Author: Uriah Kiser

I'm the Founder and Publisher of Potomac Local News. Raised in Woodbridge, I'm now raising my family in Northern Virginia and care deeply about our community. If you're not getting our FREE email newsletter, you are missing out. Subscribe Now!

Prince William

Nokesville man, 35, killed in high-speed crash

By Uriah Kiser

Prince William police: “Fatal Crash Investigation – On November 25 at 7:50PM, crash investigators responded to the 5300 block of Davis Ford Rd. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a single-vehicle crash. The investigation revealed the driver of a 1994 Honda Civic was traveling westbound on Davis Ford Rd. at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control of the vehicle, crossed into the eastbound lanes, and left the roadway. The vehicle traveled off-road before striking a tree and coming to rest. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.”

“The driver was the only occupant of the vehicle and was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. The driver was transported to an area hospital where he later died as a result of the injuries sustained during the crash on November 30. Speed and impairment appear to be factors in the collision. Investigators with the Crash Investigation Unit are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash to contact police.”

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Prince William

Early afternoon carjacking in Woodbridge

By Uriah Kiser
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

“During the encounter, the suspect implied he had a weapon and demanded property from both juveniles. The suspect then took the vehicle belonging to one of the juveniles and drove out of the area. No weapon was brandished by the suspect, only implied. While driving the stolen vehicle, the suspect rearended a Prince William County Public Schools bus stopped at the intersection of Rippon Landing Way and Blackburn Rd. The suspect then fled on foot prior to police arriving in the area. The bus driver was the only occupant on the bus at the time of the collision. No injuries were reported.”

“A police K-9 searched the area for the suspect, who was not located. Shoes and an undisclosed amount of money were reported missing. Suspect Description: A black male, about 20 years old, approximately 5’11”, and right-handed Last seen wearing a black mask and a black jacket with fur on the hood.”

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Prince William

Girl sexually assaulted in Gar-Field High School bathroom

By Uriah Kiser
Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge, Va.

Prince William police: “Sexual Assault Investigation on School Grounds – On October 18, detectives began an investigation into a sexual assault that was reported to have occurred at Gar-Field Senior High School located at 14000 Smoketown Rd. in Woodbridge (22193) earlier that day. The investigation revealed the victim, a female student who is under the age of 18, and another student, identified as the accused, were in a restroom together when the accused sexually assaulted the victim.

“The parties eventually separated, and the victim reported the incident to a family member who contacted the police. On November 27, following the investigation, the accused, identified as Lamine MELLOUK, was charged.”

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Features

Santa arrives in Occoquan tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 2

By Uriah Kiser

Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta: “Come down to Occoquan this Saturday, December 1, and greet Santa as he arrives by boat at the town dock behind Madigan’s Waterfront Restaurant at 10:45 a.m. After disembarking Santa will walk down Mill Street to River Mill Park where he will meet with children of all ages starting at 11:00 a.m.”

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News

That’s a wrap for our Fall Membership Drive

By Uriah Kiser
Kiser

Since 2018, our members have supported our local, in-depth reporting, allowing reporters to attend critical public meetings and bring you the stories that affect your families, homes, businesses, and lives.

Your support also allows us to write about new businesses, restaurants, and the arts, which all contribute to making our community a better place to live.

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Traffic

VDOT has $220 million to spend on snow removal

By Uriah Kiser

VDOT: “While snow might not be at the top of most people’s minds right now, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is at the height of preparation for the upcoming winter season. Equipment, materials and staffing are in place and ready to go the moment winter weather arrives.”

“Those traveling in and through the Commonwealth can be confident in VDOT’s preparedness as the seasons change,” said VDOT Chief of Maintenance and Operations Kevin Gregg. “With more than 57,000 lane miles of roadway to maintain across the Commonwealth, our focus remains on the safety of the traveling public, especially during inclement weather. Recent operational improvements mean our crews are trained, experienced and equipped to get the job done when snow arrives.”

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Prince William

Banze pled guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter after killing man, dog

By Uriah Kiser
The Judicial Center for Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.

Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth: “The commonwealth attorney’s office announces the successful prosecution of Gentil Mwenze Banze arising from the June 18, 2022, accident that killed a Lake Ridge man and his dog. On July 6, 2023, Gentil Mwenze Banze pled guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter while Driving Under the Influence. The case was heard by Judge James A. Willett of the Prince William County Circuit Court.”

“On November 16, 2023, Mr. Banze was sentenced by Judge Willett to 10 years in prison, the maximum term allowable under the law, and three years of active probation following his release from prison. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Sarah Sami.”

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Politics

Yeung blasts leftist blog ‘Blue Virginia,’ joins McPike in sitting out 2024 congressional race

By Uriah Kiser
Yueng / McPike

Two elected officials in our region – Senator Jeremy McPike (D-Prince William, Stafford) and Stafford County Board of Supervisors Garrisonville District Supervisor Dr. Pamela Yueng (also serving as board chair this year) won’t seek higher office.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

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Looming passenger jet service brings urgency to replace aging airport tower

By Uriah Kiser
A rendering shows passenger planes serving the Manassas Regional Airport Terminal.

With the prospect of new passengers using Manassas Regional Airport in 2025 to reach their destinations starting in 2025, airport officials continue pushing for a new flight tower.

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Prince William

Elevated levels of metals found at Possum Point coal ash pit

By Uriah Kiser

Bay Journal: “The effect of coal ash on the environment has been studied and debated for more than seven years now in Virginia. Utilities have spent those years looking for long-term disposal solutions for huge volumes of the industrial waste product, much of it located near major rivers.”

“Frankel and his team studied surface water, sediment, species diversity and fish tissue from Quantico Creek, which runs into the Potomac River next to the Possum Point Power Station in Dumfries. They found elevated concentrations of several trace metals in the sediment and in the muscle tissues of banded killifish, which are food for striped bass, birds and other predators. The researchers also found reduced species diversity in the stretch of Quantico Creek closest to the power station, compared with samples taken at upstream and downstream locations.”

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