Spotsylvania - Potomac Local News

VDOT: Overnight Lane Closures Set for Route 1 at Falmouth Bridge, Plus Chatham Bridge Sidewalk Closure

Published December 12, 2025 at 10:58AM

Photo: VDOT

“Scheduled lane closures for road work in the Fredericksburg, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula areas, weather permitting. For updated information, check 511Virginia,” Virginia Department of Transportation announced. “Sunday – Thursday, 10 p.m.-6 a.m. Alternating lane closures on Route 1 northbound and southbound at the bridge over the Rappahannock River for pothole patching and spot concrete repairs.”

“A portion of Route 644 (Rock Hill Church Road) at Aquia Creek in Stafford County will close starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, through the morning of Monday, Dec. 22, for the removal of several trees, ahead of an upcoming project,” Virginia Department of Transportation stated. “Through traffic will be detoured during the road closure.”

Driver Killed in Early Morning Crash on Courthouse Road

By Potomac Local News

Published December 10, 2025 at 8:36AM

[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

Deputies arrived around 4:20 a.m. to find a 2008 Nissan Titan that had veered off the roadway and struck a tree. Investigators believe the vehicle initially left the right side of the road, crossed back over, and then hit the tree. The driver, Saul Amaya Argueta, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate the incident.

Spotsylvania to Add Weapons Detection Systems to All Seven Middle Schools

By Potomac Local News

Published December 10, 2025 at 8:31AM

“On Monday night, the board voted to purchase Evolv weapons detection systems for the county’s seven middle schools,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “The action was part of the consent agenda — a list of items typically approved wholesale without discussion. The board voted 4-0 to approve the $1 million purchase, with board members April Gillespie and Lisa Phelps absent for the final meeting of their tenures.”

The division previously installed Evolv scanners at all five high schools, along with the Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center and the John J. Wright Educational and Cultural Center. The expansion follows heightened security measures this fall after a shooting involving juveniles and threats made against school leaders.

Spotsylvania Schools Dismiss Early as VDOT Tracks Changing Road Conditions

By Potomac Local News

Published December 8, 2025 at 2:58PM

Spotsylvania County Public Schools announced a two-hour early release Monday as light snow continued across portions of the region, prompting a full mobilization of Virginia Department of Transportation crews.

The National Weather Service reported that while snow has been breaking apart north of Fredericksburg, it continues to hold together in a band stretching from Harrisonburg to the Fredericksburg area. Higher elevations and the southwestern corner of Spotsylvania County have seen the most persistent snowfall, though warm pavement temperatures kept major routes mostly wet rather than snow-covered.

Hydroplaning named as cause of I-95 in Spotsylvania crash

By Potomac Local News

Published December 4, 2025 at 11:49AM

Three people were hurt in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 in Spotsylvania County on the morning of December 2. The crash happened around 8:54 a.m. on the southbound side of the highway near the 120-mile marker, according to Virginia State Police.

Investigators say the crash started when a Nissan Kicks hydroplaned on wet pavement and struck a guardrail. The Kicks then spun out and collided with a Toyota Highlander, which was subsequently hit by a tractor-trailer.

State Police Confirm Active Investigation Into Spotsylvania Deputy

By Potomac Local News

Published December 4, 2025 at 8:23AM

“The criminal investigation into Otero is ‘an active and open investigation,’” FXBG Advance reported. “She said she was unable to provide more information about the investigation ‘at this time.’”

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Spotsylvania County Sheriff to Retire, Endorses Myrick for 2028 Election

By Potomac Local News

Published December 2, 2025 at 7:58PM

“After 56 years in law enforcement—and 13 years serving as your Sheriff—I will be retiring at the end of my current term. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve the citizens of Spotsylvania County and to work alongside the dedicated men and women of this office,” Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office announced. “As I look toward the future of our agency and our community, I am proud to endorse Lieutenant Colonel Delbert Myrick as the next Sheriff of Spotsylvania County in the 2028 election. His leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public service make him the right choice to continue moving this office forward.”

“Lieutenant Colonel Myrick began his law enforcement career in 2002. Since that time, he has earned a Master’s Degree, graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy, and completed the National Tactical Officers Command College.”

Multi-vehicle crash involving tractor-trailer shuts down I-95 in Spotsylvania

By Potomac Local News

Published December 2, 2025 at 1:02PM | Updated December 2, 2025 at 2:20PM

A crash involving four vehicles — including a tractor-trailer — shut down all southbound lanes of Interstate 95 in Spotsylvania County on Tuesday morning, causing major traffic delays.

According to the Virginia State Police, the crash happened around 8:54 a.m. at mile marker 120. Investigators say the incident began when an unknown white pickup truck bumped into a Nissan Kicks, causing it to hit a guardrail, spin out, and strike a Toyota Highlander. The Highlander was then hit by a tractor-trailer.

Teens Charged in Multi-Jurisdiction Crime Spree That Ended in Spotsylvania Arrest

By Potomac Local News

Published November 24, 2025 at 1:33PM

[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

Deputies responding to a 3:30 a.m. alarm at Hall Precision and Gun Smithing found evidence of an attempted break-in. Surveillance showed four suspects trying to force open a door before fleeing when the alarm sounded. Soon after, Fredericksburg Police reported a similar burglary involving the same suspects. The vehicle they used was later found to have been stolen from Prince William County.

By 8 a.m., a sharp-eyed school bus driver spotted four masked individuals near BJ’s Wholesale Club off Plank Road. Deputies responded, chased the teens on foot, and took them into custody. All were wearing clothes matching those seen in surveillance footage.

“Monster on the Bus”: Spotsy Attendant Gets 48 Years

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 21, 2025 at 7:23PM

Velasquez Velasco

A former Spotsylvania County Public Schools bus attendant who sexually abused young, non-verbal special-needs children on his daily route was sentenced Friday to a total of 201 years in prison, with 48 years to serve.

Miguel Angel Velasquez-Velasco, 23, pleaded guilty in September to 13 felony and misdemeanor offenses, including aggravated sexual battery and custodial indecent liberties, for assaults that prosecutors say took place on a school bus carrying children ages four to eight.