Police Blotter: Burglary at Tobacco Shop, Warrant Service Leads to Three Arrests, and Increased Police Presence in Manassas

Stafford County Sheriff's Office

Warrant Service Leads to Three Arrests

• Olympic Drive, 2/4, 9:02 p.m. – A warrant service escalated when a suspect and two others attempted to flee law enforcement. Deputies arrived to serve multiple felony identity fraud warrants on Rehela Lacatus, 31, and observed her inside the residence. As deputies announced themselves, Lacatus and two others attempted to escape through the backyard but were quickly apprehended. The three—a 26-year-old female, a 28-year-old male, and Lacatus—were charged with obstruction of justice and are being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond. Lacatus was additionally served on her outstanding warrants. A separate warrant for obstruction was issued for another female who obstructed the investigation at the front door but has not yet been served.

Fraud

• Truslow Road, 2/4, 1:36 p.m. – A resident received a call from an individual claiming to be "Simon" from Microsoft's Security Department. Simon falsely stated that the victim’s account had been hacked and instructed him to deposit money into another bank account to resolve the issue. The victim’s bank teller recognized the scam and advised against complying.
• Whitsons Run, 2/4, 7:05 p.m. – A resident received a call from "Albert," who claimed to be from her bank’s Fraud Department. Albert falsely reported that the victim’s account had been compromised and directed her to transfer money into an account under his control.

Larceny

• Home Depot, 305 Worth Avenue, 2/4, 11:13 a.m. – Two unidentified suspects wearing hoodies stole a saw valued at nearly $450 from the store.

Swatting

• Julian Drive, 2/4, 2:42 p.m. – Deputies responded to a report of a shooting in which the caller claimed he had shot his juvenile brother and was suicidal. Due to inconsistencies in the caller’s statements, deputies approached the situation cautiously. Upon arrival, they confirmed there was no emergency and determined the call was a hoax.

Vandalism

• Boxelder Drive, 2/4, 3:56 p.m. – A suspect became enraged after a family member discarded his "green leafy items" and retaliated by throwing a rock through her window. Deputies charged the suspect with felony destruction of property. He was later released on personal recognizance.

Prince William County Police Department

Commercial Burglary

• Tobacco King and Vape, 4315 Dale Blvd., 2/5, 4:03 a.m. – Officers responded to a burglary in which a masked suspect broke the front glass door with an object and stole merchandise before fleeing in a vehicle.

Strong-Arm Robbery

• Molinari Juvenile Shelter, 8642 Wellington Rd., 1/25, 9:25 p.m. – Three juvenile residents assaulted a staff member and took his keys before fleeing the facility. No injuries were reported. Following an investigation, the three juveniles—ages 13, 16, and 17—were charged with robbery and conspiracy to commit theft and are being held at the Juvenile Detention Center.

Assault & Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer

• 17100 block of Old Stage Rd., Dumfries, 2/5, 3:04 a.m. – Officers encountered Saria Andora Wilson, 25, a wanted individual. When they attempted to detain her, she pushed an officer and provided false identification. She was arrested and charged with assault & battery on a law enforcement officer, false identification, and obstruction of justice. She is being held without bond.

Manassas City Police Department

Increased Police Presence – No Threat to Public

• Pristine Ct. & Hood Rd., 2/4, 8:47 p.m. – Police responded to an ongoing investigation at a single residence in the area, resulting in increased law enforcement presence. Authorities advised residents to avoid the area as traffic was impacted. The incident has concluded, and officers have cleared the scene. Police have confirmed there is no threat to the public but have not released further details.

Contact Information

• Stafford County Sheriff's Office: (540) 658-4450
• Prince William County Police Department Tip Line: (703) 792-7000 or submit a web tip at pwcva.gov/policetip
• Manassas City Police Department: (703) 257-8000