As part of the fiscal year 2026 budget process, the Department of Public Works (DPW) requested the landfill change its hours to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and open on Sundays. Currently, the landfill is open 69 hours per week Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Khattab Shammout, the DPW director, said he heard many Board members call on him to consider reopening the landfill on Sundays when he was first appointed. Shammout said he was concerned with maintaining the facility's current hours and adding an extra day of work.
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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 employeeâs 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, 5â7â â 5â9â, 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.
STAFFORD COUNTY INCIDENTS
Authorities Seek âArfnold Schwarzeneggerâ Dog Ornament Thief
The Stafford County Sheriffâs Office is investigating a theft at Winding Creek Elementary School, where a cutout dog ornament nicknamed âArfnold Schwarzeneggerâ 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 Sheriffâs Office, and Stafford Sheriffâs 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 âGo Get Your Warrantsâ
- Walmart, 217 Garrisonville Road, March 10, 4:23 PM
- A suspect left without paying for an oil change, promising he âmaybeâ would pay later.
- When confronted, he told Deputy S.M. Kotter to âgo get your warrants then.â
- 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.
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 sobrietyâbut blew three times over the legal limit.
- Charged with public intoxication; held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to contact:
- Prince William County Police: 703-792-7000
- Stafford County Sheriffâs Office: 540-658-4450
At the center of the controversy is School Board Chairman Babur Lateef, who has called for professionalism among board members after a February 19, 2025, altercation between board members Lorree Williams (Woodbridge District) and Erika Tredinnick (Brentsville District) over racial identity.
Meanwhile, the March 5, 2025, meeting became a battleground over LGBTQ+ rights and DEI programs, with community members voicing strong opinions on both sides.
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During its February 2025 meeting, the Thirty-First Judicial District Community Criminal Justice Board (CCJB), re-elected Bradley Marshall as board chairman and elected Yesli Vega as vice chair. The board, which serves the greater Prince William County area, assists community agencies and organizations in establishing and modifying programs and services for criminal offenders based on objectively assessing the communityâs needs and resources.
Marshall, a criminal defense attorney with Manassas-based Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, P.C., has been a board member since 2009 when he was appointed as former Commonwealthâs Attorney Paul Ebertâs designee. He was first elected chairman in 2014 and remained in the position after transitioning to private practice. Marshall attributes his long history in Prince William County law and his experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney as reasons his colleagues have consistently elected him.
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Yard waste collection in Prince William County will resume in March and continue through December. Residents will receive weekly curbside pickup separate from trash and recycling.
As part of the program, residents must use biodegradable paper bags or labeled containers for yard waste disposal, as plastic bags are no longer permitted. Homeowners, businesses, and landscapers must arrange separate collections for yard waste, leaves, and brush with their designated trash and recycling service providers.
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Stafford County Incidents
Mass Overdose Scene
Edison Lane, Stafford (March 9, 12:16 a.m.) â First responders arrived at a home for a reported overdose and found an unresponsive man. While treating him, four additional people overdosed and required immediate care. All five were transported to the hospital and are expected to recover. A partygoer allegedly brought a controlled substance, which some guests consumed. Anne Pates, 36, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and is being held without bond. The investigation is ongoing.
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Welcome to a new Potomac Local News series, "Meet Prince William."
We've started this series so Prince William County residents can get to know the important people working behind the scenes to make the county run smoothly and efficiently. This is an opportunity to learn from experts on the county.
We'll be continuing this series with other leaders; please let us know who you'd like to know more about in the comments! Potomac Local has asked each leader the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.
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Prince William County will introduce a 3-1-1 system this spring, streamlining residents' and businesses' access to non-emergency government services. The Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) officially recognized March 11, 2025, as National 3-1-1 Day, marking the countyâs commitment to improving transparency and responsiveness in local government.
What is the 3-1-1 System?
The 3-1-1 service will provide a centralized contact point for residents to request county services, check service statuses, and obtain government information. It is designed to reduce non-emergency calls to 9-1-1 while offering residents multiple ways to engage with local government.
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Arrest: Abduction & Strangulation (Domestic) â Woodbridge (March 5, 11:12 PM)
A 39-year-old woman was assaulted and prevented from leaving a room. Mikael Lee Thomason, 42, was arrested and charged with strangulation, abduction, and domestic assault & battery.
Strong-Arm Robbery â Woodbridge (March 6, 1:41 AM)
A 27-year-old woman was robbed after an altercation with Salman Rahman, 29, who took her phone by force before fleeing. An arrest warrant has been issued, but Rahman remains at large.
Abduction & Assault Arrest â Gainesville (March 3)
