Stafford County Public Schools Superintendent Daniel W. Smith has announced plans to host a series of meet-and-greet sessions across the county, allowing families to connect with him and share their educational perspectives. Smith, appointed last month, shared the news in a video posted to YouTube.
Smith
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[Photo: Alan Gloss]Prince William County detectives are searching for Taylohn Jashaud Andrews, 18, in connection with a shooting that occurred on November 15 at the Summerhouse II Condos in the 1000 block of Gardenview Loop in Woodbridge.
Andrews
Officers responded to the scene at 1:39 a.m. and found an 18-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his lower body lying near a vehicle in the parking lot. The victim was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators determined the incident likely began during an altercation inside a nearby home, where police found a shell casing and marijuana, according to a press release. The victim has not provided information to detectives, and police do not believe the shooting was random, police said.
Detectives have obtained arrest warrants for Andrews, who is charged with aggravated malicious wounding and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is described as a Black male, 6 feet tall, weighing 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. A photo from July 2024 has been provided.
On December 12 at 4:12 p.m., Deputy V.L. Powell responded to a fight report on Plantation Drive. A group of juveniles had been engaged in a fight. By the time Deputy Powell arrived, the altercation was over, and the juveniles were leaving the area. She was able to identify the individuals involved, and it was determined that both parties had agreed to a mutual “three-round fight.”
Later that evening, at 8:51 p.m., Sergeant J.D. Hurt responded to a complaint about a drunk driver near Richmond Highway and Landmark Drive. A caller reported a Chevrolet driving erratically and nearly hitting several vehicles. Sergeant Hurt located the vehicle and observed its poor driving behavior, initiating a traffic stop with assistance from Deputy R.T. Philippsen. The driver exhibited extreme signs of intoxication and admitted to drinking “one glass” of wine before driving. She was charged with driving under the influence, driving without a license, and refusal to submit to testing. She is being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $5,000 secured bond.
Earlier that day, at 8:54 a.m., Deputy A.M. Pitts responded to a larceny at the Wawa on 15 Eustace Road. Staff reported that a “middle school-aged” boy collected snacks but left the store without paying for them.
In another larceny case at Walmart on 11 Village Parkway, Deputy N.D. Fonseca was called after a female suspect stole an inflatable king-size mattress. The suspect was last seen leaving in a white Nissan Rogue.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to report suspicious drone activity after reports of unidentified drones flying over parts of Stafford County, King George County, and Spotsylvania County. The nighttime sightings, reported on December 11, 2024, were made to Stafford’s emergency dispatch center.
Stafford County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Ryan Wilbur stated that federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), have been informed and are working with local authorities to investigate the incidents. However, descriptions of the drones or their operators have not been provided.
Neighboring jurisdictions have reported little or no drone-related activity. Major Elizabeth Scott of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office told Potomac Local News that their 911 dispatch center had not received any reports of suspicious drones. Similarly, a report of a drone sighting near the Lake Anna Nuclear Power Plant in Louisa County, made on December 12, was determined to be unfounded. A deputy dispatched to investigate found nothing in the sky.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information about suspicious drone activity to contact the FBI 1-800-225-5324 or online. Residents can also report incidents to the FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems Support Center by calling (844) 359-6982 or emailing uashelp@faa.gov.
A family of handmade snowmen, a tree luminary, and hand-sculpted ornaments: Corgi Clay Art Center’s classes this month are focusing on the holidays. Corgi Clay has classes available for a wide range of ages and abilities, from teens learning to spin clay for the first time to advanced sculptors learning detailed techniques. Owner Deb Balestreri said the center is “Stafford County’s first vibrant, creative community that offers ceramics and other art classes, firing services, artist residencies, teaching and exhibition opportunities, and memberships for potters.”
Balestreri, a University of Mary Washington alum, opened Corgi Clay in 2020 after serving as the Director of Visual Arts Education at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. The center is hosting a holiday marketplace through January, featuring unique artwork, apparel, pottery, and more.
Stafford offices, departments, facilities and the Circuit Court will be closed for the Christmas holiday from Monday, December 23, through Wednesday, December 25, 2024. Offices and the Circuit Court will be closed for New Year’s Day on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
Prince William County police are investigating an attempted sexual assault that occurred on Tuesday, December 10, at Nokesville Community Park, 12560 Aden Road, near Manassas. A woman was walking along a trail near Hickerson Lane around 9 a.m. when she was approached by a masked man who attempted to assault her. The victim fought back, and the suspect fled after a struggle. Another park visitor assisted the victim in contacting the police.
She was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Detectives have released a composite sketch of the suspect, described as a white or light-skinned male, approximately 5’9″, with an average build, brown eyes, and dark bushy eyebrows. He was last seen wearing dark clothing, including a long-sleeve dry-wicking shirt, sweatpants, and a ski mask exposing only his eyes.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact them as the investigation continues.
Also, in Prince William County
On December 11 at 9:06 PM, officers responded to Linton Hall Road near Devlin Road in Gainesville to investigate a road rage incident. A 27-year-old man reported that another driver brandished a firearm during the encounter before the parties separated. No shots were fired, and no injuries were reported. Officers are working to identify a potential suspect.
On December 10 at 1:35 PM, officers investigated a road rage incident on Legend Glen Drive in Gainesville. A 41-year-old man stated that while stopped at a stop sign, another driver brandished a firearm before the parties separated. There were no shots fired, and no injuries were reported. Officers are following up on a potential suspect.
On December 11 at 8:17 AM, officers responded to Anderson Court and Arkendale Street in Woodbridge for a report of indecent exposure. A 23-year-old woman reported seeing an unknown man expose himself and make inappropriate gestures while she was driving. The suspect, described as a Black male in his early to mid-30s, was not located.
Later that morning, at 9:57 AM, the School Resource Officer at Patriot High School in Nokesville was notified of vandalism. Investigators discovered a swastika and other inappropriate images drawn on a classroom partition. The drawings did not contain any threats to students or staff, and no additional markings were reported.
Sheriff’s Office Names Suspect in Spotsylvania Shooting, Still at Large
The Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office has identified Jahvel Antonio Littleford, 18, of Spotsylvania as the suspect in a shooting that left a 22-year-old woman critically injured on December 4, 2024. Authorities have issued warrants for Littleford, who remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
Deputies responded to the 8100 block of Cherry Tree Drive around 7 p.m. on the night of the shooting and found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was given immediate medical attention and transported to a nearby hospital, where she remains in critical but stable condition at last report.
The Sheriff’s Office has stated the incident does not appear to be random and urges anyone with information to call 800-928-5822 or 540-582-5822. Littleford is wanted for malicious wounding, use of a firearm in a felony, and vandalism.
Manassas police search for runaway
*Missing Juvenile* (1/2)
We are asking the public’s assistance in locating Consuelo Marisol Toruno Carcamo. She is a 15 year old Hispanic female, black hair, brown eyes, 5’3″ tall, and slender build. She was last seen in class at Osbourn High School. pic.twitter.com/VxqhPDrr8W
Intoxicated Stafford Teen Arrested for Assault and Alcohol Violations
A 19-year-old Stafford man was arrested Wednesday, December 11, 2024, after a concerned citizen reported an assault in the Lake Carroll community near Fredericksburg. Deputies responded to Lake Shore Drive about 6:30 p.m., where the caller had observed a man assaulting a juvenile female.
Deputy S.C. Steinway located the pair and recognized them from a prior incident. Both showed signs of intoxication, though the male denied drinking. A search revealed he had four bottles of Fireball whiskey.
Ricardo Castro Ramirez is charged with assault and battery, public intoxication, unlawful possession of alcohol, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He is held on a $1,000 secured bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail. The juvenile was returned to her home, where her mother assured deputies she would face strict consequences, said police.
The sheriff’s office would not provide the victim’s age.
Also, in Stafford County:
Truslow Road, 12/11, 2:17 a.m.
Sergeant J.T. Forman and Deputy I.E. Baldi responded to an automatic crash notification. Upon arrival, they found a Toyota and its driver, who admitted to taking a turn “too fast.” During the interaction, deputies observed signs of intoxication. The driver admitted to consuming two beers before driving and revealed a bottle of alcohol hidden in the bottom of his pant leg. He was charged with driving under the influence and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
Quarry Road, 12/11, 5:43 p.m.
Deputy J.J. Holetzky responded to a single-vehicle auto accident involving a minivan that had crashed off the roadway. The driver showed signs of intoxication and admitted to consuming a tall beer before heading to a job interview at a winery. Although the outcome of her interview is unknown, she may be late to her first day. The driver was charged with driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content above .2 and reckless driving. She was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
7-Eleven, 2998 Richmond Highway, 12/11, 9:37 p.m.
Deputy K.F. Bierfeldt responded to a report of an unknown problem. A caller reported a man slumped over the steering wheel of a Ford. Upon contact, the driver showed strong signs of intoxication and initially admitted to consuming “six to seven” alcoholic drinks, later changing his story to “six to seven waters.” The driver was found to have a suspended license and no insurance. He was charged with driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content between .15 and .2, driving with a suspended license, and driving without insurance. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
Fraud — Overlook Court, 12/11, 7:13 p.m.
Deputy K.P. Hall responded to a fraud report. The victim explained she had received a popup ad on her computer from someone claiming to represent McAfee Antivirus. She called the provided number, allowing the suspect to remotely access her computer and banking information.
Larceny — Target, 1090 Stafford Market Place, 12/11, 12:42 p.m.Deputy J.S. Torres responded to a shoplifting in progress. Staff reported a female suspect stuffing her bag with merchandise. After stopping at Starbucks, the suspect attempted to leave but was intercepted by Deputy Torres. Over $220 worth of items were recovered. The suspect was charged with shoplifting and released on personal recognizance.
After serving in the Navy for 10 years and working in corporate America building data centers, Dan Umpa has launched USA Ninja Challenge Stafford, an indoor obstacle course training program that combines basic skill sets from gymnastics, climbing, cross training, and track and field.
Umpa, who graduated from the Naval Academy, originally planned to open a gym. He had spent ten years working in the corporate world, building data centers, and knew this type of career didn't fit his needs for more time with his family or his active lifestyle.
Stafford County Public Schools (Stafford Schools) is pleased to announce the 14th annual Band Together to Fight Hunger, organized by Stafford County’s five high school marching bands, raised $27,593 and collected 3,778 pounds of food this year, equating to 58,333 meals for the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank. The culminating event featured individual performances by each marching band from Brooke Point, Colonial Forge, Mountain View, North Stafford, and Stafford High Schools. Nearly 400 student musicians performed in a combined finale, led by North Stafford High School Assistant Principal Brandon Neal, showcasing unity and talent while supporting local families in need.
Contributions at a Glance:
Total Funds Raised: $27,593 (equivalent to 55,185 meals)
Food Collected: 3,778 pounds (equivalent to 3,148 meals)
Total Impact: 58,333 meals
Significant donations were made by businesses and community organizations, including Chick-fil-A, Manhattan Pizza, Outback Steakhouse, and the Student Organization for Change at the University of Mary Washington. Volunteers from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Boy Scout Troop #2220, Girl Scout Troop #15, and other groups played a critical role in the event’s success.
Community Support Drives Success
This year’s contributions reflect the ongoing community need, as many families continue to face food insecurity due to rising costs and economic challenges. The Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank will distribute the donations to local pantries and feeding programs. Since its inception, Band Together to Fight Hunger has generated over 400,000 meals for local families.
For more information about Band Together to Fight Hunger or to support the effort, contact Debbie Pickeral at bandtogetherstafford@gmail.com. For more information about Stafford County Public Schools visit www.staffordschools.net.
A special Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, initially scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, has been canceled. Stafford County spokesman Andrew Spence stated that the cancellation was due to a procedural issue with the meeting notice.
“Chairman [Meg] Bohmke canceled the meeting originally scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, due to a procedural issue with the meeting notice. At this time, there is no information about it being rescheduled,” Spence said.
The cancellation comes after Potomac Local News observed that the county failed to post a meeting agenda on its website.
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) has confirmed Stafford County Garrisonville District Supervisor Pamela Yeung’s appointment to its Board of Trustees.
The appointment comes after Stafford resident Mary Becelia was controversially removed by the Stafford County Board of Supervisors earlier this year. (An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported Yueng replaced Becelia).
CRRL issued the following press release:
Fredericksburg, Virginia, December 9, 2024 — Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s Board of Trustees’ membership has been updated.
Dr. Pamela Yeung has joined the Board and represents Stafford County. Dr. Yeung started serving on the Stafford County Board of Supervisors representing the Garrisonville District in 2022. Dr. Yeung was elected by her fellow Board members as Vice Chairman for 2022 and Chairman for 2023. She serves on the following standing committees: By-laws; Legislative. Dr. Yeung acts as the Board’s appointee to the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance and the Rappahannock Youth Services and Group Home Commission.
According to sources, the meeting was expected to address the fallout from Mary Becelia’s removal from the CRRL Board earlier this year. In July, the Stafford Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Becelia’s removal, which sparked controversy and conflicting accounts. Aquia District Supervisor Monica Gary recently apologized for her role in the decision, admitting in a Facebook post that the removal was “unjust and illegal.”
Gary, who motioned for Becelia’s removal, cited misunderstandings, poor judgment, and deliberate actions by the board. She emphasized that misconduct is the only legal basis for removing a trustee, and Becelia’s actions did not meet that threshold. Becelia stated she declined to step down from a hiring committee tasked with finding a replacement for the library’s executive director, leading to her removal.
No new date for the meeting has been announced.
Supervisor Pamela Yeung, now serving as Stafford County’s representative on the CRRL Board of Trustees, brings experience from her tenure on the Stafford Board of Supervisors, where she served as Vice Chairman in 2022 and Chairman in 2023.
Becelia’s seat remains open. The Central Rappahannock Regional Library did not respond to a request to comment on this story.
Stafford offices, departments, facilities and the Circuit Court will be closed for the Christmas holiday from Monday, December 23, through Wednesday, December 25, 2024. Offices and the Circuit Court will be closed for New Year’s Day on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
