We first told you about the discovery on Friday.
Death Investigation – On July 12 at 3:20PM, officers responded to Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) located at 2635 College Dr. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a death. The investigation revealed NVCC police located the personal belongings of an individual, later identified as a 20-year-old man, near a pond and contacted Prince William County police. A short time later, the man’s body was located and recovered from the pond by Fire & Rescue personnel. Preliminarily, there are no signs of foul play in the man’s death. The cause and manner of death is pending by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Meanwhile, a 30-year-old man was shot in Woodbridge yesterday evening.
Shooting Investigation – On July 14 at 6:49PM, officers responded to the Potomac Vista Apartments located in the 14100 block of Bay Vista Dr. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed a 30-year-old man was shot by an unknown individual during a verbal altercation. The parties separated with the shooter leaving in a vehicle. The man was treated at an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. A shell casing was located outside the apartment. No other injuries or property damage were reported.
A brazen morning robbery in Woodbridge
Armed Robbery – On July 13 at 10:37AM, officers responded to investigate a robbery that was reported to have occurred in the area of Henry Ford Way and Mendoza Ln. in Woodbridge (22191) on the evening of July 12. The investigation revealed the victim, a 14-year-old male juvenile, was approached by two masked men who exited a nearby vehicle. During the encounter, one of the men brandished a firearm towards the victim while the other man took the victim’s firearm. The suspects left the area in a sedan driven by an unknown woman. No injuries were reported. The suspects were described as black males, one wearing all black clothing, while the other wore a white t-shirt and black pants.
Burglars shatter glass at Cabela’s in Gainesville.
Attempted Commercial Burglary – On July 12 at 9:10AM, officers responded to Cabela’s located at 5291 Wellington Branch Dr. in Gainesville (20155) to investigate an attempted burglary. Video surveillance revealed at approximately 3:50AM, three masked individuals approached the front of the store before one of the suspects attempted to shatter the front glass window with an unknown object. When the window did not shatter, the suspects got back into their vehicle and left the area. No entry was made into the store and no property was reported missing.
Several people went on a bender on or near the Rappahannock River this weekend, police said.
Falmouth Beach, 7/13, 4:53 p.m. Deputy D.S. Jett observed an intoxicated man on the beach with several empty alcohol containers around him. He was arrested for public intoxication. During the ride to the magistrate, the suspect attempted to bribe the deputy with money to take him home. The 22-year-old man was charged with public intoxication, drinking in public and bribery. He was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
Pratt Park, 7/13, 9:18 p.m. Deputy S.A. Fulford encountered an intoxicated female on River Road near the park. She was arrested for public intoxication and held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
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If you see news happening, text us 571-989-1695.
Police have found what appears to be a body floating in a lake at the Woodbridge Campus of Northern Virginia Community College.
“We are awaiting additional [information] to confirm, but it is most likely a person,” said Prince William police spokeswoman Renee Carr. “There is no public safety threat and no immediate indication of foul play.”
Rescue crews were called to bring a boat to pull the object from the water.
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The Occoquan River Boat Show will occur at Occoquan Harbour Marina, 13180 Marina Way in Woodbridge, from July 12 to July 14. This event will feature boats from seven manufacturers, allowing visitors to compare different models and find the right boat for their needs.
Event hours:
– Friday, July 12: Noon – 6 p.m.
– Saturday, July 13: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
– Sunday, July 14: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
According to Capt. George Phillips of the Pirates Guide to Boating, a boater resource for the Potomac River, the idea for the Occoquan River Boat Show began when a group of local dealers and marinas recognized the potential for a dedicated event to showcase the area’s boating opportunities. With the Occoquan River’s picturesque setting and the abundance of marinas and boat dealers in Prince William County, it was clear that a boat show would be an excellent way to promote boating and connect enthusiasts with the latest models and technologies.
Seven boat manufacturers will be represented, offering the latest models equipped with state-of-the-art design and equipment. Boats will be displayed both on the lot and in the water.
The exhibitors include Prince William Marina, Holly Acres, Hoffmaster’s Marina, and Harbour Yacht Sales. The Pirate’s Guide to Boating will also be present and distribute free items.
While no seminars are planned for this year, numerous experts will be available to answer questions. Visitors are encouraged to attend in the mornings to avoid the heat. Parking should be ample, but families are advised to consolidate into one vehicle.
This year’s event sponsors include Holly Acres, Prince William Marina, Hoffmaster’s Marina, and The Pirate’s Guide to Boating. Each sponsor will conduct their own promotions, with The Pirate’s Guide doing joint event promotion.
Additional attractions will focus on boats and dealers this year, with plans for more attractions next year. Exhibitors will likely offer free show gear, and The Harbour Grille, a river-front restaurant at the exact location, plans to provide special drinks for the event.
US Marshals arrested Tyus Terrell, the man wanted in connection to the murder of Quatrail Raynard Smalls of Big Stone Gap on November 14, 2023.
Police named Terrell, of Spotsylvania County, as a suspect in the case two days after the shooting. He was arrested about 2 p.m. today following a pursuit at Freedom High School in Woodbridge.
Police increased the $10,000 reward for information leading to Terrell’s arrest on June 3.
On November 14, officers responded to the 3700 block of Wharf Ln. in Triangle to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed gunshots were heard in the area, which struck a 26-year-old man who was found lying on the ground by responding officers.
Officers provided immediate first aid to the man, who was transported to an area hospital where he later died from his injuries.
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Sometimes, we get buried in breaking local news, and some essential interviews get pushed back. Though we conducted our interviews for this story last month, it is still important to share.
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center featured a documentary photo exhibit titled “Innovation on Maternal Health Exhibition.” The exhibit, created by photojournalist Karen Kasmauski in collaboration with WHRO, was displayed on May 21 outside the hospital’s maternity ward.
The exhibit showcases powerful images that highlight the crucial role of midwifery and doula services in improving maternal health outcomes, particularly for non-Hispanic Black mothers. Sheena Kundid, a nurse at the medical center, explained the significance of the display, emphasizing how midwifery bridges gaps in maternal healthcare. “Midwifery services support and really bridge the gap for our non-Hispanic Black mothers and really all of our mothers. It’s been shown that midwifery and doulas improve outcomes through trust and active partnership in the birth experience,” she said.
The photos in the exhibit capture various stages of the birthing process, from a mother enduring contractions to the care provided post-delivery. Kundid highlighted the importance of showcasing both home and hospital births, demonstrating the collaborative relationship between midwives and hospital facilities. “It paints a picture of how midwifery supports that collaborative relationship with hospitals and facilities,” Kundid added.
Misti Gray, an OB-Gyn at About Women in Woodbridge, which is affiliated with Sentara, underscored the alarming disparities in maternal mortality rates. “The headline of the main focus is, ‘I just don’t want to die.’ It’s powerful but true,” Gray stated. She pointed out that Black mothers are disproportionately affected by pregnancy-related complications, being three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts. Gray attributed this disparity to systemic issues such as racial biases, unequal access to care, and lack of education.
Gray also addressed common misconceptions about midwifery, emphasizing that midwifery care is not limited to home births. “Midwifery care is everywhere. It’s hospitals, birthing centers, at home, and in the community,” she said. She highlighted the growing presence of midwives in hospitals, a trend that has increased over the past decade.
The exhibit aims to educate the community and break down misconceptions about midwifery. Kundid shared that Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is working to increase its midwifery presence and build partnerships with providers. “Midwives help our OB/GYNs, and it increases access to care, which is a dire need across the entire United States,” Kundid explained.
In March, the CDC reported a slight improvement in maternal mortality rates for non-Hispanic Black women, who are now 2.6 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts. Kundid acknowledged the progress but stressed the need for continued efforts to address these disparities.
The “Innovation on Maternal Health Exhibition” will be on display at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center for the next few weeks. It offers a compelling look into the critical role of midwifery in maternal healthcare.
Cops called to Target after woman feared she would be shot
On June 6th at approximately 4:40 a.m. Sergeant J.D. Hurt, Deputy D.A. Robertson, and Deputy P.J. Leon responded to Target, located at 25 South Gateway Drive [Stafford County], for a disturbance. The caller advised she was currently in the parking lot hiding from a male suspect who was threatening to shoot her. Due to the immediate danger, deputies quickly arrived. When they did, they observed the male suspect exiting his vehicle and aggressively approaching the victim who was crouched under a truck. The parties were separated as deputies attempted to learn what occurred.
The victim advised she and the suspect were at the Waffle House parking lot before the suspect drove them to this location. The suspect would then assault the victim and made threats towards her. The victim was able to getaway, hide, and call for help.
The suspect, identified as Troy Lovett, 37, of Stafford, had several signs of intoxication, including the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath, and was discovered to have a revoked license. He was charged with assault and battery, driving under the influence, driving while revoked, and refusal. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
Woman bites man, takes wallet
Strong-Arm Robbery – On July 5 at 2:32PM, officers responded to the 7300 block of Sudley Rd. in Manassas (20109) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 34-year-old man, was getting out of his vehicle when an unknown woman attempted to take his wallet. When the victim attempted to pull away, the suspect bit the victim’s hand and took his wallet before running away. Officers and a police K-9 searched the area for the suspect who was not located. The victim reported minor injuries.
Suspect Description:
A black female, between 30-35 years of age, approximately 5’3”, with a large build, shoulder-length
black hair, and brown eyes Last seen wearing a yellow sports bra with spaghetti straps, baggy jean capris, and black Foam Runner shoes
Stranger stabs man in leg in broad daylight
Malicious Wounding – On July 6 at 6:29PM, officers responded to the Dale Forest Apartments located in the 4400 block of Welsh Ln. in [Dale City] (22193) to investigate a stabbing. The investigation revealed the victim, a 32-year-old man, was outside the building when he was approached by an unknown man. During the encounter, the suspect stabbed the victim in the leg before running away. The victim was treated at an area hospital for a non-life threatening injury. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male approximately
5’7” wearing a white shirt and blue shorts.
A Woodbridge Man faces an indecent exposure charge.
Indecent Exposure – On July 6 at 10:55AM, officers responded to the TJ Maxx located inside Potomac Mills at 2700 Potomac Mills Cl. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate an indecent exposure. The investigation revealed a man, identified as the accused, was
observed by store security exposing himself and making inappropriate gestures. Officers located the accused inside the store where he was detained without incident. Following the investigation, the accused, Douglas Edward BOOMER, was arrested.Arrested on July 6:
Douglas Edward BOOMER, 28, of 2921 Fox Lair Dr. in Woodbridge
Charged with indecent exposure and obscene sexual display
Court Date: Pending | Bond: $1,000 Secured
Macy’s burglar nabbed
Strong-Arm Robbery – On July 6 at 12:56PM, officers responded to the Macy’s located inside Manassas Mall at 8300 Sudley Rd. in Manassas (20109) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed a man, later identified as the accused, concealed items and
attempted to leave the store. When an employee intervened, the accused made threats and began to run out of the store. Officers observed the accused and attempted to detain him. During the encounter, the accused refused to follow officers’ commands and
continued fleeing. After a short foot pursuit, the accused was detained. While investigating the incident, the accused made additional threats towards officers. The unpaid merchandise and suspected illegal drugs were recovered. No injuries were reported. Following the
investigation, the accused, identified as Christian Anthony BLANCO, was arrested.Arrested on July 6: [No Photo Available]
Christian Anthony BLANCO, 29, of 9076 McRae Ct. in Manassas Park
Charged with 1 count of robbery, 2 counts of obstruction of justice, and 1 count of possession of
illegal narcotics
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond
Updated 4 p.m. — A fire in Dale City broke out at 12:40 p.m. today, Friday, July 5, displacing seven adults and three children.
From Prince William Fire and Rescue:
This afternoon units were dispatched to the 14400 blk of Brentwood Ct. (Dale City) for a caller reporting a townhouse on fire. Crews arrived with fire showing in the front of the home extending into an adjoining unit. All occupants safely evacuated prior to units arriving. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the blaze and confront the extension in the adjoining units. No injuries were reported. A total of 3 homes sustained damaged, displacing 7 adults and 3 children. The Red Cross is assisting those displaced.
The Fire Marshal’s Office has determined the cause of the fire to be the improper disposal of fireworks in a combustible trash receptacle stored Inside a storage shed.
The Fire Marshal’s Office advises spent fireworks should never be discarded in a combustible container without first ensuring they are completely extinguished. All used fireworks should be extinguished by hosing them down or submerging in a bucket of water. Then, If possible, allow them to set for 24 hours before disposing of them in a non-combustible container. Never place spent fireworks in a trash container inside or next to your home or other structure.
Original Post: Senator Tim Kaine (D) and congressional hopeful Eugene Vindman quietly campaigned in Woodbridge on Wednesday, July 3.
The duo were joined by other elected officials, including Margaret Franklin and Victor Angry, who sit on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors.
Veterans Grow America hosted an event on its retail space next to Wegmans at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center in Woodbridge.
It was great to join Senator @TimKaine this afternoon for a roundtable discussion at Veterans Growing America in Woodbridge.
From helping Veterans build their own business, to fighting to end Veteran homelessness — in Congress I will be a champion for our Veteran community. pic.twitter.com/8yBTxJnx0B
— Eugene Vindman (@YVindman) July 3, 2024
A Kaine campaign spokesman emailed Potomac Local, and Kaine made the campaign stump as part of his “Salute to Service” tour, which kicked off on July 1 to celebrate public servants, made stops in Stafford and Woodbridge, highlighting his long-standing support for military members, veterans, teachers, and healthcare workers.
A spokesman for Veterans Growing America told us Kaine’s campaign would invite the press, but no press attended the event. Potomac Local did not receive notification about Kaine’s campaign stumps in our area despite receiving regular press releases from his Senate office.
Communications from Kaine’s campaign and senate office in Washington, D.C., are managed by employees. A Kaine campaign staffer added that reporters would have been allowed in if any had shown up.
The campaign appearance comes after the presidential debate between Biden and Trump. Many Democrats have called for Biden to step aside and allow someone else to run for the presidency due to the president’s declining cognitive abilities.
So far, the candidates have been silent on whether or not Biden should end his re-election campaign, so we asked Kaine and Vindman (see the text of our email to each campaign below) and received no response from either candidate. However, Kaine stated his support for Biden’s re-election campaign on his X account on Thursday, July 4; “I’m with Joe. We stand up and stand together. Trump and his lemmings will tear us down and tear us apart.”
Sign up for our FREE news email, and we’ll let you know if the candidates respond to our questions.
Dear Senator Kaine and Col. Vindman,
Happy Independence Day. My name is Uriah Kiser, and I am the publisher of Potomac Local News. We recently came across a post on Facebook about your joint visit to Veterans Grow America in Woodbridge, a commendable organization and one of our valued sponsors.
Veterans Grow America informed us that no reporters attended the event, despite an expectation that Senator Kaine would invite the press. We would appreciate your assistance in addressing the following questions for an article we are preparing:
1. What members of the press were invited to the event? If none were invited, could you explain the reasoning behind this decision?
2. What key points and discussions took place during your campaign stop in Woodbridge? Additionally, why was Veterans Grow America chosen as the location for this visit?
3. Where do you, Senator Kaine, and you, Col. Vindman, stand regarding your support for President Joe Biden’s reelection? Since the debate a week ago, there have been calls for him to step down from the race; do you support those calls?
5. How has the president’s debate performance changed your respective campaigns as we closer to early voting?
6. Col. Vindman, you have been accused of having staff screen voters before you speak to them in public. https://x.com/notlarrysabato/status/1803102785744797731 Is this true? Is this why no press was invited to the Woodbridge event?
4. How do you each of you plan to spend your Independence Day holiday this year?The responses you provide will be included in a post on our site, potomaclocalnews.com. We believe our readers will be very interested in your insights and perspectives on these matters.
Thank you for your time and attention. We look forward to your response.
Uriah Kiser
Founder & Publisher
Potomac Local News
Lose It Rage Room, a new addition to the local stress-relief scene provides a unique and therapeutic way for people to let off steam. This concept allows individuals to smash, break, and demolish objects in a controlled environment, offering a safe outlet for pent-up frustration and anger.
Located at 3085 Golansky Boulevard in Woodbridge, the Lose It Rage Room caters to a wide range of customers, from those looking to relieve stress to those seeking a fun and unconventional way to spend time with friends. The owners did not respond to a request for comment for this story; however, according to their FAQ page, the rage room experience is designed to be therapeutic and exhilarating, allowing participants to smash items such as glass bottles, electronics, and even furniture.
