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!

Police Blotter

Manassas Carjacking Suspect Arrested, Plus Assaults, Gunfire, and School Incident in Dumfries

By Uriah Kiser

Prince William police arrested a Manassas man wanted for a domestic-related carjacking in July. Investigators say Peshwaz Azad Waise, 37, forcefully removed a 63-year-old family member from her car during an argument and drove off. He was taken into custody on Sept. 1 and faces carjacking and assault charges.

Also in Manassas, officers arrested James Roger Thomas Jr., 58, in connection to a July assault at the Rimpal Inn, where a man was beaten after trying to break up a fight. Thomas faces an attempted malicious wounding charge.

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Police Blotter

Stafford Blotter: Drunken Driver at Sheetz, Assaults, Public Intoxications, Thefts

By Uriah Kiser

A repeat DUI offender was arrested at the Sheetz on Washington Square Plaza after a concerned citizen reported she was “so drunk she couldn’t walk” yet still got behind the wheel. Deputies located the woman, found multiple alcoholic drinks in her vehicle, and charged her with her second DUI and refusal offense in five years. She was held without bond.

Assaults included an incident at Parkridge Pool where a man allegedly tried to “break the jaw” of a juvenile during a verbal fight on the basketball court. In another case, a dispute between a USPS worker and a resident on Park Cove Drive over a package ended with a physical altercation.

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Breaking News

Sears to Visit Prince William School Board After Arlington Appearance Sparks Viral Controversy

By Uriah Kiser
Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears addresses the crowd at the Lincoln Reagan Dinner in Manassas, laying out her 2025 gubernatorial campaign priorities. [Photo: Alan Gloss]

MANASSAS, Va. – Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle‑Sears is headed to the Prince William County School Board meeting tonight, following a now-infamous appearance in Arlington that triggered a national firestorm and sparked bipartisan backlash.

Sears will appear alongside her lieutenant governor running mate, John Reid, national Moms for Liberty co-founder Tina Descovich, and the group’s Prince William County chapter chair. The group plans a press conference and rally at 6:15 p.m. outside the Edward L. Kelly Leadership Center at Independent Hill, before the School Board meeting.

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Manassas

Former Manassas Police Chief Chris Tutko Has Died—“His Legacy Lives On”

By Uriah Kiser

MANASSAS, Va. – The Manassas City Police Department just shared some sad news with Potomac Local News: former Chief of Police Chris Tutko has passed away.

Tutko joined MCPD back in 1971 and served the city for 28 years, including four years as chief from 1993 to 1997. He was known for his focus on community policing, officer education, and modernizing the department with new technology.

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Manassas

Someone in Manassas Just Won $1 Million at Wawa—Was It You?

By Uriah Kiser
Wawa held a grand opening for its store on Sudley Road in December 2024.

MANASSAS, Va. – The folks at the Virginia Lottery just told Potomac Local News that a $1 million Powerball ticket was sold at the Wawa on Sudley Road in Manassas—and the winner still hasn’t come forward.

The ticket matched the first five numbers in Monday night’s drawing, missing only the Powerball number. Two other lucky Virginians each won $150,000 by playing online with Power Play.

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Fredericksburg

Veterans Say Spotsy VA Clinic Delays ‘Unacceptable’ at Warner, Vindman Event

By Uriah Kiser

Veterans pressed Senator Mark Warner and Congressman Eugene Vindman this week about the new Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Spotsylvania County, saying the long wait for services is unacceptable.

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Features

Manassas Cornhole Tournament Returns to Raise Money for Local Veterans

By Uriah Kiser

MANASSAS, Va. – The folks at the Manassas Rotary Club just told Potomac Local News they’re gearing up for their Third Annual Cornhole Tournament—and it’s all for a good cause. Set for Sunday, September 28 at The Salisbury Center on Mathis Avenue, the event will raise funds for two local groups that serve veterans: Willing Warriors and Veterans Sidecar Adventures.

This family-friendly tournament has a spot for everyone—from competitive players to kids just learning the ropes. Brackets include Competitive, Casual, and a special Kids & Parents division, with games starting at noon and running into the afternoon.

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News

Fredericksburg Police Want Teens to Join Their Youth Academy This Fall

By Uriah Kiser

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The folks at the Fredericksburg Police Department just told Potomac Local News they’re gearing up for the second year of their Youth Academy—and they’re looking for young people to sign up now.

The 10-week program is open to teens and young adults between the ages of 14 and 20 who want a behind-the-scenes look at how local law enforcement works. Participants will meet every Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. starting September 15 at the Fredericksburg Police Department on Cowan Boulevard.

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Police Blotter: Strangulation Arrest, Theft, Drug Charges

By Uriah Kiser

A strangulation arrest involving bodily injury led the Fredericksburg Police blotter this week. Officers charged 25-year-old Felicia Lee Rivera of Fredericksburg with the offense.

Other arrests included charges of assault and battery, possession of a controlled substance, public intoxication, and inhaling drugs. Those arrested ranged in age from 20 to 56 and came from Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania.

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Police Blotter

Prince William Police Blotter: Child Sex Crimes, Shooting at Bar Louie, and Armed Robberies

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Alan Gloss]

A man from Woodbridge faces more than a dozen charges, including aggravated sexual battery and indecent liberties, following an investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case involves incidents dating back to 2020 with a victim under the age of 13.

Police also arrested a 17-year-old male after a shooting at Bar Louie in Gainesville, where he and another man were both injured. The juvenile faces multiple serious charges, including aggravated malicious wounding and use of a firearm in a felony.

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