Amelia Breeden, Author at Potomac Local News

Charges filed after threatening message left on the voicemail at Anthony Burns Elementary School

Published August 30, 2023 at 9:55AM

A Stafford County Sheriff's' patrol car.

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: “A juvenile student has been charged after a threat of violence to a Stafford County school.”

“On August 28 deputies learned of a threatening message left on the voicemail at Anthony Burns Elementary School this weekend. Sergeant J.T. Harrod III immediately began the investigation and coordinated with school staff to identify the caller. With the expert assistance of a network engineer for the schools, Sergeant Harrod quickly learned the phone number of the suspect.”

Business

Mill St. Draft Garden to open August 30

By Amelia Breeden

Published August 30, 2023 at 9:53AM

Just in time for the Labor Day weekend, the opening of Occoquan’s new beer garden — the Mill St. Draft Garden — will take place this Wednesday, August 30, at 3:00 p.m.

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Traffic

VDOT lifts lane closures to ease Labor Day travel

By Amelia Breeden

Published August 30, 2023 at 9:49AM

Drivers see purple signs ahead of E-ZPass Express Lanes entrances. [Photo: VDOT]

“While lane closures will be lifted in most locations, motorists may encounter semi-permanent work zones that remain in place during this time. Check VDOT’s Weekly Lane Closures and Travel Advisories for the latest travel alerts in your area and around the state.”

“Additionally, VDOT offers several resources to help plan travel ahead of time. VDOT’s online, interactive travel trends map shows peak congestion periods anticipated on Virginia interstates during the upcoming Labor Day holiday period. While it cannot precisely predict when congestion will occur this year, it can help motorists avoid travel when roads have historically been busiest.”

News

Juvenile charged after man, 19, dies in crash

By Amelia Breeden

Published August 30, 2023 at 9:48AM

Prince William Police Department: “Fatal Crash Investigation *DRIVER CHARGED – On August 29, crash investigators obtained charges for one of the drivers involved in the fatal crash that occurred in the area of Catharpin Road and Fallen Oaks Place in Gainesville (20155) on August 26. The drivers of the initial vehicles involved were found to have been traveling well above both the posted 40 MPH speed limit, and the recommended posted 30 MPH safe speed for roadway conditions at the curve where the crash occurred. The driver of the third vehicle, which was traveling in the opposite direction, was found to be operating their vehicle, a 2006 Scion, properly, and was uninvolved in the driving behavior of the other two drivers. The collision killed the 19-year-old driver of a 2016 Hyundai Elantra and injured a passenger inside the vehicle, who were both not properly wearing their seatbelt in the vehicle. Following the investigation, crash investigators charged the driver of the 2015 Toyota Corolla, identified as a 16-year-old male juvenile, who was also found to have been driving the vehicle without a license. Charged on August 29: [Juvenile]

A 16-year-old male juvenile of Haymarket [driver of the 2015 Toyota Corolla]. Charged with reckless driving and no operator’s license. Court Date: Pending | Status: Charged/Petitions Obtained. Identified: The deceased driver of the 2016 Hyundai Elantra was identified as Qais JAILANI, 19, of Haymarket. The passenger of the 2016 Hyundai Elantra was identified as a 19-year-old man of Gainesville. The driver of the 2006 Scion was identified as a 50-year-old woman of South Riding.”

Prince William

Self-service kiosks provide marriage licenses, deed copies

By Amelia Breeden

Published August 30, 2023 at 9:46AM

Circuit Court Clerk: “Circuit Court Clerk’s Office self-service kiosks are now available to the public at Prince William County government buildings.”

“The Circuit Court Clerk, Jacqueline Smith, has partnered with several Prince William County agencies to provide the public with self-service kiosks in the McCoart and Ferlazzo buildings in Woodbridge. The program is 100% funded by Virginia Technology grants.”

News

Suspected felon smashes cop cars at Wawa in escape attempt

By Amelia Breeden

Published August 30, 2023 at 9:44AM

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: “On August 28th at 9:32 p.m. Deputy S.T. Myers and his K-9 partner Gunner observed a stolen Ford F-150 at the Wawa on South Gateway Drive.”

“The driver of the stolen vehicle was reported to be Wayne Motley, 46, of Spotsylvania, who was already wanted for felony charges. Much like the Steel Curtain defense of the 1976 Pittsburgh Steelers, Deputy D.S. Jett, Sergeant M.E. Gordon and First Sergeant D.W. Fetterolf made their way to the scene to block any escape path.”

Prince William

Man, 19, charged with indecent exposure after month-long search

By Amelia Breeden

Published August 28, 2023 at 10:53AM | Updated December 30, 2025 at 1:34PM

Prince William Police Department: “Malicious Wounding | Domestic Related *ARREST – On August 24, the suspect sought in connection to the domestic dispute that was reported to have occurred at a residence located in the 1800 block of Tiger Lily Close in Woodbridge (22192) on August 23, was arrested. The accused, identified as Elijah Osha Devoe CHAPMAN, was taken into custody in Alexandria. Arrested on August 24: [No Photo Available] Elijah Osha Devoe CHAPMAN, 31, of the 1800 block of Tiger Lily Close. Charged with 1 count of malicious wounding, 1 count of preventing the summoning of law enforcement, 1 count of domestic assault & battery, 1 count of assault & battery, 3 counts of grand larceny, and 1 count of destruction of property. Court Date: Pending | Status: Incarcerated.”

“Indecent Exposure *ARREST – On August 21, officers concluded the investigation into the indecent exposure that was reported to have occurred in to the 13200 block of Kahns Road in Manassas (20112) on July 13. While investigating the incident, officers received information leading to the identity of the suspect. On August 20, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Joel Brian WHITE, who was served while in custody in Alexandria the following day. Arrested on August 21: Joel Brian WHITE, 19, of no fixed address. Charged with indecent liberties. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable.”

Health

Swimming advisory issued for Aquia Creek in Stafford County

By Amelia Breeden

Published August 28, 2023 at 10:51AM

An aerial view of Aquia Landing park at the Potomac River and Aquia Creek. [Stafford County Sheriff's Office]

“Repairs to the sewage main have been completed. The absence of rain events since the completion of the repairs may allow the sewage to concentrate in some areas, and it is not possible at this time to know the impact of sewage on the creek. There are no concerns about contamination of the drinking water supply.”

To prevent illness, people should:

Quantico

‘The President’s Own’ to perform at National Museum of the Marine Corps

By Amelia Breeden

Published August 28, 2023 at 10:50AM

Photo: The National Museum of the Marine Corps Facebook page

Marine Corps Heritage Foundation: “‘The President’s Own’ United States Marine Band will present the Summer Concert Series grand finale on August 31 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.”

The address is 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle.

News

Drought monitoring begins on Potomac River

By Amelia Breeden

Published August 28, 2023 at 10:49AM

Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB): “The staff of ICPRB’s Section for Cooperative Water Supply on the Potomac (CO-OP) announced the flow of the Potomac River has reached a low significant enough to initiate Drought Operations.”

“Dr. Schultz explains that during Drought Operations, CO-OP staff produce twice-daily reports to stakeholders regarding flow, weather, and demand conditions. The staff uses river flow forecasts to determine whether changes in operations are needed to meet upcoming water demands. These include releases from upstream reservoirs, Jennings Randolph and Little Seneca, to augment Potomac River flow.”