Woodbridge – Page 32 – Potomac Local News

Published February 26, 2024 at 7:45AM | Updated February 28, 2024 at 11:56AM

On Saturday, February 24, 2024, emergency responders rushed to the scene of a house fire in the 15000 block of Michigan Road in Woodbridge. Around 8:59 p.m., the incident prompted a swift and coordinated response from local fire departments.

According to initial reports from Prince William County Fire and Rescue Lt. Matt Smolksy, the fire was discovered by one of the occupants, who detected the smell of smoke emanating from the residence. Acting quickly, the individual investigated further and observed flames emerging from the side of the structure.

Prince William

Prince William police report: Shots fired, burglaries, arrests

By Potomac Local News

Published February 22, 2024 at 2:50PM | Updated February 23, 2024 at 6:54AM

Rape Investigation Leads to Arrest

A suspect sought in connection with a sexual assault reported in the Woodbridge area of Prince William County has been apprehended. The incident, which occurred on November 26, 2023, prompted an extensive investigation by the Prince William County Police.

Prince William

A decade later, Coca-Romero murder remains a cold case

By Potomac Local News

Published February 21, 2024 at 3:00PM

Coca-Romero

The FBI Washington Field Office and Prince William County Police Department are renewing their efforts to gather information regarding the murder of G. Marisol Coca-Romero, who was fatally shot a decade ago at a convenience store in Woodbridge.

On this day in 2014, three unidentified men entered the store where Coca-Romero and her co-worker were working and opened fire, resulting in her death. Her co-worker was also injured in the incident and was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.

Features

Annual Polar Plunge raises $140,000 for Special Olympics Virginia at Leesylvania State Park

By Potomac Local News

Published February 20, 2024 at 9:30AM | Updated February 20, 2024 at 11:14AM

Polar plungers take a dip in the Potomac River at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. [Photo: Mike Beaty]

Special Olympics Virginia spokeswoman Holly Claytor shared that the event saw participation from more than 280 plungers alongside approximately 400 spectators. In total, an impressive $140,000 was raised to support the cause.

Although adverse weather conditions prevented the scheduled 5K race, attendees still enjoyed various activities and amenities. A food truck offered sustenance, while Starbucks provided complimentary hot drinks and Wawa supplied snacks. Additionally, numerous exhibitors were present, offering diverse goods and services. Attendees could also indulge in the classic treat of s’mores.

Originals

Prince William County Advances Route 1 Corridor Improvement Projects

By Potomac Local News

Published February 19, 2024 at 8:00AM | Updated February 20, 2024 at 4:34PM

Route 1 widening project in Woodbridge [Photo provided by Prince William County Government]

Rick Canizales, the county’s Director of Transportation, outlined the scope of the improvements during a recent briefing. “We are focused on transforming Route 1 into a more efficient and safer corridor for all users, including motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. This includes widening portions of the road, upgrading traffic signals, and adding pedestrian crosswalks and sidewalks,” Canizales explained.

Among the notable projects is the widening of Route 1 from Featherstone Road to Mary’s Way, which has been underway for several years and aims to alleviate congestion along this busy section. New pedestrian crosswalks and upgraded traffic signals are also being introduced to enhance safety and accessibility for non-motorized road users.

Prince William

Police report: Axe attack unleashes chaos near Manassas

By Potomac Local News

Published February 16, 2024 at 2:30PM

On February 15 at 8:05PM, police responded to a residence on Scotch Ct. in Woodbridge following reports of shots fired. Investigation revealed two unidentified males fired rounds at a home before fleeing. No injuries were reported. Suspects described as black males, one wearing a white jacket and the other dressed in all black.

Assault with an Axe near Manassas

Originals

Caruthers properties withdraws Belmont Bay rezoning application, ending plans for 1,400 new homes

By Potomac Local News

Published February 15, 2024 at 7:36PM | Updated February 25, 2024 at 8:22AM

Route 1 and 123 in Woodbridge, the site of a proposed bridge.

Caruthers Properties withdrew its rezoning application, effectively concluding the developer’s effort to construct 1,400 new housing units at Belmont Bay, located in Woodbridge.

The Board of Concerned Citizens United welcomed the news for Belmont Bay, with President KP Lau expressing gratitude for the decision. “Personally, I would like to express my appreciation to the Caruthers for this momentous action. I believe it is appropriate at this juncture to take stock on where we are and what the future will hold for Belmont Bay,” said Lau.

Prince William

Police report: Suspect arrested in connection to 2023 stabbing in Dale City

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 15, 2024 at 2:00PM | Updated February 15, 2024 at 3:01PM

After nearly a year of investigation, law enforcement officers have apprehended the suspect in connection to a stabbing incident that occurred in Dale City on March 4, 2023. Robert Dejell Rufus Jackson, 43, of 13206 Haddock Rd. in Dale City, was taken into custody by Alexandria City police on January 24, 2024.

The incident, which occurred at a residence in the 13700 block of Greenwood Drive near Minnieville Elementary School, left a 41-year-old man with multiple stab wounds. Authorities were alerted to the situation at 4:32 a.m. when a caller reported finding the front door of the residence ajar. Upon entering, they discovered the victim suffering from severe injuries.

Prince William

Prince William County Public Schools secures grant to cultivate local teachers

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 15, 2024 at 12:00PM | Updated August 13, 2024 at 6:23PM

Dr. Lisa Coons, VDOE state superintendent, and Dr. LaTanya McDade, Prince William County Public Schools superintendent (right) visit Leesylvania Elementary School in Woodbridge. [Photo: Coons' X account]

With cumulative grants to school divisions totaling $1.52 million, PWCS, in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), is set to establish registered teacher apprenticeship programs aimed at alleviating teacher recruitment challenges and fostering a robust talent pool within the community.

Expressing enthusiasm for the initiative, Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons stated, “I am proud to continue our commitment to helping school divisions find ways to put exceptional people from their own communities in their local classrooms.” Coons emphasized the pressing need for innovative approaches in addressing teacher shortages and highlighted the collaborative efforts with the National Center for Grow Your Own to tailor effective apprenticeship programs to local contexts.

Prince William

Police report: Arrest made in Woodbridge shooting

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 14, 2024 at 3:58PM

Aggravated Malicious Wounding Arrest:

Michael Carlos DUNCAN, aged 43 and a resident of Woodbridge, was apprehended on February 8. He faces charges including abduction, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and aggravated malicious wounding. Duncan’s arrest stems from an incident on October 16, 2023, when a shooting occurred outside a residence on Earlham Ct. in Woodbridge. Montgomery County police assisted in locating and apprehending Duncan, who is slated for a court appearance on April 30, 2024. Previously, Michael Carlos DUNCAN was identified as the suspect in connection to a shooting incident that took place on October 16, 2023, in Woodbridge. During the incident, a 39-year-old man sustained a non-life-threatening injury. The investigation into this matter is ongoing.