Manassas City Council members praised the Manassas City Police Department (MCPD) at its recent meeting for its resilience from leadership changes and efforts to reduce crime.

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The Prince William County Police Department is expressing gratitude to the community after another successful Polar Plunge event, which raised $130,000 for Special Olympics Virginia.

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Law enforcement and emergency responders in Prince William County, Stafford County, and the City of Manassas handled multiple incidents over the past several days, including a house fire that displaced a family in Woodbridge, two shooting investigations, drug-related arrests, and a series of disturbances and crimes.

Prince William County

House Fire Displaces Family in Woodbridge

On February 10 at approximately 8:30 p.m., fire crews responded to a house fire on the 3000 block of Fillmore Drive in Woodbridge. Flames broke out in the home’s laundry room, causing moderate damage. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, and no injuries were reported. The home was deemed unsafe for occupancy, and two adults and one child were displaced. The Red Cross is providing assistance. The Fire Marshal confirmed the fire started in the laundry room, though the cause remains under investigation.

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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

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Two men were injured in a shooting outside a bar in the 9000 block of Liberia Avenue on the evening of December 22, 2024. Manassas police responded to the scene shortly before 9 p.m. following reports of an altercation.

According to police, the incident began with a dispute inside the bar, which escalated and spilled into the parking lot. During the altercation, a suspect fired shots, striking two adult males. Both victims were transported to a local hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.

Authorities have not yet identified the individuals involved in the shooting or the establishment where the altercation began. Police have also not announced whether any charges have been filed in connection with the incident.

A heavy police presence was observed in the area as investigators worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Prince William County police are investigating an attempted sexual assault that occurred on Tuesday, December 10, at Nokesville Community Park, 12560 Aden Road, near Manassas. A woman was walking along a trail near Hickerson Lane around 9 a.m. when she was approached by a masked man who attempted to assault her. The victim fought back, and the suspect fled after a struggle. Another park visitor assisted the victim in contacting the police.

She was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Detectives have released a composite sketch of the suspect, described as a white or light-skinned male, approximately 5’9″, with an average build, brown eyes, and dark bushy eyebrows. He was last seen wearing dark clothing, including a long-sleeve dry-wicking shirt, sweatpants, and a ski mask exposing only his eyes.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them as the investigation continues.

Also, in Prince William County

• On December 11 at 9:06 PM, officers responded to Linton Hall Road near Devlin Road in Gainesville to investigate a road rage incident. A 27-year-old man reported that another driver brandished a firearm during the encounter before the parties separated. No shots were fired, and no injuries were reported. Officers are working to identify a potential suspect.
• On December 10 at 1:35 PM, officers investigated a road rage incident on Legend Glen Drive in Gainesville. A 41-year-old man stated that while stopped at a stop sign, another driver brandished a firearm before the parties separated. There were no shots fired, and no injuries were reported. Officers are following up on a potential suspect.
• On December 11 at 8:17 AM, officers responded to Anderson Court and Arkendale Street in Woodbridge for a report of indecent exposure. A 23-year-old woman reported seeing an unknown man expose himself and make inappropriate gestures while she was driving. The suspect, described as a Black male in his early to mid-30s, was not located.
• Later that morning, at 9:57 AM, the School Resource Officer at Patriot High School in Nokesville was notified of vandalism. Investigators discovered a swastika and other inappropriate images drawn on a classroom partition. The drawings did not contain any threats to students or staff, and no additional markings were reported.

Sheriff’s Office Names Suspect in Spotsylvania Shooting, Still at Large

The Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office has identified Jahvel Antonio Littleford, 18, of Spotsylvania as the suspect in a shooting that left a 22-year-old woman critically injured on December 4, 2024. Authorities have issued warrants for Littleford, who remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.

Deputies responded to the 8100 block of Cherry Tree Drive around 7 p.m. on the night of the shooting and found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was given immediate medical attention and transported to a nearby hospital, where she remains in critical but stable condition at last report.

The Sheriff’s Office has stated the incident does not appear to be random and urges anyone with information to call 800-928-5822 or 540-582-5822. Littleford is wanted for malicious wounding, use of a firearm in a felony, and vandalism.

Manassas police search for runaway

*Missing Juvenile* (1/2)

We are asking the public’s assistance in locating Consuelo Marisol Toruno Carcamo. She is a 15 year old Hispanic female, black hair, brown eyes, 5’3″ tall, and slender build. She was last seen in class at Osbourn High School. pic.twitter.com/VxqhPDrr8W

— Manassas City Police (@ManassasCityPD) December 12, 2024

Intoxicated Stafford Teen Arrested for Assault and Alcohol Violations

A 19-year-old Stafford man was arrested Wednesday, December 11, 2024, after a concerned citizen reported an assault in the Lake Carroll community near Fredericksburg. Deputies responded to Lake Shore Drive about 6:30 p.m., where the caller had observed a man assaulting a juvenile female.

Deputy S.C. Steinway located the pair and recognized them from a prior incident. Both showed signs of intoxication, though the male denied drinking. A search revealed he had four bottles of Fireball whiskey.

Ricardo Castro Ramirez is charged with assault and battery, public intoxication, unlawful possession of alcohol, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He is held on a $1,000 secured bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail. The juvenile was returned to her home, where her mother assured deputies she would face strict consequences, said police.

The sheriff’s office would not provide the victim’s age.

Also, in Stafford County:

• Truslow Road, 12/11, 2:17 a.m.
  Sergeant J.T. Forman and Deputy I.E. Baldi responded to an automatic crash notification. Upon arrival, they found a Toyota and its driver, who admitted to taking a turn “too fast.” During the interaction, deputies observed signs of intoxication. The driver admitted to consuming two beers before driving and revealed a bottle of alcohol hidden in the bottom of his pant leg. He was charged with driving under the influence and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
• Quarry Road, 12/11, 5:43 p.m.
  Deputy J.J. Holetzky responded to a single-vehicle auto accident involving a minivan that had crashed off the roadway. The driver showed signs of intoxication and admitted to consuming a tall beer before heading to a job interview at a winery. Although the outcome of her interview is unknown, she may be late to her first day. The driver was charged with driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content above .2 and reckless driving. She was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
• 7-Eleven, 2998 Richmond Highway, 12/11, 9:37 p.m.
  Deputy K.F. Bierfeldt responded to a report of an unknown problem. A caller reported a man slumped over the steering wheel of a Ford. Upon contact, the driver showed strong signs of intoxication and initially admitted to consuming “six to seven” alcoholic drinks, later changing his story to “six to seven waters.” The driver was found to have a suspended license and no insurance. He was charged with driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content between .15 and .2, driving with a suspended license, and driving without insurance. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
• Fraud — Overlook Court, 12/11, 7:13 p.m.
  Deputy K.P. Hall responded to a fraud report. The victim explained she had received a popup ad on her computer from someone claiming to represent McAfee Antivirus. She called the provided number, allowing the suspect to remotely access her computer and banking information.
• Larceny — Target, 1090 Stafford Market Place, 12/11, 12:42 p.m.Deputy J.S. Torres responded to a shoplifting in progress. Staff reported a female suspect stuffing her bag with merchandise. After stopping at Starbucks, the suspect attempted to leave but was intercepted by Deputy Torres. Over $220 worth of items were recovered. The suspect was charged with shoplifting and released on personal recognizance.

Press release:

It is with great sadness that the Manassas City Police Department announces the passing of former Chief of Police John Skinner. Chief Skinner dedicated his life to Law Enforcement with over 37 years of service across all levels, from the line officer to the Chief of Police. He began his career in 1974 with the United States Secret Service Uniform Division.

In 1975, he moved to the City of Fairfax Police Department starting as an officer. He moved through various positions and ranks eventually being selected as Chief of Police in 1993 where he served until his 1st retirement in 1998.

In 1998, Chief Skinner accepted the role as our Chief of Police for the Manassas City Police Department, which he held until his 2nd retirement in 2010. Chief Skinner led our agency through a professional age of policing, a highlight was bringing an enhanced accreditation standard to our department through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA).

“Chief Skinner implemented a high standard and expectation of professionalism. He had the vision to pursue] Accreditation (CALEA) that greatly improved our operations with updated policies, accountability, and professional standing,” said current Manassas City Police Department Chief Douglas W. Keen Chief Skinner’s positive impact on the community is immeasurable. On behalf of all current and retired members of the Manassas City Police Department, we thank Chief Skinner for his leadership and service.

Rest easy Chief, your legacy lives on through us.

With the return of the city’s safe exchange zone at the Manassas City Police Department, residents of Manassas now have a designated safe space to conduct online purchases and child custody exchanges.

Located behind the Public Safety Facility at 9608 Grant Ave., the zone is marked and offers a secure environment for community members to meet.

City Spokeswoman Lisa Otten clarified the exchange zone’s history, noting it wasn’t removed but relocated to the police department’s new facility in the winter of 2022.

“This is a great area for residents who wish to meet each other and exchange items which have been bought or sold using online sites, or domestic child custody exchanges,” Otten said.

While officers do not monitor exchanges, the area’s proximity to the police department gives residents an added sense of security.

The return of the safe exchange zone reflects a growing need for secure public spaces to facilitate online transactions and sensitive custody exchanges. Communities nationwide have embraced similar zones as a preventive measure against fraud, theft, and disputes.

Residents are encouraged to use the safe exchange zone whenever possible. Its location behind the Public Safety Facility ensures convenient access while maintaining privacy for those conducting exchanges.

For more information about the safe exchange zone, visit the Manassas City Police Department website.