Soto Hernandez faces charges including two counts of aggravated sexual battery, one count of forcible sodomy, and one count of abduction with intent to defile. His court date is pending, and he remains incarcerated.

The incident, which occurred on February 26 at 7:50 a.m., prompted law enforcement response to a residence in Dale City. A female victim, awakened by the accused wielding a knife in her room, endured a sexual assault.


Potomac District Residents can anticipate a significant addition to their community with the imminent arrival of a new full-service grocery store. The latest update on the Ashland Square development was shared by Steven Powell, Senior Vice President for Saul Centers, owners of the Ashland Square development at Route 234 and Spriggs Road, near Dumfries.

The company is in talks with an unnamed grocer to build a new store.”We’ve been actively negotiating with a large, full-service grocery store chain for several months now,” he said. While the deal has not yet been finalized, Powell expressed confidence in the negotiations, stating, “We are very excited about the prospect of bringing a quality grocery store to the community.”


Among its notable features, the project boasts a newly added right-turn lane along Joplin Road leading to northbound U.S. 1, alongside a realigned Fuller Heights Road intersection. This realignment facilitates north and southbound access through the incorporation of a roundabout at the intersection of Fuller Heights Road and Old Triangle Road.

Deshundra Jefferson, Chair At-Large of the Board of County Supervisors, expressed gratitude towards the various entities involved in making the project a reality. “You guys have really done an amazing job with this,” remarked Jefferson during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “I’m proud to say that these road improvements are a significant step in moving Prince William towards our strategic goal by easing congestion and improving mobility in the Triangle area for residents, local businesses, and our military facilities.”


Workout Anytime Manassas, a forthcoming gym in the Bull Run Plaza shopping center near Manassas, is poised to redefine fitness accessibility. Brave Williams, the driving force behind this venture, shared her vision for the gym and what it will offer to the community.

“We’re thrilled to bring Workout Anytime to Manassas,” Williams expressed. “Our goal is to provide a comprehensive fitness experience that caters to everyone’s needs, whether they’re looking to relax in our infrared sauna, combat seasonal blues with red light therapy, or enjoy a rejuvenating massage in our hydro massage chairs.”


A quintet of Manassas-based companies emerged triumphant at the prestigious Annual Prince William Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, held at the Foxchase Manor events center on February 23.

Against a backdrop of fierce competition from local enterprises, four standout champions were crowned in their respective categories. ARTfactory clinched the esteemed Agnes L. Colgan Award for Arts & Education, while ECU Communications LLC secured the title of Government Contracting Company of the Year. Manassas Ballet Theatre gracefully waltzed away with the Community Outreach Award (11+ employees), and MP Copiers, Inc. proudly claimed the Veteran-Owned Company of the Year honor.


The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) invites public feedback on a series of proposed roadway improvements in Dale City and Woodbridge as part of its Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions (STARS) study. The study focuses on enhancing traffic flow and safety along a stretch of road from Dale Boulevard, across Route 1, to Blackburn Road. This initiative addresses the growing concerns over pedestrian safety and traffic congestion in one of Northern Virginia’s bustling regions.

The STARS study area encompasses nearly two miles, assessing potential improvements on Dale Boulevard (Route 784) from Gideon Drive to Route 1, and Rippon Boulevard (Route 1392) from Route 1 to Blackburn Road. With traffic volumes averaging about 44,000 vehicles per day on Dale Boulevard and 14,000 on Rippon Boulevard, the need for strategic enhancements has become increasingly apparent.


Greetings, Prince William – BEACON for Adult Literacy is recruiting teachers and subs for their Spring Session, which begins March 18. Their current needs are for in-person morning and evening volunteers, as well as substitutes for both online and in-person morning and evening classes. No experience is necessary; they will train you! Please visit https://bit.ly/4bOEUxw to sign up for an information session. Please email [email protected] for more information.

Information submitted by Volunteer Prince William


Prince William County Service Authority: “The Prince William County Service Authority will host its 2024 Water Art Invitational Awards Ceremony on Thursday, March 14, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. This year’s ceremony will be held at Forest Park High School, 15721 Forest Park Drive, in Woodbridge.”

“Doors open at 5 p.m. to explore the gallery of 154 pieces of student artwork submitted for this year’s Water Art Invitational. The Awards Ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m.”


On Saturday, February 24, 2024, emergency responders rushed to the scene of a house fire in the 15000 block of Michigan Road in Woodbridge. Around 8:59 p.m., the incident prompted a swift and coordinated response from local fire departments.

According to initial reports from Prince William County Fire and Rescue Lt. Matt Smolksy, the fire was discovered by one of the occupants, who detected the smell of smoke emanating from the residence. Acting quickly, the individual investigated further and observed flames emerging from the side of the structure.


“The investigation revealed that the victim, a 27-year-old female, was walking in the westbound lane of Minnieville Road, wearing all dark clothing, when she was struck by a vehicle. The striking vehicle did not stop at the scene. Fire and rescue personnel responded to the scene where the pedestrian was pronounced deceased.”

“The vehicle is believed to be an unknown model Hyundai. No further information on the driver or striking vehicle is available at this time. Investigators with the Crash Investigation Unit are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash to contact police. The investigation continues.”


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