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Courthouse Road commuter lot in Stafford County. Photo: VDOT

Press Release:

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is evaluating the performance of ParkZen, a new smart parking mobile app that enables local travelers to view real-time parking availability in six commuter lots in Fairfax, Prince William, and Stafford counties at no cost. The ParkZen app helps commuters check for and navigate to unoccupied parking spaces.

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Potomac Mills has announced a major renovation to its Food Pavilion, timed with the mall’s upcoming 40th anniversary in 2025. The remodel, set to begin this winter and expected to be completed by early 2025, will transform the dining space with a modernized look, new seating options, energy-efficient lighting, and enhanced areas for socializing, all designed to elevate visitors' experience.

According to Potomac Mills’ press release, the upgraded Food Pavilion will feature contemporary flooring, stylish lighting, and a refreshed color palette to create a more inviting atmosphere. New seating arrangements, including elevated banquet tables, intimate conversation spots, and flexible benches, will offer comfortable spaces for groups of all sizes. The renovation, which incorporates energy-efficient LED lighting throughout, aligns with the mall’s commitment to sustainability.

Bethany Webb, a spokeswoman for Potomac Mills, shared additional details with Potomac Local News:

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Jennifer Snitselaar, General Manager of Potomac Mills, distributed 30 Build-A-Bear stuffed animals to children during a police meet-and-greet at the mall on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. [Uriah Kiser/Potomac Local News]
Families gathered at Potomac Mills mall on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, for a unique opportunity to meet and greet with Prince William County Police officers. The event, held in collaboration with Potomac Mills, aimed to foster positive connections between police officers and the local community. As part of the event, the mall provided free Build-A-Bear stuffed animals, all of which sported a police uniform, to the first 30 young visitors, creating a warm, friendly atmosphere for children and parents alike. Jennifer Snitselaar, General Manager of Potomac Mills, emphasized the mall’s commitment to being a “center of community” in Woodbridge. “We are a very large tourist destination, and we aim to be a reflection of our community within our doors,” said Snitselaar. “Collaborating with Prince William Police to create a safe and welcoming environment is part of that mission.” The mall’s police substation, a permanent fixture, is another example of the ongoing partnership designed to enhance safety and build community connections. Parent Lauren Lumley, who lives in Woodbridge with her 13-month-old son, Sawyer, said the event provided an invaluable experience for her child. “I thought it was really important for Sawyer to get to see police officers, so the first time he either needs one or sees one out in the world, it’s not so scary,” Lumley explained. For Lumley and other local families, Potomac Mills has become more than a shopping destination—it’s a central community hub. “We come to the mall many times a week,” she said. “They offer so much for kids, from play areas to events like this. It’s a place where the community comes together.” The meet-and-greet event exemplifies Potomac Mills' role as a gathering place for the local community, offering not only shopping but also family-friendly activities that promote safety and engagement. The partnership with Prince William Police aims to build lasting bonds and a welcoming environment where children and families feel at home with their local law enforcement officers.

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On October 26, a 16-year-old male juvenile from Woodbridge was charged in connection to an armed robbery at a 7-Eleven in Montclair on March 5.  In addition, on November 1, a different suspect committed two other armed robberies in Woodbridge and was later identified driving a stolen truck, with the investigation ongoing.

Press Releases from Prince William police:

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In collaboration with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Shirley Contracting Company, Transurban is set to unveil a new access point from Opitz Boulevard to the 95 Express Lanes in Woodbridge.

The access point, opening on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 10 p.m., will allow northbound entry during morning rush hour starting Friday, November 15, providing Prince William County commuters a faster and more reliable route.

The $70 million project, fully funded by Transurban, is designed to serve a growing community that includes major employers like Sentara Northern Virignia Medical Center and Potomac Mills. VDOT Northern Virginia District Megaprojects Director Michelle Shropshire expressed pride in delivering this new connection, citing its potential to ease congestion for drivers traveling from Prince William County and beyond.

“The new connection between Opitz Boulevard and the 95 Express Lanes will provide new access for drivers coming from Prince William County and points south, helping to relieve congestion locally and on I-95,” Shropshire said.

The Opitz Boulevard Ramp Project introduces a reversible, south-facing ramp offering northbound access to the 95 Express Lanes from Opitz Boulevard in the morning and southbound access in the afternoon. The project also includes rehabilitation and widening the Opitz Boulevard bridge over I-95, adding left-turn lanes in both directions and a sidewalk for bicyclists and pedestrians. This stand-alone direct access ramp is the first to be integrated into the existing Express Lanes network. It is expected to ease traffic flow across the highway on Opitz Boulevard.

Originally planned for summer 2024, the ramp’s opening was delayed due to project adjustments, according to Transurban. Despite the delay, Transurban North America President Beau Memory noted that the project reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to mobility improvements in Northern Virginia.

“The Opitz Boulevard Project is a great example of Transurban’s commitment to improving mobility in collaboration with our partners at VDOT,” Memory said. “We are always looking for more ways to provide faster, more reliable trips, and the new ramp will continue to build connections throughout our communities.”

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A man was fatally shot in a commuter parking lot along Prince William Parkway late Saturday night in what police have described as an altercation that turned deadly.

On November 2, at 10:42 p.m., Prince William County police were called to the commuter lot at 2250 Prince William Parkway to investigate reports of gunfire. Officers found the victim, later identified as Jeffery Kojo Owusu, 27, suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. Police provided first aid at the scene, and then took Owusu to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

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On October 24, a man was charged in connection to a domestic dispute at the Stone Pointe Apartments that occurred on October 23, where the individual allegedly strangled and struck a 23-year-old woman. The suspect faces charges of strangulation and domestic assault, with a court date pending. Press Release from Prince William Police Department:
Strangulation (Domestic Related) *ARREST – On October 24, the suspect, identified as Remy Devontae FARRELL-JURY, who was sought in connection to the domestic dispute that was reported to have occurred at the Stone Pointe Apartments located in the 14900 block of Potomac Heights Pl. in Woodbridge (22191) on October 23, was arrested.

Arrested on October 24: [No Photo Available] Remy Devontae FARRELL-JURY, 19, of the 14900 block of Potomac Heights Pl. in Woodbridge Charged with strangulation and domestic assault & battery Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable

Strangulation (Domestic Related) [Previously Released] – On October 23 at 9:57PM, officers responded to the Stone Pointe Apartments located in the 14900 block of Potomac Heights Pl. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a domestic dispute. The investigation revealed the victim, a 23-year-old-woman, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the accused grabbed the victim’s neck and struck her face before leaving the area. Minor injuries were reported. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Remy Devontae FARRELL-JURY. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful.

Also, police want to know if you've seen this man, who is wanted in connection to an unrelated incident that occurred in Woodbridge.

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On October 27, police were called to a robbery on Prince William Parkway involving three men who multiple men robbed at gunpoint, police said. The day before, another robbery occurred in Woodbridge where a man with a rifle demanded property from two people sitting inside their car, police said. The two robberies appear to be unrelated. Press Release from Prince William Police Department:
Armed Robbery – On October 27 at 3:22PM, officers responded to the 2600 block of the Prince William Pkwy [near] Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a robbery. Th investigation revealed three male victims between 23-24 years of age, agreed to meet in the above are to purchase marijuana. During the encounter, multiple suspects brandished firearms and robbed the victims of an undisclosed amount of money, firearms, and cell phones before leaving the area in a silver SUV, possibly a Dodge Durango. As the suspects were running towards their vehicle, one of the victims fired a round from their gun. No injuries were reported. This incident does not appear to be random.

Suspect Descriptions: Three black males, all between 20-30 years of age, 5’10”-5’11”, two reportedly had beards while one of the men had shoulder length dreadlocks

Press Release from Prince William Police Department:
Armed Robbery – On October 26 at 10:59PM, officers responded to the 1200 block of Potomac Vista Dr in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victims, a 26-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman, were in their vehicle in a parking lot of the above area when they were approached by an unknown man. During the encounter, the man brandished a long gun and demanded property from the victims. The suspect took clothing items and a wallet from the victims before leaving the area on foot. No injuries were reported. This incident does not appear to be random. A police K-9 checked the area for the suspect who was not located.

Suspect Description: Black male, between 20-25 years of age, with a thin build, short black hair and a tattoo on the right forearm Last seen wearing gray sweatpants

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