The Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal crash on Interstate 95 in Stafford County, where one vehicle collided with a guardrail and was later struck by another vehicle. The driver of the first vehicle died from injuries, while the driver of the second vehicle sustained serious injuries.
Press Release from Virginia State Police:
Virginia State Police is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash in Stafford County. The crash occurred Thursday (Nov. 28), at 7:13 a.m. on southbound Interstate 95 at the 139-mile marker.
A 2013 Chevrolet Cruze was traveling south on I95 when it lost control, ran off the right side of the roadway, and collided with a guardrail. Several minutes later, a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, which was also traveling southbound, lost control, ran off the right side of the roadway, and collided with the Chevrolet, which was still on the shoulder up against the guardrail.
The driver of the Chevrolet, Bezawit B. Yigzaw, 30, of Woodbridge, Va., suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to Mary Washington Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. It’s unknown if she was wearing a seatbelt during the initial crash. She was not wearing a seatbelt during the second crash.
The driver of the Volkswagen, Douglas P. Butler, 47, of Ruther Glen, Va., suffered serious injuries and was transported to Mary Washington Hospital for treatment. He was not wearing a seatbelt.
Weather is considered a factor in the crash.
Charges are pending as the crash remains under investigation.
[Image: RiverNorthPhotography]Domino's stores in Greater Woodbridge are partnering with Ghostbusters Virginia to collect Toys for Tots until Dec. 8, offering a large one-topping pizza for $6 in exchange for toy donations. Customers can drop off new, unwrapped toys at participating Domino’s locations in the region to support the holiday initiative.
Press Release:
Domino’s stores across Greater Woodbridge are teaming up with Ghostbusters Virginia to collect Toys for Tots from now through Dec. 8 at participating locations. Domino’s hopes to help bring the joy of the holiday season to children in need through donations from community members.
Polar plungers take a dip in the Potomac River at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. [Photo: Mike Beaty]Registration is open for the 2025 Polar Plunge at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge on February 15 to raise funds for Special Olympics Virginia. Participants can join individually or in teams, donate, or attend to cheer, with activities including live music, games, and a costume contest.
Press Release from Prince William County:
Are you brave enough to weather the February elements in support of a worthy cause? If so, registration has opened for the 2025 Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Virginia. This year’s event is at Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge (22191) on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025.
[Image: VDOT]The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will begin a $2.4 million project to extend a walking path along Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg on December 3. The project will include new pedestrian and bicycle access points, ramps, crosswalks, and a bike repair station, and completion is expected by November 2025.
Press Release from the Virginia Department of Education:
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will begin a $2.4 million pedestrian and bicycle connector project in the City of Fredericksburg next month.
Stafford County Utilities has completed a multi-year effort to confirm that its water lines are lead-free, meeting the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Revision requirements. The service line inventory, which involved field verification and historical record reviews, has been approved by the Virginia Department of Health, ensuring safe water for the county's residents.
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.
On November 24, a suspect was arrested in connection with an attempted robbery at a McDonald's near Woodbridge on September 24. Two other suspects were arrested earlier in November.
Press Release from Prince William Police:
Attempted Armed Robbery *FINAL ARREST – On November 24, the suspect, identified as Troy Allen PHILLIPS Jr., who was wanted in connection to the attempted robbery that was reported to have occurred at the McDonald’s located at 12730 Harbor Dr. [near] Woodbridge (22192) on September 24, was arrested. Two men were previously arrested between November 8-18 in connection to the incident.
Phillips Jr., T. A.
Arrested on November 24:
Troy Allen PHILLIPS Jr., 21, of 15502 Chicacoan Dr. in Woodbridge
Charged with attempted robbery
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable
Attempted Armed Robbery *ARRESTS [Previously Released] – Officers arrested two suspects identified in connection to the attempted robbery that was reported to have occurred at the McDonald’s located at 12730 Harbor Dr. [near] Woodbridge (22192) on September 24. The suspects, identified as Timothy Damont RUTHERFORD and a 17-year-old male juvenile, were taken into custody between November 8-18. Additionally, officers obtained arrest warrants for a third suspect, identified as Troy Allen PHILLIPS Jr. Attempts to locate PHILLIPS have been unsuccessful.
Attempted Armed Robbery [Previously Released] – On September 24 at 5:18PM, officers responded to the McDonald’s located at 12730 Harbor Dr. [near] Woodbridge (22192) to investigate an assault. The investigation revealed the victim, a 25-year-old woman, and a group of men were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the victim was struck and scratched by the men before the parties separated. A short time later, the suspects returned to the business and attempted to take the victim’s purse while one of the men implied he had a firearm. The victim was able to maintain possession of her purse and separated from the suspects. The suspects left the business prior to police arriving on scene. Officers and a police K-9 searched the area for the suspects who were not located. Minor injuries were reported.
[Photo courtesy of Transurban]The Interstate 95 and Interstate 395 Express Lanes will be operating under a modified reversal schedule for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Interstate 95 over the Rappahannock River. [VDOT]FAMPO’s River Crossing Parkway Study Survey is open until January 3, 2025, inviting public feedback on transportation development in the Fredericksburg region. The survey allows residents to share opinions on the project’s impact on regional needs, the community, and access to goods and services.
Press Release:
FAMPO’s River Crossing Parkway Study Survey is now open until January 3rd, 2025! If you drive, walk, or roll in the Fredericksburg region, you can make an impact on how transportation develops by providing feedback during public comment periods. You are invited to provide feedback on the River Crossing Parkway Study by completing our online survey. To view the presentation boards used during our November 20th River Crossing Study Public Meeting, please click here.
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