WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Police say three men were injured in a shooting that broke out Wednesday afternoon, May 21, 2025, in a wooded area behind a busy shopping center on Smoketown Road.

According to an update from Prince William County Police, the incident occurred in the 14200 block of Smoketown Road, behind the center that includes stores such as Mom’s Organic Market and Ross Dress for Less. Officers responded to reports of a shooting and found two men with gunshot wounds. A third victim was later confirmed.

The extent of their injuries remains unknown, and no suspect information has been released at this time.

The scene has since been secured, but a heavy police presence remains as the investigation continues. Authorities emphasized that the incident was “contained to the wooded area” and does not pose an ongoing threat to the public.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Prince William County Police.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center has launched a new virtual nursing program that’s already changing how nurses care for patients—and how patients experience care.

The hospital’s Virtual Registered Nursing (VRN) Program allows experienced nurses to connect with patients through 50-inch screens in hospital rooms, handling admissions, discharges, and patient education remotely. The goal: give bedside nurses more time to focus on hands-on care, while still ensuring patients get one-on-one attention.

“The virtual nurse can come into the room through the web camera and the large televisions that we put up,” said Brooke Phelps, Director of Nursing and Patient Care Services. “They can really spend that time with [patients] one-on-one to develop those relationships and improve that patient experience.”

The program, already rolled out at other Sentara hospitals, began at the Woodbridge-based center on May 13. In less than a week, staff completed 55 virtual nurse sessions, saving over nine hours of time for bedside nurses.

Chief Nursing Officer Christy Grabus described the VRN sessions as surprisingly personal.

“The one word [a patient] said that was just amazing to me was… ‘This was so personable,’” said Grabus. “There was no interruption, and I really felt like I was the center of attention.”

The system also allows caregivers to participate remotely, a feature that could be especially helpful for families who live far from the hospital.

“We can arrange it so when we schedule your education sessions, we can have your daughter actually link in… she doesn’t even have to physically come in,” said Grabus.

During a Potomac Local News Podcast interview, Grabus and Phelps shared how the technology not only improves care but also helps recruit and retain nursing talent by offering less physically demanding roles for experienced nurses.

“This is a very physically demanding job,” said Grabus. “Think about being able to still work… even though you may not be physically capable to be out there in a hospital setting.”

Watch the full conversation in the embedded Potomac Local News Podcast episode to hear more about how this innovation is reshaping healthcare in Northern Virginia.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Prince William County Parks & Recreation is inviting residents to get outside — both to enjoy free summer fun and to help shape the future of the county’s trails and blueways system.

On Thursday, May 29, the department will host a Countywide Trails Planning Charette from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Edward L. Kelly Leadership Center (14715 Bristow Rd, Manassas). The interactive public meeting is the first step in updating the Countywide Trails Master Plan, and outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to weigh in on what connections the county should prioritize. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, or paddling, this is your chance to help expand and improve local trails and water access.

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WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Four playful pups are looking for their forever homes starting today at the Prince William County Animal Shelter.

These 10-week-old bundles of joy—one male and three females—are a fluffy mix of 79% Pomeranian, 14% American Eskimo, and a touch of Terrier, Spaniel, and Chihuahua. While their DNA is diverse, their irresistible charm is 100% ADORABLE.

The puppies will be available for adoption when the shelter opens at 11 a.m. today. If you’re looking to add a sweet new member to your family, now is the perfect time to visit.

📍 Location:
Prince William County Animal Shelter
14807 Bristow Road
Manassas, VA 20112

📞 Contact:
Visit pwcva.gov/department/animal-services for more information on adoption requirements and procedures.

Come meet your new best friend!

After six months of analysis, Prince William County has released its findings on the Fettler Park area in hopes of boosting the vital corridor in the Potomac District.

According to a press release on May 8, the county's Department of Economic Development and Tourism worked with outside firms Hunden Partners and Convergence Design to better understand the supply and demand in the area, the opportunities available in the corridor and what was needed to revitalize the area to create a Small Area Plan.

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WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Prince William County Parks is bringing back its popular "Fridays at 5" concert series for 2025. Starting this June, the series will feature five evenings of free live music, food trucks, and good vibes.

Held at Sean T. Connaughton Plaza in Woodbridge, the outdoor shows kick off at 5 p.m. and feature performances from local favorites like The Chocolate Factory Band, The Deloreans, and Whiskey Acolyte. DJ Moe Vibez spins between sets. Admission and parking are free.

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WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Prince William County is mourning the loss of one of its most respected business leaders. Demetrios “Dimitri” Boosalis, founder of Boosalis Properties and a lifelong supporter of local businesses, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2025.

Dimitri’s life was a true American success story. Born in the village of Niata, Greece, he arrived in the U.S. with just $20, no English, and a sixth-grade education. From those humble beginnings, he built Boosalis Properties into one of the largest independent commercial real estate companies in Woodbridge. The company owns and manages several landmark properties, including The Woodbridge Shopping Center and Station Plaza Shopping Center, both home to dozens of long-standing local businesses—many of which have remained tenants for more than 40 years.

In addition to his work in real estate, Dimitri was known for his leadership in the restaurant and hospitality industry, opening several popular spots over the years, including Georgetown Station, Demetri’s Restaurant, Hector’s, Chicken Fantastic, and Colonial Café.

One of his most impactful efforts came during the Route 1 and Occoquan Road widening projects in the 2010s. Dimitri helped protect dozens of family-owned businesses by working with state and local leaders to adjust road designs—efforts he led quietly, never seeking recognition.

Dimitri’s commitment to community ran even deeper during tough times. During economic downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic, he stood by his tenants, providing help when they needed it most. His office became a gathering place for people to share their appreciation for his unwavering kindness and support.

Always looking ahead, Dimitri was also the driving force behind the vision for Riverside Crossing, a proposed town center in Woodbridge designed to bring new life to the area for generations to come.

He is survived by his wife, Loula Boosalis, his daughter Eleni, and his son George Boosalis, who continues the family’s work through Boosalis Properties.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – The Prince William County Police Department has announced the completion of the criminal investigation into the fatal officer-involved shooting that happened on December 5, 2024, outside Fire & Rescue Station 26 on Davis Ford Road in Woodbridge.

According to a press release from the department, the investigation was conducted by the Northern Virginia regional Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), which is made up of investigators from multiple area agencies. Their findings were presented to Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth, who concluded that no criminal charges will be filed against the officer involved.

This incident made headlines last December when a man reportedly approached police officers outside the fire station armed with a knife and ignored multiple commands to drop the weapon. Officers ultimately shot the man, who later died at the hospital. No officers or bystanders were injured in the confrontation.

With the criminal review now complete, the department says an internal administrative review will begin. The Office of Professional Standards will examine the incident to ensure it complied with department policies. The department’s Use of Deadly Force Review Board will also conduct a final assessment to determine whether the officer’s actions were justified under agency guidelines.

The police department has provided additional information on its website about how critical incidents like this are investigated.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – A new 28,000-square-foot event venue in Manassas is preparing to open its doors to the community this weekend.

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