Press Release from Prince William Police:

Abduction (Domestic Related) *ARREST – On September 28, the suspect sought in
connection to the domestic dispute that was reported to have occurred at the Woodbridge
Station Apartments located in the 1300 block of Eisenhower Cl. in Woodbridge (22191) on
June 7, was arrested. The accused, identified as Jamari ANKRAH, was located by Prince
George’s County police.

Arrested on September 28: 
Jamari ANKRAH, 23, of the 1300 block of Eisenhower Cl. in Woodbridge
Charged with 1 count of abduction, 2 counts of brandishing, 1 count of domestic assault & battery
Court Date: Pending | Status: Incarcerated

Abduction (Domestic Related) [Previously Released] – On June 7 at 12:19PM, officers responded
to the Woodbridge Station Apartments located in the 1300 block of Eisenhower Cl. in Woodbridge
(22191) to investigate a domestic dispute. The investigation revealed the victim, a 22-year-old
woman, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that
escalated. During the encounter, the accused struck the victim and physically prevented her from
the room. When a 33-year-old female family member intervened, the accused brandished a firearm
before leaving the apartment. No injuries were reported. Following the investigation, officers
obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Jamari ANKRAH. Attempts to locate the
accused have been unsuccessful.

Press Release from Prince William Police:

Attempted Burglary – On September 27 at 10:36PM, officers responded to a residence located in the 18100 block of Olde Port Ln. [near] Triangle (22172) to investigate an attempted burglary. The investigation revealed an unknown man, later identified as the accused, attempted to force entry into the home multiple times. Responding officers located the accused nearby where he was detained and determined to be intoxicated. Officers determined the accused damaged the front door of the residence. No entry was made into the home. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Michael Delanie
CLAYTON, was arrested.

Arrested on September 27:
Michael Delanie CLAYTON, 38, of 859 W. Glebe Rd. in Alexandria
Charged with attempted burglary and intoxicated in public
Court Date: Pending | Bond: $5,000 Secured

 

On September 27 at 10:36 p.m., officers responded to an attempted burglary at a residence near Triangle. The investigation indicated that an unknown man had tried to force entry multiple times, causing damage to the front door. The suspect was located nearby, found to be intoxicated, and was arrested on charges of attempted burglary and public intoxication.

Press Release from Prince William Police:

Attempted Burglary – On September 27 at 10:36PM, officers responded to a residence located in the 18100 block of Olde Port Ln. [near] Triangle (22172) to investigate an attempted burglary. The investigation revealed an unknown man, later identified as the accused, attempted to force entry into the home multiple times. Responding officers located the accused nearby where he was detained and determined to be intoxicated. Officers determined the accused damaged the front door of the residence. No entry was made into the home. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Michael Delanie CLAYTON, was arrested.

Arrested on September 27:
Michael Delanie CLAYTON, 38, of 859 W. Glebe Rd. in Alexandria
Charged with attempted burglary and intoxicated in public
Court Date: Pending | Bond: $5,000 Secured

On Sept. 25, Occoquan Elementary School construction officially broke ground.

Occoquan Elementary is set to become the first net-zero school in Prince William County Schools and will be located in Woodbridge. The new 120,000-square-foot, three-level building will replace the oldest school in PWCS.

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Commuters and residents in Woodbridge should prepare for a planned lane closure that will impact traffic on the Opitz Boulevard westbound overpass at Interstate 95. The closure, scheduled from 6 a.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, until 5 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2024, is necessary to construct a new ramp linking the I-95 E-ZPass Express Lanes to Opitz Boulevard.

This infrastructure project aims to enhance traffic flow and accessibility to key destinations in the area, including Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center and nearby commercial centers. However, as the construction enters a critical phase, disruptions are anticipated. The specific lane closure will allow workers to safely implement parts of the new ramp directly above the Opitz Boulevard overpass.

Local authorities and the project’s construction team advise motorists to plan for potential delays and consider alternative routes during this period. Commuters who use this popular route may face increased travel times and are encouraged to adjust travel times if possible.

This development is part of a broader effort to improve transportation infrastructure along the I-95 corridor, a vital artery for Northern Virginia’s commuters. The community eagerly awaits the new ramp from the I-95 E-ZPass Lanes to Opitz Boulevard, especially after the opening was delayed to fall 2024 due to unforeseen setbacks.

On Sept. 25, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) in Woodbridge celebrated the new mural recently completed by a local artist, Alethea Marie Robinson.

SNVMC President Jeff Joyner had the idea to have a mural throughout the hallway entering the north side of the hospital from the employee parking lot. Instead of a regular hallway, this one is now adorned with vibrant colors, flowers and butterflies.

“When creating this design, I wanted to reflect two of the most gratifying elements of working in healthcare: the love of helping people and the joy of working with the team,” Robinson said of her inspiration. “I included scenes of employees and patients surrounded with bright, happy colors in a garden atmosphere. It is also filled with butterflies that represent hope, recovery and transformation.”

Robinson began painting the mural in June and it took her several weeks to complete.

“[Robinson’s] skills as an artist and her ability to turn ideas into beautiful and inspiring imagery made her the perfect artist to take on this special project,” Joyner said. “And the fact that she is a local artist makes it that much more personal and powerful.”

The ribbon was cut by the three longest-tenured employees of SNVMC: Janice Carneal, who has been with the hospital for 49 years; Tania Brown of 38 years and Shirley Conley of 41 years with the hospital. Many employees were also in attendance for the ceremony.

Officers responded to a report of a death in the 500 block of Harbor Side Street in Woodbridge on Saturday, September 28 at 10:20 p.m. The deceased, a 46-year-old man, was discovered by a fishing vessel crew floating in the water. Fire and rescue teams retrieved the body, confirming the death. Initial investigations indicate no signs of foul play, with the exact cause and manner of death awaiting determination by the Medical Examiner’s Office. The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as needed.

From Prince William police:

Death Investigation – On September 28 at 10:20PM, officers responded to the 500 block of Harbor Side St.
in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a death. The investigation revealed members of a fishing vessel located
the body of a 46-year-old man floating in the water in the above area. Fire and rescue responded and
removed the body from the water and confirmed the death. Preliminarily, there were no signs of foul play.
The cause and manner of death is pending by the Medical Examiner’s Office. More information will be
released as necessary. The investigation continues.

The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) has announced a sustained increase in ridership through August 2024, reflecting a growing reliance on public transit amid various operational challenges, including service reductions and fare adjustments.

In August 2024, PRTC experienced an average daily ridership of 2,753 passengers, a 22% increase compared to last year. This rise comes despite significant service cuts implemented at the end of July and a $2 fare increase at the start of the month. Even a tropical storm at the beginning of August failed to significantly deter passengers, underscoring the essential role of PRTC in the daily lives of many in the region, said OmniRide CEO Dr. Robert A. “Bob” Schneider.

Throughout the summer months of June, July, and August, PRTC has seen a 15% year-over-year increase in ridership. Specifically, in June, the ridership figures stood at 161,071 total passengers, up from 146,952 in June of the previous year. This growth was supported by a consistent service performance across various routes, with notable increases reported particularly on the busiest lines, said Schneider.

The ‘Express’ services, which connect commuters from outlying areas to major employment centers, accounted for a substantial portion of the ridership, with 76,733 passengers in June 2024 alone, up from 65,933 in June 2023. Schnieder adds that this service segment is committed to facilitating efficient and reliable connections for daily commuters.

The ‘Local’ routes, catering to more localized travel, especially in eastern Prince William County, maintained robust figures with 59,201 riders in June 2024, only slightly up from 58,628 in the previous year.

The Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force arrested a 33-year-old Woodbridge resident following a three-month investigation into a drug operation in Culpeper and Prince William counties. Authorities seized 2,857 grams of Fentanyl, two handguns, a rifle, and over $26,000 in cash during searches at private residences.

Press Release from Virginia State Police:

The Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force has concluded a three-month investigation with the arrest of a Woodbridge, VA resident. Through the course of the investigation, officers learned of a multi-jurisdictional operation throughout Culpeper and Prince William counties.

On Thursday (Sept. 26) and Sunday (Sept. 29), officers executed search warrants at private residences in Culpeper and Prince William. As a result of the operation, 2857 grams (approximately 25,000 pills) of Fentanyl were seized along with two handguns, a rifle, and $26,363 in U.S. currency. One of the handguns was reported stolen out of the City of Manassas.

Task Force Officers arrested Stewart L. Skinner III, 33, and charged him with maintaining a fortified drug house, possession with intent to distribute schedule I/II controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of an automatic firearm. Skinner was also wanted out of Prince William County. He was transported to the Prince William County Adult Detention Center, where he is being held without bond.

This investigation is still ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Virginia State Police Blue Ridge Gang and Narcotic Task Force at 540-547-2997 or email at [email protected].

The Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force (BRNGTF) is composed of law enforcement personnel from the Culpeper, Fauquier, Orange, Madison, and Rappahannock Sheriff’s Offices, Culpeper, Warrenton, Orange Police Departments, and the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Culpeper Field Office.

On September 26, officers investigated a bomb threat at Brixx Wood Fired Pizza, prompted by a phone call from a Woodbridge man, police said. The restaurant was evacuated, police didn’t find a bomb, and the caller was charged with making a threat to bomb.

Press Release from Prince William County Police:

Bomb Threat– On September 26 at 9:41PM, officers responded to Brixx Wood Fired Pizza located at 14900 Potomac Town Pl. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a bomb threat. The investigation revealed a man, later identified as the accused, made a bomb threat towards the restaurant via a phone call. The restaurant was evacuated, and the police were contacted. Officers identified the accused and determined there was no active threat to the restaurant. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Elton Charles WILLIAMS, was arrested.

Arrested on September 26:
Elton Charles WILLIAMS, 63, of 5276 Jessup Ln. in Woodbridge
Charged with threats to bomb
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable

Dear Readers,

We are excited to announce the launch of our History and Heritage Feature Series, sponsored by Sentara. This special series celebrates the rich cultural heritage and history of Prince William County, Stafford County, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg.

We will delve into the historical events, landmarks, and personal stories that have shaped our communities. From in-depth articles on significant historical milestones to spotlights on notable landmarks and engaging oral histories from long-time residents, our series aims to connect you with the past in a meaningful and enlightening way.

We are proud to partner with Sentara, a name synonymous with community involvement and support. Sentara’s sponsorship helps make this series possible, allowing us to bring these important stories to you while highlighting their commitment to preserving our local history.

Join us as we explore the places, events, and people that tell the story of our region’s past. Understanding our history is crucial to building a better future and maintaining the rich traditions that define us.

Thank you for your continued support of local journalism.

Uriah Kiser
Founder & Publisher
Potomac Local News

Combining Historical and Environmental Education

Prince William County’s Historic Preservation Division has unveiled plans for a new addition to the Rippon Lodge Historic Site in Woodbridge: a Nature and Interpretive Center combining historical and environmental education. The project promises to serve as a hub for learning and exploration, reflecting the rich history of the site and the surrounding region while promoting environmental stewardship.

Rich Historical Legacy of Rippon Lodge

Rippon Lodge, dating back to the 1740s, stands as one of the oldest homes in Prince William County. Over the years, it has undergone significant preservation efforts led by the county’s Historic Preservation Office, with support from the Board of County Supervisors and various grants. “Rippon Lodge is one of the county’s treasures,” said Sharon Pandak, treasurer of the Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation and a key project advocate. “This center will help preserve its rich legacy, spanning from colonial times to the present, and highlight the diversity of communities—enslaved people, Native Americans, and others—who shaped this region.”

A Dual-Focus Center

The new Nature and Interpretive Center is designed to be a comprehensive educational facility, blending historical interpretation with environmental science. Bill Backus of the county’s Historic Preservation Division emphasized the importance of this dual focus. “We’re aiming to create a space where visitors can learn about both the colonial history of the area and the natural resources along Neabsco Creek,” said Backus. “The center will also serve as an environmental hub, helping to fill a gap for Prince William residents.”

The center will be located southwest of the main Rippon Lodge property, offering scenic views of the Potomac River and close proximity to the Neabsco Boardwalk Regional Park. “This is Prince William County’s answer to Huntley Meadows,” said Pandak, referring to the 1,500-acre wetland area near Alexandria.”We hope to make it even better.” The design is still flexible, but plans include historical exhibits, an environmental education pavilion, and space for community gatherings and events.

Community Impact and Vision

The center will serve as both a museum and a nature center, making it a unique resource for the county. According to Backus, the center’s location near the Neabsco Boardwalk offers “a wonderful opportunity to engage with local wildlife and ecosystems while also exploring the history of eastern Prince William County.”

The Neabsco Creek Boardwalk, part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, offers visitors an immersive experience in one of Woodbridge’s most valuable natural assets—the Potomac River waterfront. Stretching 3,300 feet and measuring 10 feet wide, the boardwalk traverses Neabsco Creek, providing a gateway to the region’s wetlands. These wetlands play a vital role in the ecosystem, with their tall grasses and marshlands naturally filtering pollution from the river while creating a rich habitat for various wildlife.

Among the winged species that call the area home are great blue herons, wood ducks, mallards, sparrows, and red-The boardwalk features two observation decks—one two-level and one single-level—as well as three overlooks, each offering stunning views of the surrounding wetlands.

As part of the broader Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, which Congress established in 1983, the boardwalk links historic landmarks such as Rippon Lodge and Leesylvania State Park. The Potomac Heritage Trail stretches over 800 miles, winding through Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. This network of trails not only preserves natural beauty but also connects visitors to the region’s rich history.

The project will enhance public access to the site and generate revenue through private events such as weddings and corporate gatherings. “It’s a stunning location,” said Pandak. “I’ve always thought it would be perfect for weddings or community events, and this center will open up those possibilities, all while supporting ongoing preservation work.”

Funding and Timeline

The project is expected to cost several million dollars, with contributions from donations, corporate sponsors, and local government funding. “We’re looking at a five-year timeline, but it all depends on funding,” said Pandak. “We’re hopeful that a large portion will come from contributions, and we’ve already begun initial fundraising efforts.”

Backus added, “The exact cost will depend on the final design, but we’re estimating at least a couple of million dollars. We’ll need support from the Board of Supervisors, as well as state-level funding, to make this a reality.”

Future Opportunities and Community Support

In addition to its educational role, the center is expected to host community events, educational programs, and tour groups. It will also generate income for ongoing restoration efforts at Rippon Lodge, contributing to its long-term preservation.

“This project will be transformative for Rippon Lodge and for the broader community,” said Pandak. “We encourage residents and local businesses to get involved and support our efforts through donations.”

For more information or to contribute to the project, visit the Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation’s website at preservepw.org.

This center promises to deepen the public’s connection to Prince William County’s history while fostering a new appreciation for the area’s environmental beauty. As Pandak stated, “This is our gift to the community—a place where history and nature come together for future generations to enjoy.”