Top 2018 Kingstowne Stories: St. James Opens, Top Cheap Eat

KINGSTOWNE, VA—As we wrap up 2018, we're taking a look back on the most-read stories on Kingstowne-Rose Hill Patch. From a major sports complex opening to higher non-rider parking fees at Metro, there was a variety of news readers followed. There were also a few major police incidents, including a tragic accident at an elementary school and the motel barricade suspect on the loose in Rose Hill.

Here are the top stories around Kingstowne-Rose Hill over the last calendar year:

Fairfax County Music Teacher Accused Of Sex Crimes Against Kids

A Fairfax County Public Schools music teacher is facing charges for sex offenses against children, the Hanover County Sheriff's Office announced. Pick was a music teacher at Cameron Elementary School in the Rose Hill area and was music director at Woodbridge's St. Paul United Methodist Church. His website also indicates he did private lessons in his or students' homes.

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Snake Escapes In Science Lab At Hayfield: Police

A large snake snuck its way out of an enclosure in a science lab at Hayfield Secondary School. Animal Protection Police Officer Siobhan Chase responded on scene to get the snake safely back in the enclosure.

St. James Sports And Entertainment Complex Opens

The St. James, a massive sports and entertainment complex, opened in September. Located on a 20-acre campus in Springfield, the 450,000-square-foot facility offers a wide variety of sports and wellness venues, programs and services, entertainment and more.

Family Of Boy Killed At Franconia School To Sue: Report

The family of the third-grader who died in an accident inside Franconia Elementary School plans to sue Fairfax County Public Schools.

• Boy Crushed To Death In Freak School Accident: Police
• Memorial Service Held For Boy Killed At Franconia School

Black Friday Heist Leads To Car Crash In Springfield

While Black Friday was a chaotic time inside the malls, one incident turned dangerous outside Springfield Town Center on Nov. 23. Four people fleeing the Victoria's Secret with merchandise reportedly crashed into another car.

Twin Girls And Dad Injured By Fallen Tree In Rose Hill

Two twin girls were playing in the backyard with their dad when a tree struck all three of them. The family faced ongoing medical expenses for their injuries.

Springfield Restaurant Ranked A Top Cheap Eat Of The Year

Dera Restaurant, offering Pakistani favorites at 7030 Spring Garden Drive, was ranked among Baltimore-Washington region restaurants by food critic Tim Carman.

Barricade Suspect May Have Broken Into Rose Hill Home: Police

The man who barricaded himself in the Virginia Lodge Motel and escaped is suspected of breaking into a Rose Hill home and stealing a car. Police have arrested Alton Thodos, 32, since the incident.

• Virginia Lodge Motel Barricade: Man Escapes, Search Underway
• Motel Barricade Suspect Arrested After Chase Through Region

Fairfax Supervisor Fights $8.95 Franconia Parking Fee

In February, Metro introduced pilot program of charging non-riders higher parking rates and fees on Saturdays at stations for those parking but not using the Metro system. Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay called on Metro to exempt Franconia-Springfield from the change, which charges non-riders $8.95.

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