Author: Uriah Kiser

A two-story single-family home in the 100 block of Indian Point Road sustained significant fire damage early Saturday after flames involved the attached garage and rapidly extended into the residence, attic and roof, Stafford County Fire Rescue reported. Units were dispatched around 1:45 a.m., ensured occupants were safely out, and brought the fire under control in approximately 45 minutes with assistance from City of Fredericksburg personnel. No injuries were reported, and working smoke alarms were present in the home.

Two occupants were displaced and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. The fire remains under routine investigation by the Stafford Fire Marshal’s Office.

Sgt. Jeremy Hurt of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office was indicted Monday in Prince William County on a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter from a deadly August 2025 crash on Interstate 95 near the Quantico exit, 7News reported. A source told the outlet the crash followed a chase that began in the Fredericksburg area in which Hurt allegedly rammed the suspect’s vehicle, killing Josue Enoc Martinez of Spotsylvania; Hurt also faces a misdemeanor reckless driving charge.

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office said it stands strongly behind Hurt, who has been placed on administrative assignment, while Virginia State Police investigated and the Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is handling the case. Hurt was arrested Tuesday, released on bail, and has a hearing set for Aug. 14.

“Stafford County is pleased to announce the hiring of Thomas “Tom” Ellsworth as the County’s new Planning and Zoning Director,” Stafford County reported. Ellsworth joins from Maricopa County, Arizona, where he served as Director of Planning and Development in one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions and a major data center hub, bringing more than 25 years of experience in development review, zoning policy and organizational leadership.

In Stafford, Ellsworth will oversee development review, the Planning Commission, long-range planning, zoning, land conservation and data centers. County Administrator Bill Ashton said his background will allow him to contribute immediately to strengthening processes and guiding growth in the Northern Virginia locality.