The planned rebuild of Drew Middle School in Stafford County is moving forward amid discussions about a $16 million increase in costs. The updated total is now $113 million, up from the originally approved $96.5 million in the county’s Capital Improvement Plan.

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From The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office:

ASSAULT:
Quality Inn, 543 Warrenton Road, 12/1, 8:29 a.m. Deputy M.N. Sayegh responded to an assault. The victim advised she entered her Uber ride. While inside, the Uber driver assaulted her and blocked her from leaving the vehicle. After the assault she reported the assault to both Uber and the Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Sayegh was able to identify the driver and served him with permitted warrants for assault and battery, as well as, obstructing free passage.

Crimson Way, 12/2, 4:15 p.m. Deputy R.L. Hubbard responded to a road rage incident. The victim advised the suspect was following too closely in the area. The suspect would then speed past the victim, nearly causing a collision in the process, only to slam on the brakes in front of the victim. After a brief exchange of words, the suspect assaulted the victim. He was charged with assault and battery, as well as, aggressive driving. He was released by the magistrate on personal recognizance.

DISTURBANCE:
Cambridge Street, 12/1, 2:49 a.m. Deputy N.J. Amato, Deputy W.A. Bolinsky, and Deputy D.S. Jett responded to a disturbance. The caller advised a known juvenile was “raging” at a residence. When deputies arrived, they located three intoxicated juveniles in view of the public. Deputy Bolinsky attempted to converse with the 16-year-old, but he was aggressive and uncooperative, resulting in his detention. While dealing with the 16-year-old, the 17-year-old advanced towards Deputy Bolinsky and was quickly detained by Deputy Amato. Deputy Jett detained the 15-year- old without incident. After the situation was finally deescalated, both the 16-year-old and 17-year- old received criminal complaints for public intoxication, underage possession of alcohol, and obstruction of justice. The 15-year-old received criminal complaints for public intoxication and underage possession of alcohol.

DUI:
Warrenton Road Commuter Lot, 12/1, 1:07 a.m. Deputy C.R. Newman was in the area when he observed a lone vehicle in the commuter lot. When Deputy Newman made contact with the driver, the driver was rather uncooperative and advised he “committed no crime.” Due to several signs of intoxication his statement was incorrect. During their interaction, it was discovered a handgun was within the vehicle, hidden from plain view. The driver was charged with driving under the influence, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, and refusal. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

West Park Drive, 21/1, 7:57 p.m. Deputy B.E. Vaughn responded to a drunk driver complaint. The caller advised an obviously “drunk” driver drove towards a pedestrian at a local business. Deputy Vaughn would locate the vehicle in question and make contact with the driver, who was rather surprised to see Deputy Vaughn. Despite having signs of intoxication and a recent receipt for multiple alcoholic drinks, the uncooperative driver denied consuming alcohol. His tune changed while before the magistrate, advising Deputy Vaughn “got me.” He was charged with driving under the influence and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

HIT AND RUN:
Area of Garrisonville Road and Richmond Highway, 11/30, 2:13 p.m. Deputy G.P. McCaulley responded to a hit and run. The victim advised her vehicle was struck and damaged by a blue Volkswagen when it merged into her lane. While the Volkswagen raced off, the victim had dash
cam footage of the incident, which included the suspect’s license plate. Using that valuable information, Deputy McCaulley was able to identify the driver and made contact with him. He was charged with hit and run, as well as, unsafe lane change. He was released by the magistrate on personal recognizance.

LARCENY:
Target, 25 South Gateway Drive, 11/30, 1:23 p.m. Deputy M.A. Pearce responded to a past occurred larceny. Staff advised a male suspect browsing the store filled his cart with over $170 worth of items. The suspect would then make his way to customer service and “returned” the items using a receipt from a Target in Oregon. Deputy Pearce identified the suspect and obtained warrants on him.

Stafford Church of God, 649 Garrisonville Road, 11/30, 1:33 p.m. The phrase “God is always watching” did not stop a recent larceny. Deputy R.H. Ryan responded to a larceny in which a trail camera and deer stand were stolen off the property. Deputy Ryan also observed signs of vandalism. The suspects involved were described as juveniles.

Target, 25 South Gateway Drive, 11/30, 3:47 p.m. First Sergeant D.F. Purcell responded to a larceny. A female suspect attempted to get a better Black Friday deal by skip scanning items. She was stopped and the nearly $120 worth of items was recovered. It was discovered the suspect was a frequent flyer at Target, for she was connected to two previous larcenies. The suspect was charged with three counts of shoplifting and was released by the magistrate on personal recognizance.

Greenhill Lane, 11/30, 6:34 p.m. Deputy S.A. Fulford responded to a bike-napping. The victim advised his “Costco special” bicycle was stolen out of his garage. The victim had video of the incident that showed two males stealing the bike. Later, Deputy W.A. Bolinsky located both males on Deacon Road, currently riding on the stolen bike. They would crash the bike and flee on foot. Deputy Bolinsky detained one of the suspects, identified as a juvenile, while the other got away, but not for long. Deputy D.S. Jett would locate the second suspect, an 18-year-old, on Walnut Farms Parkway a short time later. The 18-year-old was charged with larceny, unlawful entry, obstruction of justice, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was released by the magistrate on personal recognizance. The juvenile received criminal complaints for larceny,unlawful entry, and obstruction of justice.

Target, 1090 Stafford Market Place, 12/1, 1:16 p.m. Deputy M.A. Pearce responded to a different Target, but for the same reason as before. Staff advised they had video of a female suspect skip scanning both on December 1st and November 29th. Deputy Pearce was able to identify the suspect and obtained two warrants for shoplifting.

Bounce Back Motorcycles, 1300 Interstate Business Park, 12/2, 3:37 a.m. Deputy C.R. Newman responded to a larceny. Staff advised an orange 2004 Honda CBR 1000R was loaded onto a utility trailer being pulled by a large black SUV. When the two suspects attempted to steal a second bike, they were “spooked” by security cameras and fled with only the one stolen bike. The vehicle was entered as stolen into a law enforcement database.

Walmart, 217 Garrisonville Road, 12/2, 6:13 p.m. Deputy J.J. Holetzky responded to a larceny. Staff advised two males were observed skip scanning multiple items. Staff was able to obtain the suspect’s license plate, making locating the suspects easy for Deputy Holetzky. The suspects advised “it was only a few items.” One or only a few, it was still illegal. Suspect one would provide a fake Virginia identification card. Suspect one was charged with concealing goods, larceny, and possession of a fictitious identification. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $500 secured bond. Suspect two was issued permitted warrants for concealing goods and larceny.

PUBLIC INTOXICATION:
James Madison Circle, 11/30, 11:42 p.m. Deputy D.S. Jett responded to a disturbance. The caller advised a known party was attempting to enter the residence. Deputy Jett made contact with the late-night knocker and observed signs of intoxication. He was charged with public intoxication and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

Manheim Auto Auction, 120 Auction Drive, 12/1, 11:26 p.m. First Sergeant N. Zotos observed a male at the business. Considering the late hour, it was unlikely he was there for automotive assistance. First Sergeant Zotos and Deputy J.A. Martin made contact with the male and observed signs of intoxication. During their interaction it was discovered the suspect was in possession of a handgun in his backpack. The suspect was charged with public intoxication and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $2,000 secured bond.

VANDALISM:
Popeyes, 253 Garrisonville Road, 12/1, 4:10 p.m. Deputy K.F. Bierfeldt responded to a clucking bizarre report. Staff advised an unhappy customer got rather heated, broke a window, and fled in a blue SUV. Deputy Bierfeldt was provided the vehicle tag and the case in under investigation.

From the Stafford County Sheriff’s Department:

DISTURBANCE:
Cropp Road, 11/28, 1:30 a.m. Deputy P.J. Leon responded to a disturbance. The victim advised an ex-girlfriend egged his door. She would then take a screwdriver to the door knob to force herself into his property. While attempting to have her leave, the suspect assaulted the victim. The suspect was charged with assault and battery, unlawful entry, and two counts of destruction of property. She was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

DUI:
Area of Countryside Drive and Stony Hill Road, 11/28, 10:27 p.m. Deputy P.J. Leon responded to a single vehicle auto accident. A truck had serious damage, including three of the four tires being off the vehicle. Witnesses advised the driver stumbled off after the accident. Deputy Leon located the driver nearby and made contact with him. The driver had severe signs of intoxication and informed Deputy Leon the auto accident was “none of your business.” Due to his level of intoxication and agitated state, deputies attempted to detain him as he resisted. The driver would continue to act belligerently after being detained and threatened to kill deputies. Within the vehicle, deputies located an open beer container. He was charged with driving under the influence second offense within five years, second offense refusal, drinking while driving, two counts of obstruction of justice, as well as, the traffic lane violation. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail pending his ability to participate in a bond hearing.

Area of Courthouse Road and Monument Drive, 11/29, 1:34 a.m. Sergeant A.T. Leckemby was traveling on Ramoth Church Road when the vehicle behind him had their high beams on and veered over the double yellow line. Sergeant Leckemby got behind the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The driver had signs of intoxication and at first advised he did not consume any alcohol and to “trust me.” His answer later changed and he confirmed he consumed alcohol prior to getting behind the wheel. The driver was charged with driving under the influence and the traffic lane violation. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

FRAUD:
Winning Colors Road, 11/27, 10:11 a.m. Deputy N.D. Fonseca responded to a fraud. The victim advised he received a message on his computer about an error with his investment account. Using the phone number provided in the message, the victim made contact with an individual who advised the victim needed to transfer money into Bitcoin to cancel the error.

Ford T. Humphrey Public Safety Building, 1225 Courthouse Road, 11/27, 2:35 p.m. Deputy R. Tully responded to a fraud. The victim advised her credit card was lost and there were fraudulent charges placed on it.

Apple Blossom Court, 11/29, 12:41 p.m. Deputy C.S. Harding responded to a fraud. The victim advised he received a call from someone posing as a law enforcement officer. The fake officer informed the victim he had missed court in Alexandria and needed to pay using cryptocurrency to avoid being arrested.

LARCENY:
Maryanne Avenue, 11/26, 4:00 p.m. Deputy W.A. Bolinsky responded to a larceny. The victim had a blender delivered to her residence. When she went to retrieve it, it was nowhere to be found.

Walmart, 11 Village Parkway, 11/27, 6:02 p.m. Deputy R.L. Hubbard responded to a larceny. Staff advised a known shoplifter was at the business currently concealing items. When staff attempted to stop the suspect, he fled on foot. Sergeant E.E. West was able to locate the suspect at a nearby business. The suspect had signs of intoxication and was currently drinking a club cocktail. The suspect was charged with larceny, shoplifting, and public intoxication. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

PUBLIC INTOXICATION:
Pillar Church, 2726 Richmond Highway, 11/27, 2:26 a.m. Deputy J.A. Martin was in the area for a domestic report when he observed a female suspect stumbling around. Deputy Martin made contact with her and noticed several signs of intoxication. She was charged with public intoxication and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

Sheetz, 15 Wyche Road, 11/27, 7:02 p.m. Deputy K.F. Bierfeldt responded to a public intoxication report. The caller advised a male was stumbling around the gas station. Deputy Bierfeldt made contact with the suspect, who not only had signs of intoxication, but was wanted out of Maryland. He was charged with public intoxication and fugitive from justice. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Hair Cuttery, 1495 Stafford Market Place, 11/29, 9:49 p.m. Deputy T.G. Croson responded to an unknown problem. Staff advised a female was beating on the door of the business while screaming. Deputy Croson made contact with the suspect, who he knew from multiple prior public intoxication incidents. This incident would be no different, for the suspect had several signs of intoxication. She was charged with public intoxication and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

RECOVERED STOLEN VEHICLE:
Murphy Express, 450 Kings Highway, 11/28, 9:08 p.m. Sergeant E.E. West was traveling in the area when she observed a vehicle that was reported stolen out of Fredericksburg. A high-risk stop was conducted and the driver was detained. The driver was issued a summons for driving while revoked. The Fredericksburg Police Department is handling the charges related to the stolen vehicle.

TRESPASS:
7-Eleven, 3623 Richmond Highway, 11/27, 5:59 p.m. Deputy K.F. Bierfeldt responded to a trespassing. Staff advised a suspect, who had been previously trespassed, was at the business again. The suspect would also curse at staff and use racial slurs towards them. Deputy Bierfeldt made contact with the suspect and detained him without incident. He was charged with trespassing and using abusive language. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

The Stafford Board of County Supervisors will hold a special meeting at 4 p.m. (not 3 p.m.) on Friday, December 6, 2024. The meeting will occur at the government center at 1300 Courthouse Road, just hours before the board participates in the county’s Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.

The meeting follows a statement issued by Aquia District Supervisor Monica Gary on Facebook. Gary apologized for her role in Mary Becelia’s removal from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) Board of Trustees earlier this year.

Gary stated on Facebook that Becelia’s removal stemmed from misunderstandings, poor judgment, and deliberate actions by the board. She admitted to motioning for Becelia’s removal, which the board unanimously approved, and later described the action as both unjust and illegal. Gary’s statement acknowledged that misconduct is the only legal basis for removing a trustee and that Becelia’s actions did not meet that threshold.

The controversy stems from July 2024, when Becelia was removed from her role as a trustee. Becelia said Gary contacted her, requesting her position on a hiring committee tasked with finding a replacement for the library’s executive director. Becelia declined, stating that it was not her decision to relinquish the seat.

The CRRL has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.

The FXBG Advance reported that the Stafford Board of Supervisors had provided differing accounts of the events leading to Becelia’s removal. Gary’s recent apology, shared publicly on Facebook and directly with Becelia, emphasized her intent to address the situation and make amends.

Further details on the agenda for the meeting have not been disclosed. The meeting is open to the public.

Gary ran for the Virginia State Senate in 2023 as an independent and was lost to Tara Durant (R). She won her seat on the Stafford Board of Supervisors in 2021.

The library board consists of representatives from CRRL-member jurisdictions Fredericksburg and Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland counties. Stafford, the largest system user, has two seats on the board.

Garrisonville District Supervisor Pamela Yeung also represents Stafford County as a trustee board member.

The Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal crash on Interstate 95 in Stafford County, where one vehicle collided with a guardrail and was later struck by another vehicle. The driver of the first vehicle died from injuries, while the driver of the second vehicle sustained serious injuries.

Press Release from Virginia State Police:

Virginia State Police is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash in Stafford County. The crash occurred Thursday (Nov. 28), at 7:13 a.m. on southbound Interstate 95 at the 139-mile marker.

A 2013 Chevrolet Cruze was traveling south on I95 when it lost control, ran off the right side of the roadway, and collided with a guardrail. Several minutes later, a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, which was also traveling southbound, lost control, ran off the right side of the roadway, and collided with the Chevrolet, which was still on the shoulder up against the guardrail.

The driver of the Chevrolet, Bezawit B. Yigzaw, 30, of Woodbridge, Va., suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to Mary Washington Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. It’s unknown if she was wearing a seatbelt during the initial crash. She was not wearing a seatbelt during the second crash.

The driver of the Volkswagen, Douglas P. Butler, 47, of Ruther Glen, Va., suffered serious injuries and was transported to Mary Washington Hospital for treatment. He was not wearing a seatbelt.

Weather is considered a factor in the crash.
Charges are pending as the crash remains under investigation.

Press Release:

Domino’s stores across Greater Woodbridge are teaming up with Ghostbusters Virginia to collect Toys for Tots from now through Dec. 8 at participating locations. Domino’s hopes to help bring the joy of the holiday season to children in need through donations from community members.

Customers who wish to donate can drop off new, unwrapped toys in donation bins in the lobbies of the following Domino’s stores:

• 16430 Navigation Drive in Woodbridge
• 14402 Richmond Highway in Woodbridge
• 5892 Mapledale Plaza in Woodbridge
• 2886 Dale Blvd. in Woodbridge
• 1395 Old Bridge Road in Woodbridge
• 556 Garrisonville Road in Stafford
• 2606 Jefferson Davis Highway in Stafford
• 338 Potomac Ave. in Quantico
• 5159 Waterway Drive in Dumfries
• 13448 Dumfries Road in Manassas

Customers who bring in one or more toys to donate will receive a large one-topping Hand Tossed Pizza for $6, now through Dec. 8. The offer will be applied once an in-store team member verifies a customer’s toy donation.

“Engaging with community giving opportunities such as collecting Toys for Tots donations is so fulfilling for our store teams,” said Nona Sonnier, Domino’s director of corporate operations in Virginia. “Domino’s is so much more than a pizza company; we are a company that deeply cares about its communities, and we are pleased to provide our customers with a chance to donate to a special cause.”

Toy donation bins will be collected and dropped off at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico on the afternoon of Dec. 8.

To locate and order from a participating Domino’s location, visit www.dominos.com.

Significant advancements regarding dam safety improvements for the Lake Arrowhead and Lake Carroll communities were announced at the November 19, 2024, Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting.

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Stafford County Utilities has completed a multi-year effort to confirm that its water lines are lead-free, meeting the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revision requirements. The service line inventory, which involved field verification and historical record reviews, has been approved by the Virginia Department of Health, ensuring safe water for the county’s residents.

Press Release from Stafford County Government:

Stafford County Utilities is pleased to announce that its water lines are lead-free, following a multi-year effort to inventory water service lines. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR) required public water systems to complete a service line inventory by October 16, 2024. In three years, the EPA will require public water systems to comply with a new lead regulation, known as the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). This new regulation will build on the existing LCRR and service line inventory.

“Stafford County has always maintained a lead-free water system, and now we have the data to confirm it officially. Stafford County Utilities customers can have full confidence in the safety and quality of their water, free from a critical issue that impacts many communities nationwide,” said Chairwoman of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors Meg Bohmke. “Our Utilities Department remains steadfast in its commitment to building and sustaining a lead-free water infrastructure, prioritizing long-term reliability and sustainability for the more than 125,000 residents we serve.”

Stafford County’s completed service line inventory confirms that the pipe material used in its water distribution system is lead-free. The inventory includes both the public (from the water main to the meter) and private (from the meter to the building) owned portions of the service lines. To fulfill the inventory requirements, the Utilities Department reviewed historical records, including tap cards, build dates, work order history and any available documents to identify service line materials.

In addition, over 5,000 field verifications were performed of a random sampling of properties across the entire County. The department implemented a statistical analysis model approved by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) for the remaining water services that could not be verified with available records or field verified. After completing this process, Stafford County Utilities submitted the entirely non-lead inventory to VDH and received approval on September 17, 2024.

“Stafford County Utilities has a history of producing high-quality water, and it is an incredible accomplishment to have completed the service line inventory and receive a lead-free designation. The inventory was created completely from scratch, as nothing like this had ever been required before. The multi-year effort involved a cross-disciplinary team of staff from almost every area of the Utilities Department,” said Chris Edwards, Chief Operating Officer.

The health and safety of the community are at the forefront of everything that Stafford County Utilities does. Customers may view an interactive map to search by address to review their specific service line information at https://utilities.staffordcountyva.gov/your_water/water_quality/lead_and_copper.php.

The results will show the material of an address’s public and private service line, and whether it has been field verified on either side of the water meter. If the results say the materials are “non-lead other,” your exact pipe material has not been established through field verification or historic records, but VDH has confirmed the entire Stafford system to be non-lead. This is a living inventory that will be consistently updated as the service lines of more properties are field verified.