Several Manassas police officers were recognized for bravery at a recent ceremony on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024.

From Manassas police :

On January 14, 2024, Officers responded to the Brentwood Apartments area for a possible shooting. Once on scene, Officers located a subject suffering from gunshot wounds.
The subject was rapidly losing blood and consciousness. Officer Stadtman provided Officer Ricapito with a tourniquet.

Officer Rios held the subject still and applied pressure to the wounds while Officer Ricapito applied a tourniquet to one of the subject’s limbs. Officer Siemek continued to speak with the victim and tried to keep him from losing consciousness while the Officers awaited an ambulance.

At this point, the Officers on the scene had no knowledge of what had occurred, so there was a possibility the shooter was still nearby. Officer Stadtman approached the scene with his rifle and established a safety perimeter around the Officers.

While maintaining security, Officer Stadtman interacted with the nearby citizens to gather dynamic intelligence while directing traffic around the crime scene to maintain the integrity of the crime scene. The incident occurred in the early evening, and the victim was next to an intersection that needed to be closed to preserve evidence.

These variables added to the chaotic nature of the scene. Together, Officer Ricapito and Officer Rios applied bandages and wrapped the victim’s leg.

Rescue personnel arrived and took over lifesaving measures. The victim was ultimately transported to Fairfax Hospital and survived the incident.

The quick actions of the above-named Officers led to the victim’s survival of the incident. Without the exceptional teamwork and performances of the involved employees, the victim would likely not have survived.

On August 1, 2023, at [7 p.m.] officers responded to the report of a shooting in progress near Taney Rd and Hood Rd. Sergeant Casteline was one of the first on the scene and immediately started directing incoming officers.

Officers located a sizeable crime scene that spanned Taney Rd. from Hood Rd to Hampton Rd. The preliminary investigation revealed that over twenty rounds had been fired between multiple suspects.

Multiple cars had been struck and one residence. At 2206hrs officers were once again dispatched to 9370 Taney Rd for a shooting in progress.

Sergeant Casteline and Officers Barrett, Stanikzai, Curry, Bowden, G, and Rios were first on the scene. One officer secured the main level while the other officers located the victim, a 19-year-old male, who had an apparent gunshot wound in the neck.

The officers did not know where the shooter was but recognized the severity of the injury and they immediately started rendering aid using their Tactical Emergency Casualty Care kit.
MPO Curry grabbed a towel to apply pressure and stanch the bleeding. MPO Barrett utilized the TECC kit and provided MPO Curry with a medical bandage to further stop the bleeding because the towel was insufficient, while SPO Stanikzai elevated the victim’s legs in a passive leg raise to keep the blood flowing to the victim’s heart and prevent shock.

SPO Bowden, Ofc G, and Sergeant Casteline set up a protective corridor allowing for rescue to take over medical treatment. Outside the residence officers and supervisors worked together to protect the crime scene and manage unruly spectators and involved parties.
The victim sustained a serious injury that required multiple surgeries and survived.”

On July 26, 2023, at [12:21 a.m.] officers responded to the report of a suicidal subject on the top of the parking garage. Officers located the person in crisis (PIC) and he was seated against the wall twirling a razor blade.

MPO Barrett immediately started to speak with the person in crisis from a reasonable and safe distance while Officers Diaz, Rios, and Koncen provided cover. During the twenty minutes that MPO Barrett attempted to establish a rapport, it was evident that PIC would not engage officers.

He would not speak to officers or respond in any way. He would only stare at the razor blade and twirl it in his fingers.

A tactical plan was devised in the event it became necessary to forcibly subdue the PIC to initiate an Emergency Custody Order. While MPO Barrett was speaking to the PIC the PIC looked up at the officers and started to cut his right wrist.

SPO Koncen who already had his Taser concealed, and at the ready, was able to quickly shoot the PIC with Taser probes incapacitating him allowing MPO Barrett and Officers Diaz and Rios to remove the razor and handcuff the PIC. When the subject began to harm himself with the razor officers risked their own safety to save his life.”

On the night of December 14, 2023, Master Detective Petitt was driving home in her personal vehicle after completing her shift as the evening detective. While traveling on 1-66 at Winchester Rd., Detective Petitt observed a vehicle abruptly and aggressively drive across several lanes.

Detective Petitt soon understood why when she observed a vehicle facing the opposite direction of traffic with no headlights and the air bags deployed. Detective Petitt quickly pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway to render aid.

Meanwhile, several vehicles, to include semitrucks, were approaching the citizen vehicle at high rates of speed. Detective Petitt approached the vehicle and observed that there was one male occupant in the driver’s seat.

Detective Petitt quickly took note that the driver appeared confused and dazed. Detective Petitt tried several times to get the driver out of the vehicle.

She had to explain to him that they were in danger of being hit and that they were facing oncoming traffic. Just as Detective Petitt got the citizen out of the vehicle, a semi-truck was observed rapidly approaching them.

The semi-truck narrowly missed the citizen vehicle and Detective Petitt’s personal vehicle. Safely away from oncoming traffic, Detective Petitt was able to call 911 and relay the location of the accident.

Meanwhile, she was able to gain information from the citizen in which he stated that he had fallen asleep. While waiting for police arrival, two off-duty firefighters were able to assist and use their trucks as barriers for the vehicles from oncoming traffic.

Once police arrived, Detective Petitt provided them with all of the information she observed. It was later learned that the driver was arrested for DUI.

When most people might have driven by and gone home after a long day, Detective Petitt chose to put herself in harm’s way to ensure that a citizen would get to safety. Due to these actions, I believe that Detective Petitt displayed heroic actions on that day and should be awarded with the Medal of Valor.

Following concerns over underage drinking and unregulated alcohol consumption, the Manassas City Council has implemented a new policy to limit the number of events held downtown. The decision, discussed at the October 21 council meeting, aims to reduce the strain on city resources and improve public safety, particularly for the popular First Friday gatherings in Downtown Manassas.

The policy will reserve one weekend each month as a “respite weekend,” when no significant events will be held in downtown, allowing city infrastructure and staff a much-needed break. Furthermore, city officials are considering reducing the frequency of First Fridays and other recurring events to manage safety risks and improve the experience for residents and local businesses.

Concerns surrounding First Fridays, a popular monthly event featuring a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) where patrons can carry alcohol in marked zones, have escalated in recent months. Text messages exchanged on September 6, 2024, between Interim City Manager Doug Keen and Police Captain Tara Petty revealed growing worries about underage drinking and attendees bringing alcohol purchased outside the event’s permitted areas, including from nearby liquor and convenience stores. The DORA guidelines specify that alcohol should only be purchased from local restaurants participating in the event.

Still, city officials report that many patrons bypass these regulations, undermining public safety and harming local businesses.

“We’re thrilled that Old Town is such a popular destination,” Keen said, “but the high volume of events, particularly First Fridays, has created ongoing safety challenges that we need to address for the well-being of residents, businesses, and visitors.”

As part of the new policy, the city will also evaluate event permits to restrict how often individual organizations can host events in downtown. Some community members have voiced concerns that the abundance of large gatherings, while beneficial for tourism, has led to congestion, parking shortages, and noise, impacting the area’s day-to-day quality of life.

Local businesses have had mixed responses to the policy. Many welcome the changes, citing disruptions during First Fridays and other events that draw large crowds. Business owners note that while events are valuable for drawing new patrons, the influx of people—often with alcohol brought in from outside—can deter regular customers.

“Manassas has become a hub of activity, which is wonderful,” said Councilmember Ralph Smith. “But our priority has to be ensuring these events don’t overburden the community or compromise public safety. This policy lets us strike a balance between tourism and community needs.”

In response, event organizers and local businesses are working with city officials to adjust to the new policy and promote safer, more sustainable event practices. Some First Friday organizers are exploring measures like increased signage about DORA guidelines and added police presence to address potential safety risks.

The city plans to review the new policy after one year, gathering feedback from residents, businesses, and event organizers to ensure it meets the community’s needs.

On October 21, 2024, at 2:29 p.m., the Manassas City Police Department received a 911 call stating that a person had been shot in a residence located in the 9200 block of Brinkley Lane in Manassas. Police responded and found a man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel also responded to the residence and pronounced him dead on the scene.

A suspect at the scene was identified as the shooter and subsequently detained by police. Investigators determined that the incident was between domestic partners who both lived at the residence. The suspect was placed in custody and transported to the Prince William County Adult Detention Center. She was charged with the following criminal offenses and held without bond.

Latoya Crabbe, 34, is charged with second-degree murder and with the use or display of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The details of the case remain limited.

According to her LinkedIn page, Crabbe has had a distinguished career in public health. In addition to her current role at the FDA, she previously served as a cadre instructor for the Officer Basic Course at the Division of Commissioned Corps Personnel and Readiness (DCCPR) in Rockville, Maryland.

The suspect has an extensive background in both pharmacy and public health. Since May 2023, she has been a Program Management Officer with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), overseeing critical health-related programs. Before her current role, she served for nearly five years as a Senior Instructional Officer with the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service, where she trained new officers in various health protocols and emergency response strategies.

From April 2015 to August 2018, she was a Clinical Staff Pharmacist with the Indian Health Service in Chinle, Arizona. There, she conducted outpatient pharmacy clinics focused on specialized patient care, including the Pharmacist Managed Anticoagulation and Immunization Clinic. She evaluated medication regimens, provided counseling on medication use and side effects, and developed treatment protocols in collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

Update, Tuesday, October 22, 2024 —

On October 21, 2024, at 2:29 p.m., the Manassas City Police Department received a 911 call stating that a person had been shot in a residence located in the 9200 block of Brinkley Lane in Manassas. Police responded and found a man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel also responded to the residence and pronounced him dead on the scene. Read more.

Original post — From Manassas police:

 

*Incident Alert* at 10.21.2024 at 2:38pm

Police are on scene at the 9200 block of Brinkley Lane for an investigation which is contained to a residence. There is a high police presence in the area. It is safe for the public to continue regularly activities. pic.twitter.com/F9C46vRkvb

— Manassas City Police (@ManassasCityPD) October 21, 2024

On Oct. 26, the Prince William County and Manassas City Police Departments will be participating in prescription drug take-back day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

National Take Back Day is led by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which established this day to address the drug overdose epidemic in the U.S. Thousands of people die each year in prescription opioid deaths; in 2022, the number of deaths was 14,716 according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

“DEA is committed to making our communities safer and healthier, and we can do this by reducing overdoses and overdose deaths,” the DEA’s website states. “While the community does its part to turn in unneeded medications and remove them from potential harm, we are doing our part to further reduce drug-related violence.”

The DEA hosts a take-back day every six months in April and October with thousands of law enforcement agencies participating each time. In April 2024, 335 tons — or 670,135 pounds — of drugs were collected nationwide. In Virginia, 17,425 pounds of prescription drugs were collected in April. Since the first take-back day in 2010, nearly 19 million pounds of drugs have been collected.

In Prince William County and Manassas, the following locations will be open on Oct. 26 and participating in the take-back initiative.

• UVA Health System Prince William Medical Center, 8700 Sudley Road, Manassas
• UVA Health System Haymarket Medical Center, 15225 Heathcote Blvd., Haymarket
• Sentara Healthcare Lake Ridge, 12825 Minnieville Road, Lake Ridge

The DEA also provides a search engine for other participating locations across the country and state. Several items will be accepted at these sites, including:

• Prescription and over-the-counter solid-dosage medications
• Vape pens and e-cigarettes AFTER batteries have been removed
• Intravenous solutions
• Injectables
• Needles
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Compressed cylinders (asthma inhalers and the like)

The county said in a release that a permanent marker may be used to blacken out personal information in an effort to protect your privacy.

Illicit drugs like marijuana or methamphetamine will not be accepted.

For more information, please call the Crime Prevention Unit at 703-792-7270.

Concerns over underage drinking and people bringing outside alcohol into the First Friday event in Manassas have prompted city officials to reconsider how the popular downtown gathering is managed. Interim City Manager Doug Keen and Police Capt. Tara Petty exchanged text messages on September 6, 2024, discussing growing issues with public safety and communication during the event.

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The Manassas City Council is re-evaluating the popular First Fridays event, a staple in the city’s historic downtown, following feedback from residents, businesses, and local authorities regarding public safety and overall event management.

At the heart of the review is the need to balance the community appeal of First Fridays with growing concerns about safety, traffic congestion, and parking. The council is considering changes to ensure the event remains a vibrant part of city life while addressing logistical challenges.

Balancing Growth and Safety

First Fridays, held from February through December, have grown into a marquee event for Manassas, attracting large crowds for live music, vendors, and shopping. Streets in the historic downtown area are closed, transforming the neighborhood into a pedestrian-friendly space. While the event bolsters the local economy, it has also sparked debate about its management and impact on the community.

Interim City Manager Douglass Keen acknowledged the economic benefits but stressed that the city’s infrastructure must adapt to the event’s growing popularity. “We all agree that events like First Fridays are great for the city, but we need to manage them in a way that works for everyone,” Keen said.

Some local businesses have expressed concerns about crowd control, parking shortages, and inconsistent guidelines for vendors, while residents have raised complaints about noise levels and difficulties accessing their homes during street closures.

One unique feature of the event, Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORA), allows visitors to openly carry alcohol in specific zones. The policy was enabled by legislation carried by Senator Jeremy McPike, adding an extra layer of appeal to the event but also bringing additional safety and management challenges.

Council’s Response and Proposed Solutions

Public safety emerged as a central topic during the council’s discussions. An increase in minor incidents during recent events has prompted the council to prioritize security, with city staff collaborating with the Manassas Police Department and Historic Manassas, Inc., the event’s organizer, to address concerns.

“We are in the process of reviewing how we manage First Fridays with input from all stakeholders—businesses, police, and residents,” Keen said. “It’s clear that changes are needed to ensure these events are safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

Proposed changes include improving communication with businesses and residents before each event, increasing police presence, and implementing new traffic management measures to ease congestion and improve parking.

Councilman Smith emphasized the importance of balancing differing community expectations for the event. “There are two distinct views on what First Fridays should be,” he said. “Some see it as a family-friendly event that needs structure, while others want a more free-flowing atmosphere. We’re working to find a middle ground that prioritizes safety without losing the event’s charm.”

Parking is also a major issue under review. At the upcoming town hall on September 16, parking concerns will take center stage, with city leaders encouraging residents to voice their opinions and offer suggestions for improvement.

Councilwoman Pamela Sebesky reiterated the council’s commitment to ensuring First Fridays continue to thrive while reflecting the needs of the community. “We want First Fridays to remain a vibrant, enjoyable event,” Sebesky said. “But we also want to make sure it aligns with the safety and well-being of our residents.”

The next First Fridays event is scheduled for October 4, 2024.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly quoted a resident who spoke at the city council meeting. 

Schools across the region are on heightened alert today as police investigate multiple incidents at schools in Manassas and Stafford County. While no immediate danger has been reported, authorities are taking extra precautions to ensure student and staff safety.

Incident at Osbourn High School, Manassas

At 12:23 p.m., Manassas City Police responded to a suspicious event at Osbourn High School. The School Resource Officer (SRO) quickly began an investigation and contained the situation. According to police, no current threat exists to the school, and operations are continuing as usual. Additional police presence will be maintained while the investigation continues, though officials have no plans to alter the school day.

Social Media Threats in Stafford County

In Stafford County, school officials and law enforcement are addressing threats circulating on social media, particularly at the middle school level. The messages reportedly made general threats of harm to multiple schools in the area. However, law enforcement has thoroughly investigated the claims and does not believe the threats are credible now.

Stafford County law enforcement emphasized their commitment to school safety and encouraged the community to report suspicious behavior. “If you see or hear anything of concern, say something right away,” said local authorities. “Report it to your School Resource Officer, school administrator, or teacher.”

Both school districts have reassured parents that they are maintaining vigilance and working closely with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of students and staff.

No disruptions to the school schedule have been announced in either county, though parents and students are encouraged to stay informed and report any concerns.

*Incident Alert* at 12:23pm

Police responded for a suspicious event at Osbourn High School. The SRO began an investigation and contained it immediately. The schools are operating normally with no plans to change that. There is an extra police presence during the investigation. pic.twitter.com/pa78pfRZVp

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

Manassas detectives arrested a suspect following a 48-hour investigation into a recent abduction and robbery incident of a girl waiting for a school bus.

Jesus Enrique Ramirez Cabrera, 23, of Manassas, was taken into custody on the evening of September 6 and is being held without bond at the Prince William County Adult Detention Center.

Cabrera is charged with felony abduction, robbery, impersonation of law enforcement, and petit and larceny. A search warrant was also executed at home in the 10000 block of Makelys Way in Manassas.

Police said they do not believe any other suspects are involved, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. Cabrera is locked up at the Prince William County Jail and is scheduled to make his first appearance before a judge on Monday.

On Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at 8:39 a.m., Manassas City Police responded to a call from a girl at the intersection of Quarry Road and Zebedee Street in Manassas. She told police a man forced her into a red Jeep SUV while walking to school in the 9400 block of Clover Hill Road in Manassas. The girl was able to escape her adductor and call the police.

The police have not released a mugshot of the suspect.