Hikers Rescued, Year's First Snow, Boy Stabbed, Housing Demand and Victim Shot Four Times But Survives

Patch has 31 sites in Virginia and Washington. Here are 13 of the top stories from around the region over the past year.

Hikers Rescued at Great Falls Park
Check out a picture of the rescue.

Police Chopper Searching for Suspect Discovers Something Else Dangerous
Check out infrared video of the discovery.

Manassas Park Homicide Victim Identified
It’s the first homicide in the small city in at least five years.

Police: Drunk Man Abducted, Beat Ex-Girlfriend for 2 Hours in Arlington
The alleged crimes happened in a car, in a garage and in the woman’s apartment before she was able to get help.

Victim Survives Four Gunshots in Falls Church Taco Bell Parking Lot
Falls Church police investigating incident.

Police: Boy, 12, Stabbed at Seven Corners Center
Boy was stabbed Thursday night while walking in Falls Church.

Annandale Man Charged with Assaulting a Police Officer
Suspect found dancing in the street on New Year’s Eve and was later arrested.

Fatal Shooting in Springfield Home
A 41-year-old woman was found dead in her home. Police are investigating it as a "suspicious death.”

First Snow of 2014
Photos from Alexandria’s start to the year — under three inches of snow.

New Year, New Water System for Fairfax City Residents
The City of Fairfax signed on the dotted line, completing the sale of its water system to Fairfax Water Thursday.

Relive the Roses: Watch the Westfield Band in the Rose Parade
The Chantilly high school band made history this week in Pasadena.

Fire in Centreville Causes $150,000 in Damage
Find out what caused this fire and how it was discovered.

Hot Iron Causes Thousands in Damages in Centreville Apartment Fire
Several senior residents had to be rescued.

Family of Fallen Police Officer Gather With Others for Tribute
Watch video of the vigil on the anniversary of his death.

Man Wanted in New Year’s Day Shooting in Manassas Area
Police found the victim injured on a sidewalk.

The Five Most Expensive McLean Homes Sold in December
How many million do you think the top house fetched?

In Wake of McDonnell Scandal, Transparency Bill Aims to Limit Gifts, Increase Disclosure
Should state and local officials be held to higher standards? See why one delegate says yes.

That’s A Lot of Bricks! New Home Demand to Surge in Fairfax County
Fairfax County needs how many new homes a month?!

Vienna’s Alegria Restaurant Making Changes
Local restaurant abandoning Mexican cuisine for a different menu.

Early Morning Armed Robbery at The State Theatre in Falls Church
Armed robbery that took place just before 7 a.m. New Year's Day.

Hundreds Turn Out for First ‘First Night Vienna’ on New Year’s Eve
Celebration was a big success with hundreds of residents enjoying music, food and fun.

Fairfax Resident, Independent to Challenge Gerry Connolly for Congress
Mark Gibson inspired to run because of “underperforming” Congress.

Date Set for Special Election to Fill Mark Herring's State Senate Seat
Voters will have three candidates to choose from.

Chantilly Business Robbed on Christmas Day
No injuries in armed robbery. Read a description of the suspect.

30,000 DC Guns To Be Registered, Owners Fingerprinted In 2014
DC police start the process, enacting a 2009 law.

New Falls Church Restaurant Opening Day Announced
A new burger spot is set to open, highlighting fresh ingredients.

Fire Truck Driver Cleared in Pedestrian Death
The victim was crossing a darkened, six-lane section of Warrenton Road when he was hit.