Prince William police: “Possession of a Firearm on School Grounds – On November 18 at 5:32PM, officers assigned to an off-duty security detail for a non-school related football game on the grounds of Potomac High School, 3401 Panther Pride Dr. in Dumfries (22026), were notified of a man in possession of firearm. The investigation revealed while event security personnel were checking bags at the entrance of the football stadium, they located a firearm in the bag of a man, identified as the accused, and refused to let him enter the stadium area.”

“Event security then notified police who observed the accused get into a vehicle and being to leave the parking lot. Officers conducted a vehicle stop on Panther Pride Dr. where officers observed a firearm inside the vehicle and the accused was detained without incident. While investigating the incident, officers located two additional firearms inside the vehicle. Officers determined at no point were any of the firearms brandished or used to threaten anyone on the school grounds. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Albert Trayvon SMITH, was arrested.”


Prince William Police Department: Fraud Investigation – “On November 16 at 1:51 p.m., officers responded to investigate a scam that was reported to have occurred to a resident located in the 16000 block of Fairway Drive in Dumfries earlier that morning around 9:30 a.m.”

“The investigation revealed the victim, a 65-year-old woman, gave a large amount of money under the false pretenses of helping a family member who was allegedly involved in a vehicle crash. The victim reportedly received a phone call and spoke to different individuals who claimed to be the family member involved in the crash, a police officer, and a public defender.”


Prince William County Public Schools: “In a new program created by the Town of Haymarket, 13 Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) middle school students participated in the Haymarket Youth in Government Program, giving them an up-close learning experience in government operations that exposed them to career opportunities and workplace skills.”

The following PWCS middle school students participated in the Haymarket Youth in Government Program:


Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation: “Virginia State Parks will host the annual #OptOutside event to encourage people to take a break from indoor activities and opt to spend time outdoors instead. The campaign will run from Nov. 24 through Nov. 26 at all Virginia State Park locations.”

“Park guests of all ages can indulge in self-guided and ranger-led activities to create Thanksgiving memories. Guests are encouraged to hike, bike or star watch and experience nature while enjoying one of Virginia’s forty-two state parks.”


Volunteer Prince William is working hard on Untrim a Tree, which provides gifts for children attending Title I schools in the community, along with Senior Baskets for homebound senior citizens.

Last year over 3,500 children got gifts for Christmas and over 500 Senior Baskets were donated! We anticipate the need will be just as great this year, and you can help! Individuals, groups, clubs, families, etc. can come together to make Christmas possible for everyone! New location this year: Prince William County Fairgrounds, donation drop-off dates are December 10 (9am-8pm), or December 11-12 (12pm-8pm).


Prince William Public Libraries: “Prince William Public Libraries will temporarily close Lake Ridge Library beginning November 20 for renovations.

“The renovations are expected to last six weeks and will include multiple enhancements and upgrades to provide a versatile, inviting space for visitors. Planned renovations include:”


Virginia State Police: “At 5:08 a.m. Sunday (Nov. 19, 2023), Virginia State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash in Prince William County. A tractor-trailer and an Infiniti collided in the southbound lanes of I-95 at the 156-mile marker. The tractor-trailer struck the pillar supporting the flyover ramp, which caused the trailer to rip open and lose its contents.”

“While the driver of the sedan was being treated by EMS at the scene, he left the ambulance and fled the scene on foot. State police is continuing its efforts to locate the driver. Anyone with information about the individual is encouraged to contact the Virginia State Police at 804-750-8798 or by email at [email protected].”


Prince William County Government: “PWC government offices, including courts and Prince William Public Libraries, will be closed Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 in observance of Thanksgiving. The PWC Landfill and the Balls Ford Road Composting Facility will be closed Nov. 23 only. For library closures: https://www.pwcva.gov/department/library/branch-locations-hours


Prince William County Public Schools: “There is no school for students on Wednesday, November 22. All PWCS schools and offices will be closed on Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24 in observance of Thanksgiving.”

Stafford County Public Schools: “Thanksgiving Break begins on Wednesday, November 22. If you or someone you know might be experiencing food insecurity over break, please visit our website at http://staffordschools.net to access a list of local food assistance organizations in Stafford County.”


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