After a complete evaluation of the building, the Building Official has determined only one (1) condo unit is unsafe to occupy. From this determination, only one (1) occupant will be displaced from the incident.
From Prince William fire and rescue:
Building Collapse (Truck into a building)
Monday, December 2, 2024
8:17 AM
This morning Fire and Rescue units were dispatched to the 12700 blk of Gordon Blvd. (Woodbridge) for a report of building collapse as the result of a motor vehicle crash. Units arrived on the scene and observed a tractor trailer had crashed into a condo building at the Moorings of Occoquan. Multiple vehicles were involved. A total of five (5) patients were evaluated with four (4) being transported. No one in the building was injured. The building sustained moderate damage.
A Building Official is on the scene evaluating the extent of damages. It is anticipated several individuals will be displaced. Fire and Rescue units are remaining on the scene to shore up the damaged structure and to standby while the truck is removed from the building. All inquiries regarding the cause of the crash should be directed to the Prince William County Police Department.
New Boat Ramp under Construction at Neabsco Regional Park
Neabsco Regional Park is set to feature another recreational amenity, a new boat launch, by the New Year.
Neabsco Regional Park is a scenic natural area in Prince William County. It includes a 14-mile, $3 million boardwalk through wetlands, is part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, and is rich with opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and learning about local history.
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[Photo: Prince William Country Parks & Recreation]Prince William County Parks and Recreation is hosting the 3rd annual Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park, featuring hand-crafted light displays, holiday characters, carolers, and a holiday market on select nights. The event runs from December 6–27 with a special sensory-friendly evening on December 10, and shuttle services are provided from designated parking areas.
Press release:
Prince William County Parks and Recreation is hosting its 3rd annual Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park. The FREE lights display begins Friday, December 6. New this year: in addition to the dazzling light display, visitors can experience the magic of the holiday season with visits from holiday characters, joyful holiday music sung by carolers and an unforgettable holiday shopping experience on select nights. A special sensory-friendly night will be held on Tuesday, December 10. All dates/times and important parking information can be found at pwcva.gov.
Admission is free for this family-friendly event. All are invited to enjoy the beautiful hand-crafted light displays that will light up the park!
Visitors are encouraged to sign up for text alerts by texting the word “lights” to 703-382-6716 to stay connected with latest event information.
2024 Hours of Operation
Friday, Dec 6, 5:30-9:00 pm – Holiday Characters, Carolers
Parking at Neabsco Regional Park is reserved for those with a disabled placard or license plate ONLY. All others should park at the designated free parking locations.
No Parking at Rippon Lodge Historic Site
Free Shuttle Bus Available (No Animals Allowed)
A shuttle bus will be running continuously every 7 minutes to pick up and bring visitors to and from from the designated parking lots. The last shuttle picks up at 8:35 p.m., the lights turn off at 9 p.m. Each shuttle ride is approximately 2-3 minutes long.
Where to Park When Bringing Pets
For visitors who would like to bring their dog(s) to Holiday Walk of Lights, there are two options for parking:
Park & Walk: Park at Porter Traditional School and walk to the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk using the sidewalk/crosswalk at Rippon Blvd & Blackburn Rd. (see map) (Unavailable on 12/6)
Park & Ride the Cool Bus: Park at the small parking lot at Rippon Middle School adjacent to the ball field and ride the “Cool Bus”. Make sure to ride the “Cool Bus” back with your pet.
Pet Rules
All pets must be on a leash.
Please pickup after your pet (please bring your own waste disposal bags)
Detectives concluded an investigation into a shooting incident from August 2023, where shots were fired into an unoccupied vehicle, and a man was targeted but not injured. Two suspects face charges related to reckless firearm handling and conspiracy.
Press Release from Prince William Police:
Shooting into an Unoccupied Vehicle | Reckless Handling of a Firearm *ARREST – On November 22, 2024, detectives concluded the investigation into the shots fired call that was reported to have occurred in the 13900 block of Rope Dr. in Woodbridge (22191) on August 4, 2023. While investigating the incident, detectives determined there were multiple suspects involved and obtained warrants for their arrest. On November 11, one of the suspects, identified as Bryant Manuel HENRIQUEZ FLORES, was arrested and on November 22, the second suspect, identified as Dan Benedict GALVEZ, was arrested.
Arrested between November 11-22, 2024:
Bryant Manuel HENRIQUEZ FLORES, 25, of 13908 Rope Dr. in Woodbridge
Charged with reckless handling of a firearm and shooting into an unoccupied vehicle
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable
Dan Benedict GALVEZ, 25, of 1389 Ironwood St. in Woodbridge
Charged with conspiracy to commit a felony
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable
Shooting into an Unoccupied Vehicle | Reckless Handling of a Firearm [Previously Released] – On August 4 at 10:40PM, officers responded to the 13900 block of Rope Dr. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed the victim, a 50-year-old man, was working on a vehicle parked in the above area, when he was approached by an unknown man. During the encounter, the suspect brandished a firearm and fired multiple rounds towards the victim. The victim was able to flee the area on foot and was not injured. While investigating the incident, officers determined the man was possibly with a group of other men who were near a brown-colored vehicle prior to the encounter. While checking the area, officers located two vehicles that sustained damage consisted with being struck by projectiles, and shell casings in the roadway. No injuries or additional property damage were reported.
Prince William County Facility Receives Prestigious OBAT Designation, Enhancing Addiction Treatment Services:
The Prince William County Community Services’ Woodbridge facility has earned the Office-Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT) designation from the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, a certification that elevates the clinic’s standards for addiction care. This recognition allows the facility to access additional Medicaid funding, increasing its capacity to tackle the region’s opioid epidemic with expanded services.
The OBAT designation enables the clinic to provide advanced, patient-centered care, bolstering the county’s Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program. MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and therapy to treat opioid use disorder and support long-term recovery.
“This designation shows we can engage individuals quickly and get them into treatment within 24 to 48 hours, offering them a beacon of hope in their recovery,” said Daniel Manza, Prince William County Recovery Support Program Manager.
The new funding is particularly vital as the region grapples with a significant opioid crisis. Between 2018 and 2023, 454 opioid-related deaths were reported in Greater Prince William, with non-fatal overdoses more than doubling since 2017.
“This allows us to extend critical, life-saving services to individuals facing addiction, offering a holistic approach that promotes long-term recovery,” said Georgia Bachman, Acting Director of Community Services.
The MAT program goes beyond addiction treatment, offering mental health counseling, housing support, and vocational training to help individuals rebuild their lives and maintain recovery. Participants like Shaumbay Fuller and Alma Lopez share how MAT services have helped them regain control over their lives.
The program not only supports individual recovery but also benefits public health by lowering healthcare costs and fostering community resilience. “This designation and additional funding are crucial in our ongoing fight against the opioid epidemic,” said County Executive Chris Shorter. “By investing in proven solutions, we are saving lives and building a healthier community.”
Greetings, Prince William: It’s All About a Kid and a Toy! Volunteer Prince William’s program Untrim a Tree which provides holiday gifts for local children in Title I schools is in full swing and accepting donor forms! Many thanks and appreciation to everyone who has signed up to sponsor a child – we have just over 600 children who are still waiting on Santa. It’s not too late to help! Please visit https://bit.ly/3QcHLYH to fill out and submit a donor form to sponsor a child. The whole family can participate, and you’ll feel great being part of a program which helps our vulnerable populations have a Happy Christmas! Questions? Please email ut…@volunteerprincewilliam.org.
Calling All Elves! Volunteer Prince William needs Elf Helpers to help with toy donations for Untrim a Tree December 7-9 at Prince William County Fairgrounds. Duties include greeting donors and assisting with unloading donations from their vehicle, placing senior baskets in their proper area and moving bags of toys from the check-in area to a storage area. Volunteers age 16 and up are needed, volunteers 15 and under are welcome to volunteer with a parent or responsible adult. Be prepared for prolonged standing and lifting of contractor bags which may weigh up to 20 pounds. Put on your elf hat or reindeer antlers and join in the fun! Please visit https://bit.ly/3Z9ARrn to register, email jhaw…@volunteerprincewilliam.org to learn more.
Volunteer Prince William also needs volunteers the morning of December 10 to deliver Senior Baskets and Gift Bags to the two senior centers in Manassas and Woodbridge. Volunteers will meet at the Prince William County Fairgrounds, load up the baskets/bags and transport them to the appropriate senior center. Just a couple of hours will do much to bring joy to a local homebound senior citizen! Please visit https://bit.ly/3CASs2P to sign up and learn more. Questions? Please email jhaw…@volunteerprincewilliam.org.
If you love helping others learn, we have a wonderful opportunity for you! BEACON for English Language and Literacy has an urgent need for 8-13 volunteers to teach adult ESOL students for their upcoming Winter session which begins December 3. No teaching or language experience is required, and training is provided. Please visit https://forms.gle/SUuHnLLdfE5HUC3N7 to sign up for an orientation session or contact Seth at 571.428.2524, email smaz…@osbva.org.
You can make a difference in the life of a child! CASA CIS needs volunteers age 21+ who care about children growing up in a safe, permanent and loving home. The staff will hold their next Virtual Information Session on December 3, 6pm-7pm. Learn how you can help protect abused and neglected children in your community by becoming a volunteer advocate. Please email jpo…@casacis.org or call 703.330.8145 to receive the link to the meeting or to inquire about alternate dates.
You can help Manassas City families enjoy a Thanksgiving meal! Light of Life Church is hosting a City of Manassas Friendsgiving Outreach to benefit vulnerable families in the city. The event will be held November 27, beginning at 10am at Metz Middle School, 9950 Wellington Road in Manassas. Volunteers are needed to help set up, serve food, hand out coats/personal hygiene products/diapers, etc. and break down/clean up. It’s a wonderful way to get into the spirit of Thanksgiving by helping our less fortunate neighbors! Please sign up for this meaningful event at https://lolc.breezechms.com/form/friendsgiving.
Ho Ho Ho! Get into the holiday spirit by volunteering for Santa Lights Manassas on December 6 and the 78th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade December 7 in Old Town Manassas! These events would not be possible without the support of over 300 volunteers which let them spread holiday cheer to the community! Volunteers can still help stage the participants, answer spectator questions and keep everyone safe so they can enjoy the parade and the tree lighting. What better way to enjoy the Christmas holidays? Please visit https://elevationleads.net/gmcpvolunteer/ to sign up and ask any questions.
Calling all Rembrandts and Picassos! The City of Manassas Animal Shelter is looking for Volunteer Artists to do some murals on their walls which will brighten up the place for two-legged and four-legged friends alike! Please email animal…@manassasva.gov or call 703.257.2420 to learn how you can help.
The wonderful staff at House of Mercy need volunteer Elves to support their Christmas with Mercy program beginning December 3. Preparation help is needed December 3 thru 6 and again December 9 thru 12. Then, help is needed December 13 and 14 to assist clients with “shopping” for their families. Volunteers age 16+ are welcome, volunteers age 12-15 are welcome to volunteer with a parent or guardian. All sorts of fun jobs are available, and you’ll get into the holiday spirit as you help provide vulnerable families with a wonderful Christmas! Please visit https://bit.ly/4fyY5gq for more information and to register, email kjoh…@houseofmercyva.org for more information.
The “Power of A Knock” can help a homebound senior get nutritious meals! Meals on Wheels urgently needs volunteers to deliver meals to homebound senior citizens on weekday mornings. Volunteers must pass a criminal and driving record background check. Routes take about 1.5 hours to complete, training is provided. You’ll feel great when you find out how inspiring it is to serve this vulnerable population and make their day! Please visit www.pwcva.gov/department/area-agency-aging/volunteer for more information and forms. Please email tsol…@pwcgov.org or call 703.792.4583 to learn more.
Is your office, club, Scout troop or service group looking for a volunteer opportunity? Streetlight Community Outreach Ministries has opened their hypothermia shelter located at 14716 Potomac Mills Road in Woodbridge and groups are needed to prepare and drop off meals for 30 adult residents through March 30, 2025. Meals are needed each night and should be prepared off-site and dropped off at the shelter between 6:30pm-7pm. Your group will provide comfort for the homeless with a hot, nourishing meal they can enjoy during the cold winter months! Please visit https://bit.ly/3XXR5SR to sign up and get more information, email thermal…@thestreetlight.org or call 571.677.2883 to learn more.
If you want to get firsthand experience working directly with the homeless, here’s a perfect opportunity! Streetlight Community Outreach Ministries needs volunteers age 25+ to assist staff at their hypothermia shelter, 14716 Potomac Mills Road, Woodbridge. Two volunteers are needed each evening through March 31, 2025, 6pm-10pm. Duties include assisting with preparing and serving dinner, passing out supplies as needed and light set-up and/or clean-up. You’ll feel great knowing you are providing this vulnerable population with a way to get out of the cold for a hot meal and a warm place to sleep! Please visit https://signup.com/go/uxArBJd to sign up, email gti…@thestreetlight.org for more information.
If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292. You can also visit our website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org. Thanks so much for all you do in our community.
On November 22, two individuals were arrested in connection to a felony homicide investigation involving the neglect of a vulnerable adult, which began after a call to a home in Woodbridge earlier this year.
The victim, a 32-year-old man with cerebral palsy, was found severely neglected and later died from sepsis caused by the neglect, leading to charges of homicide and abuse against the two family members involved.
Press Release from Prince William Police:
Felony Homicide Investigation – On November 22, detectives arrested two individuals in connection to an ongoing investigation involving the criminal neglect of a vulnerable adult which stemmed from a call to the family’s home located at the Bayvue Apartments located in the 14100 block of Fisher Ave. in Woodbridge (22191) earlier this year on April 2. The investigation revealed the victim, a 32-year-old man, was being treated at an area medical center suffering from extreme neglect. Medical personnel had responded to the home where the victim, who was immobile due to cerebral palsy, was found unconscious on the floor appearing severely emaciated and in an unkempt state with open wounds to his body. The victim’s mother, identified as Katharine Mary THOMPSON, was determined to be the victim’s primary caregiver, and was previously charged with felony neglect at the time of the initial investigation. On April 15, the victim was declared deceased and transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy where it was later determined the manner of death would be classified as a homicide due to sepsis in the setting of cerebral palsy and neglect. The victim’s brother, identified as Jonathan Lee THOMPSON, was also found to have resided with the victim and had assisted in his care at times making him a responsible party. Following the investigation, both accused family members were arrested. Anyone with information to aid in this investigation is asked to contact the police.
Thompson, K. M.Thompson, J. L.
Arrested on November 22:
Katharine Mary THOMPSON, 69, and Jonathan Lee THOMPSON, 31, both of 14131 Fisher Ave, #3,in Woodbridge
Both were charged with felony homicide and abuse & neglect of a vulnerable adult
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable
Identified: The deceased was identified as Jeremy Hall THOMPSON, 32, of Woodbridge
Santa Claus made a festive entrance at Potomac Mills mall today at 2 p.m., marking the beginning of the holiday season with a cheerful celebration in the Grand Court, located next to TJ Maxx.
Children and families were treated to a lively Santa’s Arrival Party, which included face painting, balloon twisting, ornament-making, and coloring activities. A “Letters to Santa” station allowed kids to jot down their holiday wishes, adding a magical touch to the event. Santa’s area was bustling with activity, surrounded by multiple elves, ensuring everyone had a merry time.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, a towering nutcracker greeted children as they arrived, creating an enchanting holiday photo opportunity. Families also had the chance to take professional photos with Santa, which were available for purchase.
The fun continues throughout the holiday season at Potomac Mills, with several special events planned, including:
Military Kids Santa Party (Dec. 5, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.): Military families are invited for a private celebration with Santa, featuring face painting, balloon art, letter writing, and giveaways. Each child will receive a Military Build-A-Bear (while supplies last). Reservations are required and can be made by emailing [email protected] with your name, military branch, and number of children attending. A military ID is required, and spaces are limited.
Caring Santa® (Dec. 8, 9:30–10:30 a.m.): This sensory-friendly event offers children with special needs and their families an exclusive, quieter opportunity to meet Santa. Reservations are required for this private experience.
The arrival of Santa at Potomac Mills marks the official start of the mall’s holiday events, promising joy and memorable moments for families of all backgrounds. For more information on holiday happenings, visit the Potomac Mills website or contact the mall’s management office.
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) has announced the launch of the Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting patients in making full and lasting recoveries following cardiac events. The program is rooted in three essential components—exercise, nutrition, and maintaining a healthy mindset—empowering patients to make informed choices that foster long-term health and well-being.
Designed to be both effective and sustainable, the Pritikin program incorporates a balanced diet that includes lean meats and fish as protein options, encouraging patients to explore flavorful, heart-healthy meals. Clinical dieticians guide participants in using spice blends and creative culinary techniques to make healthy eating enjoyable, ensuring adherence to the program’s principles.
The Pritikin program is tailored to aid recovery from a variety of cardiac events, including heart attacks, coronary artery bypass surgery, stenting or angioplasty, chest pain caused by angina, heart valve repair or replacement, heart or heart/lung transplants, and chronic heart failure. Its comprehensive approach equips patients with the tools and knowledge they need to maintain healthy habits and manage stress effectively.
Jeff Joyner, president of SNVMC, emphasized the program’s accessibility and its potential to create lasting impacts on patients’ lives. “The Sentara Heart & Vascular Center is pleased to offer the unique, non-invasive Pritikin program to patients in the community,” Joyner said. “It gives people the knowledge and tools to make good decisions around diet, exercise, and managing stress. The program is user-friendly, so patients are more likely to stay with it as a healthy lifestyle.”
Update:
Arrested between November 11-22, 2024:
