Potomac Local News

Firearms crimes surging in Fredericksburg; police crack down

Published July 9, 2023 at 1:27PM

Fredericksburg police: “After experiencing two firearms-related homicides within a three-month timespan, the Fredericksburg Police Department increased its enforcement efforts against people in possession of illegal firearms and/or illicit drugs.”

“If you own a firearm, store it safely and do not leave it in an unlocked vehicle. There have been several police reports this summer where guns were stolen from unlocked cars. If you want to surrender an unwanted firearm voluntarily, bring it to Fredericksburg Police Headquarters anytime, day or night.”

News

Severe thunderstorm watch has been issued

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 9, 2023 at 1:24PM

National Weather Service: “A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia until 8 PM EDT.”

Prince William

‘They let a monster walk;’ Top prosecutor blames police, claims it mishandled evidence

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 8, 2023 at 11:32AM

Ashworth

WRC-TV: “A Virginia man who pleaded guilty to killing a young Marine is free just two years after the shooting, and prosecutors in Prince William County blame investigators for failing to turn over key evidence in time.”

“But prosecutors said there were problems with some of the police evidence before the trial began. Midway through the trial, prosecutors say police suddenly mentioned a Ring camera video that had never been documented or turned over as required. The defense attorney filed a motion to dismiss.”

Prince William

Killer sentenced to 45 years in Prince William

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 8, 2023 at 11:21AM

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

Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney: “Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth announces today the sentencing of Robert Coltrain, 27, related to the murder of Brian Trotter which occurred in Prince William County, VA on or about October 17, 2020. Mr. Coltrain pled guilty to first-degree murder on June 28, 2022. On July 7, 2023, Mr. Coltrain was sentenced to 75 years in prison with 30 of those years suspended.”

“On October 17, 2020, Brian Trotter was reported missing by his family. Trotter had last been seen by his father getting into a vehicle with his friend, Robert Coltrain, to go to Washington D.C. Mr. Trotter gave his son a hug and said goodbye as Trotter left his residence with Coltrain. On October 26, 2020, while police in Virginia were investigating the disappearance, Florida Highway Patrol officers found a body decomposing in the trunk of a vehicle that was involved in a motor vehicle accident in the Miami-Dade area. Authorities were able to identify the body as Brian Trotter and immediately began an investigation of the death, leading them to the driver of the vehicle, Robert Coltrain. Mr. Coltrain was arrested by the Miami-Dade Police Department and eventually extradited back to Prince William County to stand trial for the murder.”

Business

Opinion: Stafford County July 4th event shines

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 8, 2023 at 11:10AM

The Independence Day celebration at Pratt Park in Stafford County was a wonderful experience for my family.

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News

Today’s weather forecast | Sponsored by the ‘Fridays at 5’ Concert Series

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 8, 2023 at 10:48AM | Updated July 8, 2023 at 12:10PM

National Weather Service Baltimore-Washington: “Hot and humid conditions today with scattered showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. Storms are more likely Sunday, with the possibility of damaging wind gusts and locally heavy rain. Not as hot nor humid with an isolated afternoon thunderstorm on Monday.”

“Today: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91. Northeast wind around 6 mph, becoming light and variable in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 30%.

Prince William

Science in the park: Hylton grant supports Prince William program

By Madina Habib

Published July 8, 2023 at 10:45AM

Prince William Parks and Recreation: “Thanks to a grant from The Cecil & Irene Hylton Foundation via the Prince William Parks Foundation, more than 800 students from Title I schools in Prince William County were awarded scholarships to participate in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism’s Science in the Park program last spring.”

“Science in the Park provides hands-on science lessons for K-6th grade students based on the Virginia Standards of Learning Science curriculum, utilizing the resources of Prince William County’s beautiful parks as an outdoor classroom.”

News

Stafford schools awarded CTE grant focused on skilled trades

By Madina Habib

Published July 8, 2023 at 10:41AM

Photo: Stafford County Public Schools

Stafford Public Schools: “Stafford County Public Schools was among 24 school divisions awarded a $125,000 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Skilled Trades Grant from the Virginia Department of Education. The one-time funds will be used to implement a plumbing and HVAC program at Stafford High School.”

“We are thrilled to be recognized as a leader in CTE programming, and thank VDOE and 2022 General Assembly for their commitment to ensuring every child is prepared for life after high school,” said Stafford Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor. “We are appreciative of this grant, which allows us to expand programming that provides robust, real-world, meaningful classroom experiences for every student.”

News

FredNats thump Shorebirds

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 7, 2023 at 10:43PM

FredNats outfielder Jeremy Ydens [Photo: FredNats]

“Fredericksburg opened the scoring in the 3rd inning when Daylen Lile drove in Johnathon Thomas with a sacrifice fly, Lile’s 46th RBI of the year. The FredNats then scored three runs in the top of the 6th inning against Delmarva reliever Albert Vega.”