Run area. Deputies quickly saturated the area and identified the suspect vehicle as a white Hyundai.
Deputy M.A. Pearce located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop as it pulled into Gayle Middle School. Deputy D.S. Jett assisted, identifying the driver as Camryn McEntire, 19, and the passengers as Jake Hill and Luis Arias Oliart, both 18.
The investigation revealed the trio had not only damaged unoccupied cars but had escalated their crime spree by throwing large rocks at a pedestrian and an occupied vehicle. Deputies found rocks in the suspect vehicle that matched those used in the incidents.
- Jake Hill and Luis Arias Oliart were charged with felonious assault, throwing a missile at an occupied vehicle, conspiracy, and vandalism.
- Camryn McEntire was charged with conspiracy.
All three suspects were placed in the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
The investigation is ongoing. Deputies have generated 24 reports in the England Run and Cardinal Forest neighborhoods but are asking additional victims to contact the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office at 540-658-4400 if their vehicles were damaged.
Kudos to the deputies for stopping this dangerous crime spree. Now it’s up to the courts to decide their fate.
Assault Incidents
- On January 24, at the Rappahannock Regional Jail, a fight between two inmates resulted in minor injuries. Inmate one initiated the altercation but was overpowered by inmate two, a former boxer. A warrant for assault and battery was issued against inmate one.
- On January 25, deputies responded to an assault on Potomac Crest Circle. A suspect assaulted the victim during a conversation that escalated while drinking. The incident, captured on camera, led to charges of assault, battery, and strangulation. The suspect is being held without bond.
DUI Arrests
- January 24: Deputies stopped a driver swerving off the road on Liberty Hall Drive. The intoxicated driver admitted to consuming wine before running errands and was charged with driving under the influence.
- January 25: Deputies encountered a truck stopped on Anderson Drive. The 20-year-old driver, covered in mud, admitted to consuming beer before testing his truck. He was charged with underage drinking and stopping on a highway.
Larceny Reports
- On January 24, a suspect stole a case of Truly Hard Seltzer from Wawa. Deputies identified the suspect through surveillance footage and obtained a warrant for larceny.
- Later that day, at Sheetz on Wyche Road, a suspect attempted to steal various alcoholic beverages, including Buzz Balls and Fireballs, for what seemed like a planned wild night.
- On January 25, a business phone was stolen from Sheetz. Deputies used camera footage to identify the suspect and secured a larceny warrant.
Threats at Amazon
Two staff members at Amazon on Centreport Parkway reported receiving threatening messages from a recently fired employee on January 25. The suspect made bomb threats and threatened employees’ lives, using multiple phones. Deputies issued warrants for threats of death and threats to bomb.
Tim Leclerc, deputy finance director for the county, gave a broad presentation at the Jan. 14 meeting, first discussing the state of unemployment.
"According to the National Bureau of Economic Research the [COVID-19] pandemic drove the economy into a deep but short recession lasting only about two months wherein more than 21 million Americans lost their jobs," Leclerc said.
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Stafford County Sheriff’s Office Incidents
McDUI in Fast Food Drive-Thru
On January 24, 2025, at 12:25 a.m., Sergeant E.E. West responded to a single-vehicle crash at the McDonald’s on Wonder Road. An intoxicated driver, identified as Juan Gomez Alvarez, 38, of North Carolina, entered the drive-thru at a high rate of speed, struck a sign, and came to rest at an awkward angle, blocking the lane.
Gomez Alvarez displayed red, glassy eyes and had a strong odor of alcohol. The investigation revealed that he had been convicted of DUI in New York just the previous day, making this his second offense in five years. He was charged with DUI second offense, refusal, and destruction of property and was taken to Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
Authorities remind residents to plan for a designated driver before going out. Don’t drive drunk
Malicious Wounding and Brandishing a Firearm
On January 23, 2025, at 2:45 a.m., deputies responded to a disturbance on Malvern Lakes Circle. A male suspect broke the victim’s cellphone, leading to a verbal argument that escalated into an assault. During the incident, the suspect brandished a firearm toward friends of the victim. Deputies detained the suspect and charged him with malicious wounding, two counts of assault and battery, destruction of property, and brandishing a firearm. He is being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
Hit-and-Run on Taylors Hill Way
At 3:02 p.m. on January 23, deputies investigated a hit-and-run involving a mailbox on Taylors Hill Way. A resident reported hearing a loud noise and later discovered her mailbox had been destroyed. Witnesses described the suspect’s vehicle as a black Jeep, which fled the scene. Authorities are investigating this incident.
Drive Under the Influence of “Coffee”
At approximately 2:00 a.m. on January 23, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a Jeep near Warrenton Road and Hartwood Church Road for a traffic violation. Deputy C.A. Sharp engaged with the driver, Stanford Miles, 49, of Stafford, who exhibited slurred speech, red, glassy eyes, and the odor of alcohol. When asked about his alcohol consumption, Miles claimed he had consumed “coffee,” though his behavior suggested otherwise.
Field sobriety tests were conducted, and Miles was arrested for his fourth DUI offense, with a blood alcohol content above .2. Miles, who has three prior DUI convictions, was charged and taken to Rappahannock Regional Jail, where he is being held without bond.
DUI Arrest in Aquia Harbour
On January 22, 2025, at 8:55 p.m., a traffic stop on Aquia Drive in Aquia Harbour revealed an intoxicated driver, Devon Mulgrew, 35, of Stafford. Mulgrew refused to exit his vehicle and rummaged through the glove box. An Aquia Harbour Officer removed him from the vehicle and restrained him on the ground.
Mulgrew was charged with DUI, possession of a controlled substance, obstruction, possession of controlled paraphernalia, refusal, a traffic lane violation, and a traffic sign violation. He further escalated the situation by assaulting a deputy at the Magistrate’s Office, resulting in an additional charge of assault and battery on law enforcement. He is being held without bond at Rappahannock Regional Jail.
Prince William County Police Incidents
Attempted Malicious Wounding Arrest in Woodbridge
On January 23, 2025, at approximately 8:48 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 2100 block of Port Potomac Avenue in Woodbridge to investigate an assault. A verbal altercation between a 52-year-old woman and an acquaintance escalated when the suspect brandished a knife and attempted to cut the victim. A struggle ensued, and the victim sustained minor injuries.
The suspect, Hillery Hurst Thomas, 47, of Greenbelt, was arrested and charged with attempted malicious wounding and assault and battery. He is being held without bond.
Manassas Police Incidents
The Manassas City Police Department is seeking assistance from the public in locating Diego Esquivel Martinez, who is wanted on several felony counts of check fraud.
In September 2023, Esquivel Martinez allegedly cashed several fraudulent checks at a local business, causing the business to lose thousands of dollars. Authorities are asking anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact the Manassas City Police at 703-257-8000.
For those who wish to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to the Manassas City/Manassas Park Crime Solvers. The organization offers a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in these cases. Anonymous tips can be provided via the confidential 24-hour tip line at 703-330-0330 or through the P3 Tips app.
To submit a tip using the app, scan the QR code or visit https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=271.
Contact Information:
- Prince William County Police Department: 703-792-7000 or pwcva.gov/policetip
- Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: 540-658-4450 or follow updates on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Manassas City Police Department: 703-257-8000
The Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk announced the continuation of the “Seals on Wheels” initiative for 2025. This mobile services program, led by Circuit Court Clerk Jacqueline C. Smith, brings essential court services directly to community members in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park. Services include marriage licenses, name changes, notary oaths, and concealed handgun permits.
The program’s 2025 schedule begins in March and will visit various community locations, including libraries and local events such as the Occoquan Riverfest and Haymarket Day. Residents can save time and money by accessing services at convenient locations. For updated schedules and information, follow the Circuit Court Clerk’s social media or visit their website.
Here’s the press release:
Circuit Court Clerk’s Seals on Wheels: Bringing Services to the Community in 2025
The Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office is proud to announce the return of Seals on Wheels, the innovative mobile services program that brings essential court services directly to community members in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.
First launched by Circuit Court Clerk Jacqueline C. Smith, this program is the first of its kind in the United States, designed to make court services more accessible and convenient for residents. By visiting Seals on Wheels, residents can save both time and money while accessing services near their homes.
Services Offered
Seals on Wheels offers a range of services, including:
- Marriage licenses
- Name changes
- Notary oaths
- Concealed handgun permits
- And more!
2025 Schedule
The program kicks off in March 2025 with visits to libraries and local community events. Early dates include:
- March 29 – Bull Run Regional Library (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
- April 26 – Montclair Library (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
- May 10 – Manassas City Library (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
- May 4 – Dale City Library (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
- June 7 – Occoquan Riverfest (TBD)
- July 26 – Potomac Library (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
- September 26 – Prince William County Police Department Community Fair (TBD)
- October 18 – Haymarket Day (TBD)
Please note: The schedule is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Check for updates on social media or the Clerk’s Office website.
Stay Connected
For the latest updates about Seals on Wheels and the full 2025 schedule, follow the Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk on social media:
- Threads
- X (formerly Twitter)
You can also visit their official website at www.pwccircuitcourt.com.
PWCS already observes Eid al-Fitr, the other official Islamic holiday, in mid-March. The district also observes many major holidays, including but not limited to Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur Christmas, Presidents Day and Memorial Day.
At the Nov. 19, 2024, meeting where the calendar was initially approved, there was some contention between Board members based on the results of a community survey; a majority of the community members wanted a different option than the one that was ultimately approved.
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The Fourth Wish Foundation will hold a special white belt graduation ceremony on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Underground Krav Maga and Fitness in Gainesville.
The event celebrates the achievements of 54 children who have completed three months of Krav Maga training as part of the foundation’s “Healthy Kid Initiative,” a program launched in 2024 to provide extracurricular opportunities to children from financially challenged families.
“We want to ensure these children can continue with this worthy program that has already made such a positive impact on their lives,” said Sue Khalatbari, Director of The Fourth Wish Foundation. The foundation is seeking donations to sustain and expand the initiative, helping more children gain confidence, physical fitness, and critical life skills.
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A speeding incident escalated into a high-speed pursuit Wednesday, January 21, 2025, on Interstate 95, according to Virginia State Police spokesman Matthew Demlein.
At 11:33 a.m., a Virginia State Police trooper attempted to stop a silver sedan traveling northbound on I-95 near the 157-mile marker in Prince William County for speeding—clocked at 93 mph in a 60-mph zone. The driver refused to stop, prompting a police pursuit.
During the chase, the sedan struck the mirror of another vehicle, causing minor damage, but no injuries were reported. The pursuit continued onto eastbound Interstate 495 and ultimately ended at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, marking the Maryland state line. At that point, the pursuit was terminated.
Virginia State Police have not released additional details about the driver or whether charges are pending.
Hat tip to Potomac Local News sponsor Mark Worrilow of Fathom Realty—the best darn realtor in Northern Virginia—for tipping us off to this story while on his way to meet a client.
“After an eight-month national search, the Board selected [Senechal] because of her extensive knowledge and more than 15 years of experience in the electric utility industry,” Board Chairman Wade House said. “The Board also is impressed with her leadership style of prioritizing people first.”
Senechal is the executive vice president of transmission and chief operating officer at Lower Colorado River Authority (LRCA) in Austin, Texas. She joined LRCA in 2017 following nine years at CenterPoint Energy in Houston.
“Like Texas, NOVEC’s service territory is experiencing a number of trends that impact both service and cost of electricity, including increased demand [for] electric vehicles, baseload generation retirements, increasingly complex customer or member demands and an influx of large loads that impact both cost and need for new infrastructure,” Senechal said.
She’ll be moving to Northern Virginia with her fiance and two dogs, to begin with the organization on March 17. Senechal will succeed David E. Schleicher, who is retiring as the president and CEO on April 1; she’ll take over as president and CEO on April 2. Schleicher has been in the role since April 2022 and previously served as the organization’s chief operating officer.
Senechal has a doctorate in molecular biology from the University of California, Los Angeles; a master’s of business administration from the University of Houston; and a bachelor’s in molecular biology from the University of Texas at Austin.
According to the PWCS Board meeting on Jan. 15, staff are proposing nearly $82 million in improvements and replacements of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) in 14 schools in the proposed 2026 to 2030 capital improvement program (CIP). The CIP must first be approved by the Board and then the Board of County Supervisors before it's official.
Dr. Babur Lateef, chairman of the Board, said maintenance improvements are the less "sexy" items on the CIP, but are important nonetheless.
