Police Blotter - Potomac Local News

Major Sentencing & Local Blotter: 21-Year Term in Woodbridge Drug Case; Gunshots in Woodbridge, Gainesville Break-In Attempt

Published March 5, 2026 at 2:00PM

[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

Law enforcement in Prince William and Stafford counties continues to address a range of public safety issues, from firearm incidents and burglaries to drug trafficking. In a significant development, a Woodbridge man involved in a large-scale fentanyl and cocaine distribution conspiracy was sentenced to more than two decades in federal prison.

A Woodbridge drug trafficker was sentenced today in Alexandria federal court to 21 years and five months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.

Two Women Touched At Dumfries Walmart

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 4, 2026 at 9:00AM | Updated February 4, 2026 at 10:05AM

Gunfire reported near a Woodbridge shopping center led police activity in Prince William County during the first days of February, according to police.

Officers responded to the 14200 block of Smoketown Road in Woodbridge after callers reported hearing multiple gunshots. Investigators found several shell casings in an alley behind the Prince William Square Shopping Center. No injuries or property damage were reported, and police did not release suspect information.

Two Fraud Reports Filed In Stafford

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 4, 2026 at 8:30AM

Two fraud cases involving phone scams led the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office daily incident report, with victims losing money after being contacted by callers posing as legitimate financial institutions.

In the first case, a resident on Basalt Drive reported receiving a call from someone claiming to represent USAA. The caller had detailed information about the victim’s bank account and was able to fraudulently wire funds out of it. In a second case on Courthouse Road, a victim reported being contacted by someone claiming to be with a loan company and was convinced to wire money before realizing the company was not legitimate.

Man Found Slumped Over at Sheetz

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 2, 2026 at 8:49PM

[Photo: Sheetz, Inc.]

Deputies were called around 10:14 p.m. to the Sheetz at 10 Washington Square Plaza after a pickup truck reportedly backed into another vehicle. The truck was still running and in reverse when a deputy arrived, with the driver passed out at the wheel. The driver appeared disoriented when awakened and showed signs of intoxication. He was later charged with driving under the influence, third offense within ten years, and held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Earlier that evening, deputies arrested another driver found intoxicated and asleep behind the wheel on Maryanne Avenue, with keys in the ignition and alcohol visible inside the vehicle. A third DUI arrest followed the next night after a vehicle was found overturned in a ditch on Poplar Road, where deputies determined the male driver had been drinking. The female passenger was charged separately with obstruction of justice.

Armed robbery at Publix, 2 men charged

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 2, 2026 at 9:51AM

A robbery involving a firearm at a Publix grocery store ended with two men in custody after a brief foot chase behind nearby businesses.

Deputies were called to the Publix at 1640 Publix Way around 9 p.m. on January 27 after reports that two men pushed a cart full of groceries past all points of sale and threatened an employee with a gun when confronted. The suspects ran on foot toward the Five Guys restaurant, abandoning the groceries after the encounter.

Fatal Crash on Route 17 in Fauquier

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 2, 2026 at 9:47AM

A fatal single-vehicle crash early Saturday morning claimed the life of a Sumerduck woman in Fauquier County.

Virginia State Police say a 2019 Kia Forte was traveling northbound on Route 17 near Dyes Lane around 2:30 a.m. when it ran off the right side of the road and struck a tree. The driver, a 36-year-old woman from Sumerduck, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police noted she was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Juvenile Hurt in Manassas Shooting

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published February 1, 2026 at 6:55PM

The shooting occurred in the Manassas area. Police said the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information or who observes suspicious behavior to contact authorities.

Police Find No Card Skimmers

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 30, 2026 at 5:31PM

Police said the operation followed the recovery of several skimming devices locally late last year. Credit card skimmers are typically hidden on payment terminals to steal card information, leading to fraudulent charges and identity theft. Officers encouraged residents to inspect card readers, use chip or contactless payments, monitor statements, and report suspicious activity immediately.

Child Pornography Arrest

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2026 at 2:06PM | Updated January 25, 2026 at 2:23PM

[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

A man was arrested in Spotsylvania County following a tip about child sexual abuse material.

Deputies with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit executed a search warrant on January 22 at a home on Wilderness Park Drive after a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Investigators say they seized multiple electronic devices containing images of child sexual abuse. A 40-year-old man was arrested and charged with six counts related to possession and distribution of child pornography. He is being held without bond.

Attempted Hit-and-Run Assault Leads Prince William Police Blotter, Plus Burglaries and Robbery

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 23, 2026 at 10:31AM

Police are searching for a 33-year-old Manassas man who allegedly rammed another driver, then struck him with his vehicle after a crash near Ashton Avenue and Crestwood Drive on January 21. The suspect fled the scene on foot, leaving behind his car, several beer cans, and a dog that was believed to have been hit by passing vehicles. Arrest warrants were issued for attempted malicious wounding and multiple other charges.

In Woodbridge, a 37-year-old Lorton man was arrested in connection to two commercial burglaries. The incidents occurred on January 17 and 18 at a Sunoco gas station and El Paso restaurant, respectively. In both cases, the suspects forced entry—one through a shattered door and another through the roof—stealing lottery tickets and alcohol.