Felony Child Neglect & Assault on Law Enforcement
On March 11 at Somerset Pointe Apartments in Gainesville, officers responded to a domestic dispute. Lindsay Jo Halsey, 32, was arrested after leaving three children unsupervised in unsafe conditions. Upon her return, she resisted arrest, assaulting multiple officers and attempting to grab a holstered weapon. She is charged with felony child neglect, assault on law enforcement, and obstruction of justice.
Sexual Assault Investigation
On March 10 at 9:22 PM, police responded to Potomac Mills in Woodbridge, where an unknown man engaged in inappropriate physical contact with an employee. The suspect is described as a Black male with bushy hair, wearing a light-colored sweatshirt, black pants, white Nike shoes, and carrying a grey backpack.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or create a FREE account today. Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!
Families and adventure seekers in Stafford County can gear up for a fun-filled outdoor experience this spring as Blue and Terrenceâs Eggcellent Eggventure returns for another year. The event, which kicks off on April 1, 2025, encourages participants to explore local parks and tourism sites while hunting for hidden eggs and earning prizes.
âWe created Blue and Terrenceâs Eggcellent Eggventure as a way to highlight our parks, get families outdoors, and bring more visitors to Stafford,â said Lisa Logan, Tourism Program Director for Stafford County. âLast year, we launched it in just two weeks, and we received so much positive feedback that weâve spent this entire year making it even better.â
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or create a FREE account today. Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!
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 – 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 “go get your warrants then.”
- 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
The emergency repairs on the Falmouth Bridge are complete, and the right lane of Route 1 northbound will reopen over the Rappahannock River between the Fredericksburg and Stafford County on Friday, March 14, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
VDOT reduced Route 1 northbound to a single lane between Charles Street in Fredericksburg and Carter Street in Stafford on Nov. 1, 2024, after routine bridge inspections revealed rapid deterioration among structural steel elements supporting the bridge deck. The lane closure was necessary to reduce vehicle weight on the bridge and allow construction crews to complete critical repairs.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or create a FREE account today. Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!
Stafford County Public Schools offers high school programs that teach students vocational skills in several fields. The Culinary Arts program, offered at Stafford, Brooke Point, and Mountainview High Schools, provides students the opportunity to learn basic cooking techniques, work in a real-world setting, and gain valuable industry certifications.Â
Stafford High Schoolâs Chef Josh Raven said the program aims to educate students not only in cooking, but also in the essential skills required for a successful career in the food industry. Raven, who took on the role of Culinary Arts instructor during the COVID-19 pandemic, has over 25 years of experience in fine dining, corporate kitchens, catering, and fast food. He said the only challenge of leading the program is simply having enough space for the number of students who want to join.Â
This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!
Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you.
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.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or create a FREE account today. Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!
As Stafford County prepares its budget for the upcoming fiscal year, officials and citizens alike are raising concerns over the mounting financial burden of a state-mandated tax exemption for disabled veterans. The issue, discussed at the March 4, 2025, Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, has sparked debate over the program's sustainability and impact on county taxpayers.
Mayausky: "A Worthy Program, But an Unfunded Mandate"
Stafford County Commissioner of Revenue Scott Mayausky detailed the rapid growth of the veteran tax relief program, which has significantly expanded since its inception in 2011.
This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!
Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you.
The Stafford Race Series is set to kick off on April 5, 2025, with four races scheduled throughout the year, bringing together runners, families, and fitness enthusiasts for a community-driven experience.
The first race in the series, the Stafford Hospital Spring Fever 5K, will take place at Stafford Hospital. Three additional races will follow: the Airport 5K on September 13, the Halloween 5K on October 25, and the Frosty 5K on December 13.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or create a FREE account today. Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released its list of upcoming road work and lane closures in the Fredericksburg District for March 9-15, 2025. Drivers should be prepared for temporary delays as crews perform maintenance, construction, and improvement projects across Stafford County, Fredericksburg, and Spotsylvania County.
All scheduled work is weather-dependent, and updates can be found on 511Virginia.
