Aquia Landing Park, known for its scenic location at the Potomac River and Aquia Creek confluence, will soon unveil a new playground. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, scheduled for July 27, 2024, will include gift bag handouts for children attending the event.

The new playground, seen in the slideshow above, is a basic playset developed with a project cost of $144,000. The site’s limitations, including space constraints and susceptibility to flooding, influenced the straightforward design. The project was completed smoothly, with the installation promptly done once the equipment arrived after several months of waiting.

“This park fits in beautifully with the Board’s strategic goals for recreation in our community,” said Supervisor Monica Gary of the Aquia District. “It has been a long-time request from my district, and I am pleased to champion this project and see it come to fruition.”

The playground’s construction is part of the Facilities Plan recommendation, which aims to enhance local recreational infrastructure. It is ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for all children.

The ribbon cutting is set for 9 a.m. Saturday, July 27, 2024.

 

The Center Square: President Joe Biden ended his bid for reelection Sunday, opening the door for Vice President Kamala Harris or another top Democrat to replace him atop the ticket.

In a statement posted to X, Biden said he is stepping aside “in the “best interest of my party and the country.”

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” Biden said. “And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.”

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The Virginia Department of Transportation has announced scheduled road work from July 21 to 27, 2024, including lane closures on I-95, Route 1, and other key routes for maintenance and construction. Work will occur in various counties, such as Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Fredericksburg, with traffic directed by flagging crews and possible delays expected. Read More

July is National Grilling Month, and the Prince William County Fire and Rescue System reminds residents to practice grill safety year-round to avoid fires and injuries. Key safety tips include using grills only outdoors, keeping them away from flammable materials, maintaining a three-foot safety zone, and never leaving the grill unattended.

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Prince William County

A fifth suspect is charged in a shooting that occurred outside Manassas Mall on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

As we reported in the link above, one of the suspected shooters was out on bond in connection to a December 2023 incident where he was charged with Reckless with a Gun Causing Permanent Serious Bodily Injury, a class 6 felony. His charges were later escalated to the Prince William County Circuit Court, where he was indicted on multiple counts, including Reckless Handling of a Firearm, Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm Under 18 Years Old, and Malicious Wounding.

Malicious Wounding *ADDITIONAL ARREST – On July 15, a fifth suspect, identified as Tayvion Omari THORNTON, who was sought in connection to the shooting that occurred at Manassas Mall located at 8300 Sudley Rd in Manassas (20109) on July 9, was arrested.

At this time, investigators believe the main suspects involved in the shooting have been
identified and arrested. Additional individuals are being sought as potential witnesses to the incident. Four other adult men were previously arrested in connection to this case. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Prince William County Police Department tipline at 703-792-7000 or submit a webtip to: pwcva.gov/policetip.

Arrested on July 15: [No photo available]
Tayvion Omari THORNTON, 18, of no fixed address
Charged with 2 counts of principal in the 2nd degree malicious wounding, 1 count of carrying a concealed weapon, 1 count of principal in the second degree willfully discharging a firearm in a public place, and 1 count of using a firearm in the commission of a felony
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable

A woman and two men carjacked a driver at Prince William Plaza on Richmond Highway.

Carjacking – On July 16 at 1:34AM, officers responded to Prince William Plaza located at 14428 Richmond Hwy. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 53-year-old man, was inside his vehicle when he was approached by an unknown woman and two unknown men. One of the men asked the victim for money while the other man got into the passenger side of the victim’s vehicle where he then threatened the victim. When the victim got out of the vehicle, he was assaulted by the woman before running out of the area. The suspects took the victim’s vehicle and left the area. No injuries were reported. The suspects were only described as two black males, and one back female.

Vehicle Description:
A silver 2002 GMC Yukon Denali, with Virginia license plate: TST-8652

Police arrested a woman after a man was robbed while trying to get out of his car in the 7300 block of Sudley Road near Manassas, near a Hampton Inn. The woman bit the man before taking his wallet, police said.

Strong-Arm Robbery *ARREST – On July 15, officers concluded an investigation into a robbery that was reported to have occurred in the 7300 block of Sudley Rd. in Manassas (20109) on July 5. While investigating the incident, officers identified and obtained arrest warrants for the suspect, identified as the accused. On July 15, the accused, identified as

Brianna Grace INGRAM, was arrested without incident.
Arrested on July 15:
Brianna Grace INGRAM, 28, of no fixed address
Charged with robbery
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

Strong-Arm Robbery [Previously Released] – On July 5 at 2:32PM, officers responded to the 7300 block of Sudley Rd. in Manassas (20109) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 34-year-old man, was getting out of his vehicle when an unknown woman attempted to take his wallet. When the victim attempted to pull away, the suspectbit the victim’s hand and took his wallet before running away. Officers and a police K-9 searched the area for the suspect who was not located. The victim reported minor injuries.

Stafford County

Child faces vandalism charges at elementary school

Garrisonville Elementary School, 7/15, 10:29 a.m. School staff reported a juvenile student had entered the school and skateboarded through the halls and gym causing damage. The juvenile was positively identified by Deputy J.M. Smihal and is now facing charges of trespassing, vandalism and petit larceny.

Also, this happened yesterday (again)

President Donald Trump was wounded in an assignation attempt today during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Law enforcement officials said they are investigating the incident as an assignation attempt of a former president.

The alleged shooter was killed, the AP reports. As many as two other bystanders are dead, reports ABC News.

We have a local reaction coming in.

“Moments like these test a nation. It’s vital we pull together and strengthen local community bonds when so much hatred and anger is overtaking the presidential election. I’m grateful to see President Trump emerge safely, and pray for the United States of America.”

-Stephen Kent, candidate, Manassas City Council

“This is a sad day for America. Trump has proven himself a brave man. He will not back down. He lives to fight for America another day. My heart goes out to the other victims of this assassin. Through this horrible event may America become more tolerant for each other,”

-Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom, candidate, Manassas Mayor

“Praying for President Trump, his family, those injured, those in attendance, our brave secret service, and our country. Hearing the shots and seeing the images on the news is surreal.”

-Lynn Forkell Greene, candidate, Manassas City Council

I’m deeply concerned by this situation and am praying for President Trump and everyone at today’s event.

— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) July 13, 2024

There is no place for political violence in a democracy. I’m monitoring this terrible situation and praying for all those at the Pennsylvania rally.

— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) July 13, 2024

Absolutely appalling.

— Delegate Ian Lovejoy (@IanTLovejoy) July 13, 2024

Political violence is unequivocally wrong and only leads to more violence, all of which undermines the very essence of representative democracy. We must all condemn it without exception.

— Sen. Danica Roem (@pwcdanica) July 13, 2024

There is no place for political violence in a democracy. I’m monitoring this terrible situation and praying for all those at the Pennsylvania rally.

— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) July 13, 2024

Transurban has announced the 95/395 Express Lanes will have a revised reversal schedule on Thursday, July 4, 2024 to accommodate travelers attending the Independence Day fireworks display.

The lanes will be open northbound all day until 7 p.m. when reversal begins. The Lanes are expected to open southbound by 8:30 p.m.

The National Park Service has announced Independence Day activities will begin at 11:45 a.m. and continue throughout the day, culminating in the annual “Fireworks on the National Mall” program. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:09-9:27 p.m.

 

Both VDOT and the Stafford Sheriff’s Department have announced a brush fire near Mile Marker 136 on I-95 Southbound.

Two lanes have been closed, and Stafford Fire and Rescue is on scene.