Fraternal Order of Police, Battlefield Lodge 43: “Fraternal Order of Police, Battlefield Lodge 43 kicks off their annual Santa Cops 2023 charity event on December 2nd at Potomac Mills Walmart and again on December 9th at the Manassas Mall Walmart.”

“Uniformed law enforcement officers unite from Prince William County Police, Prince William Adult Detention Center, Prince William County Sheriff’s Office, Dumfries Police, Virginia State Police, Manassas City Police, Manassas Park Police and GMU Police donate their time to take 100+ selected at risk children, ranging in ages 5-10 Christmas shopping in hopes of making their Christmas special. The children are then escorted in cruisers in a convoy of lights and sirens over to breakfast. On December 2nd breakfast will be held at the Woodbridge Church of the Nazarene who have graciously donated their building for the breakfast, and on December 9th breakfast is graciously donated by the Park West Lions Club!”


Prince William police: “Fatal Crash Investigation – On November 25 at 7:50PM, crash investigators responded to the 5300 block of Davis Ford Rd. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a single-vehicle crash. The investigation revealed the driver of a 1994 Honda Civic was traveling westbound on Davis Ford Rd. at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control of the vehicle, crossed into the eastbound lanes, and left the roadway. The vehicle traveled off-road before striking a tree and coming to rest. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.”

“The driver was the only occupant of the vehicle and was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. The driver was transported to an area hospital where he later died as a result of the injuries sustained during the crash on November 30. Speed and impairment appear to be factors in the collision. Investigators with the Crash Investigation Unit are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash to contact police.”


“During the encounter, the suspect implied he had a weapon and demanded property from both juveniles. The suspect then took the vehicle belonging to one of the juveniles and drove out of the area. No weapon was brandished by the suspect, only implied. While driving the stolen vehicle, the suspect rearended a Prince William County Public Schools bus stopped at the intersection of Rippon Landing Way and Blackburn Rd. The suspect then fled on foot prior to police arriving in the area. The bus driver was the only occupant on the bus at the time of the collision. No injuries were reported.”

“A police K-9 searched the area for the suspect, who was not located. Shoes and an undisclosed amount of money were reported missing. Suspect Description: A black male, about 20 years old, approximately 5’11”, and right-handed Last seen wearing a black mask and a black jacket with fur on the hood.”


Prince William police: “Sexual Assault Investigation on School Grounds – On October 18, detectives began an investigation into a sexual assault that was reported to have occurred at Gar-Field Senior High School located at 14000 Smoketown Rd. in Woodbridge (22193) earlier that day. The investigation revealed the victim, a female student who is under the age of 18, and another student, identified as the accused, were in a restroom together when the accused sexually assaulted the victim.

“The parties eventually separated, and the victim reported the incident to a family member who contacted the police. On November 27, following the investigation, the accused, identified as Lamine MELLOUK, was charged.”


Demonstrations for and against the proposed Devlin Park Data Center occurred in freezing conditions on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

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Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta: “Come down to Occoquan this Saturday, December 1, and greet Santa as he arrives by boat at the town dock behind Madigan’s Waterfront Restaurant at 10:45 a.m. After disembarking Santa will walk down Mill Street to River Mill Park where he will meet with children of all ages starting at 11:00 a.m.”


Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth: “The commonwealth attorney’s office announces the successful prosecution of Gentil Mwenze Banze arising from the June 18, 2022, accident that killed a Lake Ridge man and his dog. On July 6, 2023, Gentil Mwenze Banze pled guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter while Driving Under the Influence. The case was heard by Judge James A. Willett of the Prince William County Circuit Court.”

“On November 16, 2023, Mr. Banze was sentenced by Judge Willett to 10 years in prison, the maximum term allowable under the law, and three years of active probation following his release from prison. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Sarah Sami.”


Two elected officials in our region – Senator Jeremy McPike (D-Prince William, Stafford) and Stafford County Board of Supervisors Garrisonville District Supervisor Dr. Pamela Yueng (also serving as board chair this year) won’t seek higher office.

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Prince William Police Department: “Registration has opened for the 2024 Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Virginia. This year’s event is at Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.”

“The Prince William County Police Department is looking for individuals – or teams of family, friends, co-workers, or organizations– willing to brave the cold temperatures on land, and in the water, to help raise money for Special Olympics.”


66 Express Lanes: “As the 66 Express Outside the Beltway marks its first full year of operations today, the project has shown itself to be a game-changer for the Northern Virginia region.”

“Delivered ahead of schedule and within budget despite supply-chain issues, a global pandemic, and historic inflation levels, the privately financed 66 Express Outside the Beltway project has proven to be a boon to Northern Virginia’s economy and workforce.”


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