A fire that broke out Wednesday afternoon in a Woodbridge townhouse could have turned into a devastating incident—but thanks to a working sprinkler system, it was largely brought under control before it could spread.

At around 4 p.m. on March 26, 2025, fire and rescue crews were dispatched to the 14700 block of Mason Creek Circle, near Potomac Library on Opitz Boulevard, for reports of a townhouse fire. When units arrived, they found a fire at the rear of a set of double-stacked townhomes, with flames stretching from the ground level up to the attic.

According to a report from Prince William County Fire and Rescue, the exterior sprinkler head of the home’s built-in system had already activated and was effectively controlling the blaze before crews arrived.

“This is an excellent example of today’s building and fire codes preventing a much more serious incident,” the department noted in a statement. “Property damage was limited, life safety was enhanced, and firefighting efforts were reduced. Sprinklers save lives and property.”

Firefighters quickly completed extinguishment. Officials confirmed no injuries and that the fire had not extended into adjacent townhomes.

However, the fire caused enough damage that the Building Official declared two homes unsafe to occupy. Three adults and one child were displaced, and the American Red Cross is assisting them.

The Fire Marshal’s Office investigated and determined that the fire was caused by an electrical event at the electric meter located at the rear of the home.

On Thursday afternoon, a single-vehicle crash brought down power lines and shut down a heavily traveled portion of Route 610 (Garrisonville Road).

According to Stafford County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Ryan Wilbur, the crash occurred in the 1200 block of Garrisonville Road, between Tech Parkway—near the WaWa gas station—and Joshua Road, by a Tractor Supply store.

Wilbur said emergency crews took the driver to a hospital out of abundance of caution.

Both directions of Garrisonville Road remain closed as emergency crews respond to the scene. Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office and personnel from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are working together to assess the damage and clear the roadway.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area and seek alternate routes until further notice.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

A top-ranking member of the violent MS-13 gang was arrested in Dale City, according to federal authorities who held a Thursday morning press conference at the FBI’s regional office near Manassas.

While officials provided few details about the suspect — whose name has not been released — U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Erick Siebert said the individual was involved in gang-related criminal activity along the East Coast. The arrest is the latest in an ongoing effort to target violent gang members with suspected immigration violations.

“This arrest stems from a task force we launched on March 3, 2025, to identify and apprehend individuals in the country illegally who are involved in criminal enterprises,” said Siebert. “We are using an intelligence-based model to locate and arrest suspects.”

Of the 575 individuals identified so far by the task force, 342 have been arrested. Authorities say 81 of those arrested have confirmed gang ties, including to MS-13.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and other high-ranking officials joined Siebert at the press conference. Prince William County Police have a representative on the task force, but the department declined to comment on this specific arrest.

Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson responded to news of the arrest in a statement.

“Let me assure you that there is no welcome mat for criminals. Gang violence is not welcome anywhere – especially within Prince William County,” Jefferson said. “For too long, MS-13 has been terrorizing the communities where it has taken root, and I hope this arrest relieves some anxiety.

“We are still gathering additional information about this arrest that I hope will soon be shared publicly. But I would like to add that Prince William County follows all applicable state and federal laws.”

Several locally elected officials and members of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors said they were unaware of the arrest or Thursday’s press conference. Many regional and local media outlets were also not notified in advance.

The press conference is available to view online. Authorities say more information will be released as it becomes available.

Alan Gloss contributed to this report.

Updated 10 a.m. – A Stafford County Sheriff’s deputy was injured early Tuesday morning after being struck by a vehicle that fled the scene.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 6:15 a.m. on northbound Interstate 95 near the Warrenton Road (Route 17) exit ramp. The deputy, who was operating a department-issued motorcycle, was stationary and stuck in traffic as he exited the interstate when an unidentified vehicle struck him from behind and continued driving.

The deputy sustained what officials describe as minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. He was released 30 minutes ago, according to Sheriff’s Office spokesman Ryan Wilbur.

Authorities do not have a description of the suspect vehicle at this time but say it is expected to have front-end damage. The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or was in the area at the time to contact them immediately.

In an effort to learn more, Potomac Local News has asked the Sheriff’s Office about the circumstances of the crash, including whether the deputy was conducting radar enforcement and how long he has served with the department. As a motor unit deputy, it is likely he has significant tenure.

The investigation is ongoing, and more information is expected to be released.

Vice President JD Vance arrived by helicopter at Marine Corps Base Quantico today to meet with Marines at HMX-1, the presidential helicopter squadron, at about 1:30 p.m. — nearly two hours later than scheduled.

Vance addressed the delay head-on during his remarks, joking with the crowd and recalling lessons from his time in the Corps.

“That is not Marine Corps time, my friends,” he said. “I remember Gunny Arledge always told me, if you’re five minutes early, you’re 10 minutes late… What does it mean when the Vice President is two hours late? I guess I’m on time, because who the hell is going to get me in trouble, right?”

He explained that his meeting with the President of the United States ran long, but he prioritized the visit to Quantico.

“I stood up and said, ‘Sir, I know we’re in the middle of something, but the Marines at Quantico are waiting on me.’ And he said, ‘Oh, I didn’t realize that. You’ve got to get out there,’” Vance told the crowd.

The Vice President brought with him a message from the Commander-in-Chief.

“He wanted me to tell you two things,” Vance said. “First of all, that he loves you. And second of all, that he’s proud of you.”

Vance, a former Marine, also shared how his service shaped his life and thanked those stationed at Quantico for their dedication and professionalism.

Quantico Town Mayor Kevin Brown attended the event and was impressed by the Vice President’s words and presence.

“Personally, as I see Vice President Vance at events across the country and abroad, you can definitely recognize the Marine in him,” said Brown. “It’s encouraging to know we have someone in the White House with that pedigree, advising the President.”

Following his remarks, Vance was expected to tour other base parts. Marines in attendance appeared pleased and honored by the Vice President’s visit, said Brown.

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A Woodbridge man has died after being struck by a car outside a gas station, marking the second fatal crash reported in Prince William County this week.

The incident occurred at 11:32 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, at the Citgo gas station at 1320 Old Bridge Road. According to Prince William County Police, a 2014 Toyota Camry exited the fuel pump area toward Gordon Boulevard when it struck a pedestrian near the fuel pump island.

Police say the pedestrian, Jeffrey Wayne Holman, 56, of Woodbridge, fell to the ground and was subsequently run over by the vehicle. Emergency crews from fire and rescue extracted Holman and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Monday, March 25.

The driver of the vehicle remained on the scene. No other injuries were reported. Pending the outcome of the investigation, police have not filed any charges at this time.

Earlier in the week, on Monday, March 24, another person was killed in a separate crash on Linton Hall Road near Glenkirk Road.

Police said a 2019 Toyota Highlander was traveling northbound on Linton Hall Road at 9:48 a.m. when it crossed into the southbound lanes, left the roadway, struck a guardrail, went down an embankment, became airborne, rolled over, and came to rest on its side in a field.

The driver, Marat Lise Essex, 52, of Bristow, was the sole occupant of the vehicle. She was taken to a hospital, where she later died.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed either crash to contact Prince William County Police. Both investigations remain ongoing.

A driver died following a single-vehicle crash on Linton Hall Road near Glenkirk Road on Monday, March 24, 2025.

Police said the crash occurred at 9:48 a.m. when a 2019 Toyota Highlander traveling north on Linton Hall Road crossed into the southbound lanes, left the roadway, and struck a guardrail. The vehicle then went down an embankment, became airborne, rolled over, and came to rest on its side in a field.

The driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was taken to a hospital, where she later died.

Police identified the deceased as Marat Lise Essex, 52, of Bristow.

Investigators ask anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact the police. The investigation is ongoing.

Updated 7 p.m.  – All Fredericksburg City Public Schools were closed Friday after a missing juvenile from Fairfax County, identified as Safar Fasihullah, 16, was spotted trespassing at James Monroe High School earlier in the week. The teen has since been taken into custody in Florence, New Jersey, according to police.

At 5:05 p.m., the Fredericksburg Police Department announced Fasihullah’s arrest.
“We want to thank the public for your patience and assistance,” the department stated.

The closure of schools Friday was a precautionary measure after the FBI’s Washington Field Office informed Fredericksburg Police on Thursday evening that Fasihullah may be in the city. Local authorities recognized the teen from the March 19 incident at the high school, where he fled the campus after being approached by a School Resource Officer.

Working with the FBI, police followed numerous leads throughout the day Friday, all of which initially turned up empty. Investigators believe Fasihullah stole a vehicle in Stafford County late Thursday evening, which was later recovered out of state on Friday afternoon.

Despite the heightened concern, police said their investigation found no direct threat to the Fredericksburg City Public School system.

Fasihullah had been wanted for trespassing on school property, and his presence on campus earlier in the week raised concerns due to his mental state and status as a missing person from Northern Virginia.

Fredericksburg City Public Schools serves around 3,700 students across five schools:

Walker-Grant Early Childhood Learning Center
Lafayette Elementary School
Walker-Grant Elementary Campus
Walker-Grant Middle School
James Monroe High School
It remains unclear whether schools will reopen Monday. The school division has not yet issued an updated statement.

This is a developing story. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY INCIDENTS

Teen Arrested for Two Strong-Arm Robberies in Woodbridge

A 17-year-old male has been arrested in connection with two robberies in the 14800 block of Winding Loop in Woodbridge.

• The first incident took place on December 25, 2024, when the suspect allegedly brandished a firearm and stole a jacket from the victim.
• The second robbery occurred on February 18, 2025, when a 14-year-old male was approached, and a struggle ensued before the suspect fled with his jacket.
• Police identified the suspect and charged him with two counts of robbery. His court date is pending.

Robbery at Starlight Café in Woodbridge

On March 10 at 11:03 AM, officers responded to Starlight Café on Build America Drive for a reported robbery.

• A suspect grabbed an employee’s bag from a table, leading to a brief struggle.
• The suspect pushed the victim and fled. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and the bag was recovered in the parking lot.

Suspect Description:

• Black male, 5’7” – 5’9”, about 30 years old
• Wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and carrying a backpack

Vandalism at Unity Braxton Middle School

On March 7 at 2:00 PM, a School Resource Officer at Unity Braxton Middle School in Manassas discovered derogatory language marked in a hallway bathroom stall.

• The writing did not contain threats toward students or staff.
• The incident is under investigation.

Manassas Man Charged with Assaulting Police Officer

A 27-year-old Alexandria man was arrested after assaulting police officers during an altercation on Prince William Parkway near Marblestone Drive on March 10 at 2:17 PM.

• Officers responded to a brandishing incident when the suspect, Joshua Justin Berry, became combative.
• Berry kicked multiple officers and damaged a police vehicle while being transported.
• He was charged with assault & battery on law enforcement, obstruction of justice, and destruction of property and is being held without bond.

Two Charged in $130,000 Fraud

Police arrested Darien Deventon Smith, 31, and Sheniece Elaine Smith, 32, of Bridgeport, CT, for running a money scam that defrauded a 77-year-old Woodbridge woman out of over $130,000.

• The scammers convinced the victim she had won a large sum of money and a vehicle and pressured her to pay fees to claim the prize.
• Over several months, they coerced her into opening bank accounts and purchasing money orders.
• The suspects were arrested in Bridgeport, CT, on February 28 and charged with obtaining money by false pretenses and conspiracy to commit a felony.

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STAFFORD COUNTY INCIDENTS

Authorities Seek ‘Arfnold Schwarzenegger’ Dog Ornament Thief

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a theft at Winding Creek Elementary School, where a cutout dog ornament nicknamed “Arfnold Schwarzenegger” was stolen on March 8 at 5:46 AM.

• Surveillance footage captured a light-colored, mid-2000s Chevy Colorado at the school.
• The suspect concealed his license plates before stealing the wooden dog and fleeing.
• This is the second time a similar ornament has been stolen from the school.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy J.M. Smihal at 540-658-4400.

Deputy Attacked at Mary Washington Hospital

A Stafford County deputy sustained minor injuries after being attacked in the lobby of Mary Washington Hospital on March 10 at 12:13 PM.

• While assisting a person seeking mental health resources, the deputy was confronted by a known individual from prior incidents.
• Jackson assaulted the deputy, prompting hospital security and staff to intervene.
• The deputy activated his emergency radio button, bringing in Fredericksburg Police, Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office, and Stafford Sheriff’s Office for assistance.
• Darrell Jackson, 39, of Fredericksburg is charged with assault and battery on law enforcement, disorderly conduct, and obstruction of justice and is being held without bond.

DUI Arrests in Stafford County

Teen Driver Crashes After Drinking Vodka

• Mountain View Road, March 9, 12:04 PM
• A juvenile driver admitted to drinking vodka before crashing a Ford F-150 into a telephone pole, trees, and a fence.
• The driver suffered minor injuries, and DUI-related charges are pending.

Reckless Driver Charged with DUI

• Caisson Road, March 9, 3:45 AM
• A driver in a speeding Chevy swerving on Kings Highway was pulled over.
• The suspect had a suspended license and signs of intoxication.
• Charged with DUI and driving while suspended; held on a $1,000 secured bond.

Theft and Fraud Incidents

Suspect Steals Oil Change at Walmart, Tells Deputy to ‘Go Get Your Warrants’

• Walmart, 217 Garrisonville Road, March 10, 4:23 PM
• A suspect left without paying for an oil change, promising he “maybe” would pay later.
• When confronted, he told Deputy S.M. Kotter to “go get your warrants then.”
• Deputy Kotter did exactly that, serving the suspect with a defrauding warrant.

Juvenile Caught Stealing Stylish Jacket at Target

• Target, 25 South Gateway Drive, March 9, 7:18 PM
• A juvenile suspect attempted to leave the store wearing an unpaid-for jacket.
• A juvenile shoplifting summons was submitted.

Teens Steal Vapes from Valero Fast Mart

• Valero Fast Mart, 2142 Richmond Highway, March 10, 10:57 AM
• Two juvenile females were caught stealing vapes.
• They were charged with shoplifting and underage possession of tobacco.

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Public Intoxication Incident

• Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center, 1600 Mine Road, March 9, 11:53 AM
• A heavily intoxicated man insisted on taking a breathalyzer to prove his sobriety—but blew three times over the legal limit.
• Charged with public intoxication; held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

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Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to contact:

• Prince William County Police: 703-792-7000
• Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: 540-658-4450

Update – All lanes reopened at 7:15 p.m., following a six and a half hour closure.

Original post – A major crash on Route 17 (Warrenton Road) in Stafford County has led to an extended road closure in Lichfield Boulevard and McWhirt Loop. The incident involves downed power lines, creating hazardous conditions for drivers.

Authorities have not provided an estimated time for reopening the roadway, and motorists are urged to use the most convenient alternate route to avoid delays.

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are en route to establish a detour while emergency responders work to clear the scene and assess damage to the power infrastructure.

More as we have it.