The Prince William County Police Department is expressing gratitude to the community after another successful Polar Plunge event, which raised $130,000 for Special Olympics Virginia.

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Potomac Mills Mall is preparing to welcome U.S. Polo Assn. Outlet,  the official clothing brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA).

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A new Home Depot is set to open in Gordon Plaza, marking a significant step in the redevelopment of North Woodbridge.

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Prince William County’s State of the Parks Event Set for February 13

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Prince William County Police Department

Armed Robbery in Woodbridge
On February 3 at 4:03 p.m., officers responded to the Orchard Mills Apartments in the 3200 block of Blazer Loop, Woodbridge, for a robbery report.

A U.S. Postal Service worker reported that while delivering mail, an unknown man approached him and implied he had a weapon before grabbing a key chain and fleeing. The postal worker left the area and contacted police. No injuries were reported.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 6’0” tall, in his 30s, with a full beard and mustache, wearing all-black clothing.

Manassas area Domestic Strangulation – Suspect Wanted

On February 2 at 1:58 p.m., officers responded to the TGM Sudley Crossing Apartments in the 10800 block of Gambril Drive near Manassas for a domestic assault.

The investigation revealed that a 28-year-old woman and a family member, identified as Masihullah Rahmati, 31, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. Rahmati allegedly struck the victim multiple times before grabbing her neck. The victim was treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Rahmati left the scene before officers arrived. He is currently wanted for strangulation and domestic assault & battery.

Suspect Description: White male, 5’4”, 180 lbs., black hair, brown eyes
Last Known Address: 10800 block of Gambril Drive, Manassas

Anyone with information on Rahmati’s whereabouts is urged to contact police.

Manassas area Domestic Strangulation – Arrest Made
On February 2 at 10:11 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 6600 block of River Ford Court, near Manassas for a domestic assault.

The investigation revealed that a 23-year-old woman was involved in an altercation with a family member, identified as Waleed Ahmad Sadozai, 27. During the dispute, Sadozai allegedly pushed the victim down and grabbed her neck.

Sadozai was arrested and charged with strangulation and domestic assault & battery.

Court Date: Pending
Bond: $1,000 Unsecured

Teenagers Charged with Distributing THC Gummies at Potomac High School
On January 24 and 29, the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Potomac High School in Dumfries investigated two separate incidents where students were found in possession of THC-infused gummies.

The investigation revealed that two female students, aged 14 and 16, brought the gummies to school with the intent to distribute them. Several students who consumed the gummies experienced adverse reactions and required hospital treatment.

The two juveniles were charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Their court dates are pending.

Prince William County Police Department Tipline: (703) 792-7000
Submit a Web Tip: pwcva.gov/policetip

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office

Anvil Attacker Arrested

A 48-year-old Stafford man was arrested on February 2 after allegedly assaulting an individual with a wooden slat.

At 11:51 a.m., Deputy N.D. Fonseca responded to Anvil Road for an assault report. Upon arrival, the deputy found the victim with injuries to his head and arm. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

According to witnesses, the suspect and the victim had been traveling together when the suspect began acting erratically and accused the victim of stealing his property. A verbal argument ensued, escalating into a physical altercation in the roadway. During the fight, Berryman reportedly picked up a discarded wooden slat and struck the victim before fleeing the scene.

A warrant for malicious wounding was obtained for Marcellus Berryman, and deputies later discovered he had a similar warrant out of Maryland. Later that night, at approximately 9:52 p.m., First Sergeant D.W. Fetterolf and Deputy C.A. Osborn spotted Berryman driving in the area of Short Street. With the assistance of Sergeant E.E. West, Deputy S.T. Myers, and his K-9 partner, Gunner, deputies conducted a high-risk traffic stop at Fredericksburg Tattoo Works, located at 348 Warrenton Road.

Police said Berryman was driving on a revoked license and was taken into custody without further incident. He has been charged with malicious wounding and driving on a revoked license. He is currently being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Assault at Monarch Court
At approximately 4:59 p.m. on February 2, Deputy J.J. Holetzky responded to Monarch Court for an assault. The victim reported that while playing “chuck it” with his dog, an unknown male approached aggressively. The suspect assaulted the victim and attempted to kick his dog. The victim was able to defend himself using a dog toy, forcing the attacker to walk away without further incident.

The suspect remains unidentified, and the investigation is ongoing.

Juvenile Assault at Domino’s Pizza
Deputy K.F. Bierfeldt responded to the Domino’s at 2606 Richmond Highway at approximately 6:31 p.m. on February 2 after reports of a disturbance. The juvenile victim reported being assaulted by a former friend. The altercation, which resulted in damage to the business, was captured on security footage.

Bystanders intervened to separate the two juveniles. Deputy Bierfeldt later located the suspect and submitted criminal complaints for assault and battery and destruction of property.

Fraudulent Returns at Walmart
At approximately 3:51 p.m. on February 2, Deputy C.M. Sterne responded to Walmart at 11 Village Parkway for a fraud report. Store staff reported that a known male had been making fraudulent returns in multiple locations along the East Coast, including Stafford.

Surveillance footage confirmed the suspect had returned tampered-with external hard drives in exchange for refunds. The investigation is ongoing.

Purse Stolen in Walmart Parking Lot
Deputy T.K. Phillips responded to Walmart at 217 Garrisonville Road at approximately 1:07 p.m. on February 3 for a reported larceny. The victim stated she left her purse in her vehicle while shopping. Upon returning, she discovered it had been stolen.

Deputies are reviewing security footage and urge anyone with information to contact the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.

Contact Information
Anyone with information regarding the incidents listed in this report is encouraged to contact:

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: (540) 658-4450
Twitter: @staffcosheriff
Facebook: Stafford Sheriff
Instagram: @StaffordSheriff

The fishing pier at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge has been closed due to significant structural damage caused by ice and extreme winter weather.

Repairs are needed across the entire structure, and park management is working diligently to complete the necessary fixes as quickly as possible.

“Most of the bracing has broken underneath, and the roof portion of the pier also has extensive damage to the pillars holding it up,” said Kenneth Ashdown, Leesylvania State Park Manager. “It is not safe for the pier to be open to the public at this time, and we hope to have this repaired as soon as possible.”

Although the fishing area is closed, the rest of the park will remain open for visitors. However, Ashdown noted that the repairs might impact the upcoming night fishing programs scheduled for March. Efforts are underway to find an alternative location for these events.

Visitors should check the park’s website for updates before planning their trips.

As a reminder, water temperatures in the Potomac River are currently around 35°F at the Little Falls Pump Station, as the National Weather Service observed. Those planning to fish or visit the river should be mindful of these cold conditions.

January 2025 has been a frigid month for the region, with temperatures significantly below normal. Overall, the average monthly temperature was 29.8°F, 4.5°F colder than usual. There were several days with low temperatures dropping below freezing, including a particularly frigid day on January 21, when the high was just 20°F, and the low dropped to 11°F, a departure of -18.4°F from normal.

Snowfall was also a significant factor, with 8.9 inches recorded for the month, further contributing to the cold conditions.

For more information about Leesylvania State Park, visit the park’s webpage.

Virginia’s General Assembly convened on January 8 for the start of its 30-day session; to keep readers informed on their local representatives’ efforts, we’ve reviewed some of their bills and votes. Virginia shares bills, votes, and schedules online through the Legislative Information System.

Virginia has 100 delegates who serve two-year terms. Between Jan. 8 and Jan. 30, 2,370 bills were introduced by delegates and senators. A total of 287 have failed the House of Delegates so far, and 306 have passed the House, many of which have moved into a committee for further review.

Delegate Joshua Cole (D) represents the 65th District, which includes the City of Fredericksburg and parts of Spotsylvania and Stafford. Cole won re-election in November 2024 and is a member of three committees: General Laws, Health and Human Services, and Privileges and Elections.

Cole did not cast any votes on Jan. 30. On previous days, he voted Yes on all floor votes. Cole was a Patron or Chief Patron of 131 bills. We explored a few:

HB1600 Budget Amendment

Cole has requested $25,000 from the General Fund to support Stafford County’s Rappahannock Education Farm.

HB1598 Individual income tax; first-time homebuyer tax credit.

This bill would create a one-time tax credit for first-time homebuyers. From 2025 to 2029, eligible homebuyers can receive a nonrefundable income tax credit of up to $10,000 for expenses related to buying their first home. The credit is based on the purchase price of the home. However, if the buyer sells the home within three years of purchasing it, they will have to repay the credit.

The bill passed two committees with 5-3 and 11-10 split votes and is currently waiting for review by the Commerce, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee.

HB1599 Certain end-of-course Standards of Learning assessments; elimination and replacement.

This bill would eliminate the Department of Education’s end-of-course
Standards of Learning tests for Chemistry and World War II. Instead, localities would be required to create an end-of-course assessment for both courses.

The bill was referred to the Education Committee.

HB1601 Siting of data centers; site assessment; high energy use facility.

This bill would require localities to have applicants for data centers to perform and submit site assessments of sound assessments for residential areas and schools within 500 feet of the property boundary. Localities will also be allowed to require assessments of the impact of a new data center on agriculture, water, parks, historical sites, and forestlands.

The bill passed the house 57-40 and was referred to the Committee on Local Government on Jan. 24.

HB1635 Certified nurse midwives; licensed, certified midwives; independent practice; organized medical staff.

This bill allows licensed certified midwives (LCMs) to practice independently after completing 1,000 hours under a practice agreement, as long as they confirm the physician or midwife they worked with. It also lets certified nurse midwives (CNMs) and LCMs form practice agreements with other CNMs or LCMs who are authorized to practice independently. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Health to update regulations so that organized medical staff can include independent practice midwives, physicians, and dentists.

The committee voted 21-0 to pass, with Cole not voting.

Delegate Paul Milde (R) was elected in 2023 and represents the 64th District, part of Stafford County. Milde serves on the Privileges and Elections and Transportation Committees.

Milde and Cole were sponsors of HB2164 Public school funding, specific funding calculations.

This bill requires the Dept. of Education to remove the value of real estate property eligible for tax exemptions for disabled veterans or surviving spouses when calculating a locality’s ability to pay for each school division. This bill would increase funding for areas with significant veteran populations.

The bill was set aside by the Appropriations committee.

Milde and Cole were both patrons of the HB1991 Domestic and Sexual Assault Conviction Database; established.

This bill would require the State Police to establish a database of persons convicted of certain crimes against family members or household members. The public could access this information on the State Police website, and persons listed would be able to petition for their removal from the database.

The bill was referred to the Committee for Courts of Justice.

Milde introduced 56 bills as a Chief Patron or Co-Patron. We explored a few:

HB2127 Local gov’t. employees; establishes a framework for the locality to establish & implement telework policy.

This bill allows localities to establish a framework to allow telework for local government employees. Employees would have to commit to a telework agreement, and requests for remote work would need to be approved by different authorities based on the number of remote workdays per week.

The bill was submitted January 7, before President Donald Trump  mandated federal employees return to the workplace. It was set aside by the Counties, Cities and Towns committee on Jan. 17.

HB1551 Income tax, state; removes sunset on elevated standard deduction amounts, etc.

This bill would remove the sunset provision which currently applies to the current standard deduction amounts, which were established in 2017’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. As a result, the current standard deduction amounts would apply permanently and not expire after Taxable Year 2025.

Under current law, the standard deduction amounts are $8,500 for single individuals and $17,000 for married persons filing jointly. Because of the sunset provision, the standard deduction is currently set to revert to $3,000 for single individuals and $6,000 for married persons filing jointly after Taxable Year 2025. If enacted during the regular session of the 2025 General Assembly, this bill would become effective July 1, 2025.

This bill was assigned to a Finance subcommittee on Jan. 25.

HB1885 Juvenile/adult adjudicated delinquent/convicted of violent juvenile felony; immigration status.

This bill would require the Director of the Department of Juvenile Justice to report any juveniles or adults found guilty of violent juvenile crimes to ICE if they are found to be in the country illegally.

The bill was referred to the Committee for Courts of Justice.

HB2129 Exchange of items on roadways; the ability of localities to prohibit.

This bill would allow localities to ban the exchange or attempted exchange of any item between a pedestrian and the occupant of a motor vehicle on a roadway. Violators could receive a fine of $50 or less.

The bill was set aside by the Counties, Cities and Towns committee on Jan. 24.

HB1985 Child support orders; date of conception.

For children conceived on or after July 1, 2025, this bill would make child support orders retroactive to the date of conception. Under current law, child support orders are retroactive to the date of the filing for child support.

This bill was struck from the docket on Jan. 15.

Candi Mundon King (D) represents the 23rd District, which covers part of Prince William and Stafford Counties. She chairs the Counties, Cities and Towns committee; is Vice Chair of Public Safety, and a member of the Finance and Labor and Commerce Committees. King was a Patron or Co-Patron of 80 bills. King voted Yes on all Floor votes except HB2595, related to tax credits for firearm safety devices. That bill later passed 99 – 0 after a passage was reconsidered. We explored a few of King’s bills:

HB1614 Postpartum doula care; DMAS to amend state plan for medical assistance services.

This bill directs the state medical plan to provide payments for post-partum doula care.

The bill passed the house 89 to 9 on Jan. 28. Cole was also a patron of this bill.

HB1844 Baby Food Protection Act; testing and labeling requirements for toxic heavy metals.

This bill provides for a work group to study the presence of toxic metals in baby food products and requires manufacturers to comply with limits and testing requirements set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This bill was assigned to the Commerce, Agriculture and Natural Resources subcommittee.

HB2041 Speed safety cameras; placement and operation.

This bill allows localities to install speed cameras. New cameras must be announced publicly and requires a warning by mail for the first 30 days instead of a ticket or fine. It also requires localities have periodic reviews of the cameras and traffic impacts, provide public information about usage of the cameras, and form advisory groups related to the use of the cameras.

The bill was amended by the Transportation Committee.

HB1928 Minimum wage.

This bill raises the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour by January 1, 2027. The increase will be done in increments: minimum wage was $12.41 per hour effective Jan. 1, 2025 and will raise to $13.50 effective Jan. 1, 2026.

The bill passed the House 50-46 on Jan. 30; the voters’ list was not available at the time of writing.

The House of Delegates is scheduled to adjourn on Saturday, Feb. 22. Delegates will continue introducing and reviewing bills throughout the period.

Prince William County Schools (PWCS) are embarking on an ambitious $1.098 billion Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) aimed at alleviating overcrowding, modernizing aging school facilities, and preparing for future shifts in student enrollment. The plan, presented at the January 15, 2025, school board work session, includes new school constructions, significant renovations, and sustainability-focused upgrades.

Key Projects in the CIP

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The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Operations Board meeting on January 17, 2025, saw several significant discussions aimed at enhancing service and infrastructure across the transit system.

Among the most talked-about topics were the introduction of Saturday service, a crucial funding agreement for the Manassas Line, solutions for parking challenges at stations, and significant infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of Seminary Yard and the Long Bridge upgrades. These initiatives are designed to improve the commuter experience and accommodate a growing ridership base.

Saturday Service: A Long-Awaited Step Forward

One of the highlights of the meeting was the ongoing development of Saturday service, a long-awaited addition approved and included in VRE’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Set to feature three round-trip trains on the Fredericksburg and Manassas lines; this service is expected to cater to weekend commuters, offering a much-needed alternative to the crowded highways in the region.

Although the exact start date and routes for the Saturday service remain under wraps, VRE Operations Board members expressed excitement about the initiative. However, some voiced concerns about the impact of shifting commuter patterns, particularly in light of the ongoing rise in remote and hybrid work arrangements. Despite these uncertainties, there is optimism that the Saturday service will meet demand and contribute to the long-term growth of VRE, expanding its service offerings and supporting regional ridership.

A Milestone for the Manassas Line

In addition to the upcoming Saturday service, the VRE board approved a significant $155 million funding agreement to acquire the Manassas Line. This agreement is a critical step in VRE’s plan to substantially improve the line’s infrastructure over the next five years. With an emphasis on enhancing operational efficiency and improving the passenger experience, the funds will support the upgrade of stations, the relocation of midday storage to Alexandria’s Seminary Yard, and the separation of freight and passenger train traffic, ultimately reducing congestion and increasing efficiency.

According to officials, the commitment to acquiring the Manassas Line is pivotal for VRE, solidifying its control over operations.

Addressing Parking Challenges

As VRE works to expand service and accommodate more passengers, parking challenges have become a central concern. The board approved a lease extension for parking at Rippon Station in Woodbridge, one of the most affected by high demand. The lack of parking spaces during peak hours has been a significant issue for commuters, and the extension will allow VRE more time to explore permanent solutions.

Among the strategies being considered to address parking shortages are acquiring additional land for new parking structures, expanding current parking lots, and partnerships with private developers and local governments to create multi-use spaces that combine parking with retail or residential developments.

Key Infrastructure Projects: Seminary Yard and Long Bridge

In addition to expanding services, VRE is pushing forward with critical infrastructure projects that will improve the overall reliability and capacity of the rail network. The redevelopment of Seminary Yard, a freight rail yard in Alexandria, is a key project that will be transformed to accommodate passenger trains. This project will help VRE store and maintain its growing fleet more efficiently, with a phased approach aiming to start utilizing parts of the yard by the end of 2025.

Another key project is the Long Bridge upgrades, which involve both the Long Bridge North and South initiatives. These upgrades aim to separate freight and passenger rail traffic, reducing congestion and improving service reliability. The completion of these projects will pave the way for an expanded rail system that can better serve both commuter and freight needs, ensuring that the region’s rail infrastructure can keep pace with growing demand.