A public service announcement from the Prince William police:

Chief Barry Barnard of the Prince William County Police Department will host a “Conversation with the Chief” on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at Potomac View Elementary School located at 14601 Lamar Road in Woodbridge beginning at 7:00PM. We would like to extend an invitation to those who live in the community and the surrounding area to come out, meet the Chief, and engage in conversation. Chief Barnard will personally answer questions and discuss any topics of concern from residents. This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to get to know their Police Department and ask questions directly to the Chief and other police staff. Members from the Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit and recruiters will also be on hand to answer questions and provide useful information regarding safety tips, neighborhood watches, and recruitment. The Chief plans to hold additional community engagement conversations at other locations across Prince William County this year. We look forward to seeing you and having a productive discussion.


From the Prince William police report:

Malicious Wounding | Attempted Armed Robbery *ARREST – On February 23, members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force arrested Christopher John COWARD at a residence in Fairfax. The accused was wanted for multiple charges related to an attempted armed robbery in the 1600 block of Florida Ave in Woodbridge on September 5.


If you are a caregiver, this might sound familiar. You want to do meaningful activities with the senior in your life, but things get in the way. You get tired, or you don’t know if the senior in your care will like your suggestions. But seniors, like anyone else, sometimes need ideas or encouragement to take part in activities. The key is to get to know your senior and then simplify the process. You can opt for short activities that are meaningful but also support your senior’s cognitive and physical health. Here are some options for 15-minute activities designed to enhance quality of life.

Singing – Not only does song sooth the soul, it’s a great way to exercise the vocal cords, bring back memories of a different time, practice word recall and create a bond. Even if you don’t know all the words, hum along. Or ask the senior in your life to teach you the song. Out of tune? No worries. This is not a concert. It’s fifteen minutes of fun.


Law Enforcement Involved Shooting *UPDATE – The suspect shot by a member of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task earlier this morning, February 23, has died. The suspect involved, identified as Mario Dantoni BASS, 37, was sought by Prince William County police on 11 active warrants, most recently in connection to a domestic-related abduction that was reported to police by the victim on February 15. Additional warrants for this suspect, including felony grand larceny auto, identity theft, and various traffic violations, date as far back as September 2015.

Today, the Task Force attempted to locate the suspect after information was received that lead to the Days Inn in Dumfries where the suspect was allegedly staying. Upon making contact at the room, the suspect broke through an upper floor window and fled before encountering a member of the Task Force at the rear of the hotel. During a physical altercation, the suspect was shot in the upper body. No other injuries were reported.


WOODBRIDGE — A two-inch piece of PVC pipe burst, spewing water down three of four floors at the Woodbridge Campus of Northern Virginia College.

The Jan. 24 flood displaced 855 classes on campus, affecting some 10,000 students from the day it happened on Wednesday, Jan. 24 until students returned to the campus on Tuesday, Feb. 12.


RICHMOND – A Senate committee Thursday unanimously approved a bill to prohibit “lunch shaming” – the practice of singling out students who owe the school cafeteria money or cannot pay for their lunch.

The Senate Education and Health Committee voted 15-0 in favor of House Bill 50, which would bar schools from giving students a hand stamp or wristband when their lunch account is empty, or ask students to do chores or throw away their meal if they cannot pay. The bill specifies that any concerns regarding students’ lunch debt must be taken up directly with their parents or guardians.


Traffic congestion and enforcement is a growing problem in Prince William County.

As the population continues to increase, so do the number of fatal car crashes. There were 26 fatal crashes in the county in 2016, a whopping 145% increase over the prior year.


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