Manassas City Police Archives - Potomac Local News

Published September 22, 2025 at 8:18PM

MANASSAS, Va. – A suspicious death on the 8800 block of Liberia Avenue in Manassas led to a heavy police presence on Monday. Authorities began their investigation shortly before noon and later confirmed the Medical Examiner’s Office is working to determine the cause of death.

Police say there is no immediate threat to the community, and the area has since been cleared. Details about the individual involved or the circumstances surrounding the death have not been released. The investigation remains ongoing.

Police Blotter

Police Blotter: Fatal Crash, Gun Arrests, Warrants, and Vandalism

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 16, 2025 at 1:00PM

[Photo: Alan Gloss]

In Triangle, a 24-year-old man was arrested in connection with a shots-fired incident on August 30. Police say Dalonte Lee Kendall exchanged gunfire with others near Graham Park and Old Triangle Roads, striking two nearby homes. He was arrested in Baltimore by U.S. Marshals and faces firearms charges. The investigation remains active.

In Stafford County, deputies made multiple arrests related to outstanding warrants. One woman turned herself in at the Rappahannock Regional Jail and was charged with public intoxication after appearing under the influence of an unknown substance. A man wanted in Spotsylvania was also arrested at America’s Best Value Inn.

Manassas

Shooting in Downtown Manassas Turns Into Abduction, Robbery Investigation

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 6, 2025 at 1:05PM

An early morning shooting in downtown Manassas on August 23 has now escalated into a broader investigation involving abduction and an attempted robbery. Police say one of the suspects forced a separate victim into a vehicle and tried to steal their car keys shortly after the shooting. That victim has since been found safe.

Joseph West, 31, was arrested on September 3 and is being held without bond at the Prince William Detention Center. He faces charges of abduction and attempted robbery.

Manassas

Former Manassas Police Chief Chris Tutko Has Died—“His Legacy Lives On”

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 3, 2025 at 2:00PM

MANASSAS, Va. – The Manassas City Police Department just shared some sad news with Potomac Local News: former Chief of Police Chris Tutko has passed away.

Tutko joined MCPD back in 1971 and served the city for 28 years, including four years as chief from 1993 to 1997. He was known for his focus on community policing, officer education, and modernizing the department with new technology.

Manassas

Charges Filed in Manassas Crash That Killed 72-Year-Old Woman

By Potomac Local News

Published August 1, 2025 at 3:19PM

MANASSAS, Va. – A 65-year-old man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter following a deadly crash that took place last weekend in Manassas.

Police arrested Jeffrey Fortman on July 31, five days after the crash that killed 72-year-old Earline Steward. The collision happened around 6:05 p.m. on July 26 at the intersection of Ashton Avenue and Godwin Drive. Steward, the only person in her car, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two others from the second vehicle were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Manassas

Exclusive: Manassas Detectives Stop $194K Wire Fraud Targeting Local Nonprofit

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 30, 2025 at 10:28AM | Updated August 1, 2025 at 11:06AM

A quick-thinking team of detectives at the Manassas City Police Department prevented a local nonprofit from losing nearly $200,000 in a sophisticated email fraud scheme.

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Manassas

Come Meet Manassas Police at National Night Out—Food, Fun, and Snow Cones Included

By Potomac Local News

Published July 28, 2025 at 8:00AM

MANASSAS, Va. – The Manassas City Police Department is hosting a free, family-friendly event on Tuesday, August 5, as part of the nationwide National Night Out celebration. The event will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the Manassas Museum Lawn.

National Night Out is designed to promote safer neighborhoods and stronger community ties. Attendees can enjoy free food, snow cones, police demonstrations, and games while getting to know local officers and community partners.

Manassas

Police Blotter: 2-Year-Old Was Found Alone in Woodbridge—Police Are Looking for His Mother

By Potomac Local News

Published July 25, 2025 at 1:15PM

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Police are searching for a woman accused of leaving her 2-year-old son unattended outside a home on Dawson Beach Road. Officers responded to the home around 9:17 p.m. on July 23 after a child was found alone and in poor condition. Authorities say the boy’s mother, 37-year-old Alexandra Anna Granruth, had arranged for someone to look after the child earlier that afternoon but never returned.

When police tried to contact Granruth, she allegedly refused to come back. The child was not injured and was released to known parties. Warrants have been issued for Granruth, who is now wanted for felony child neglect.

Manassas

Manassas GOP Headquarters Vandalized on Independence Day; Police Investigating

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 7, 2025 at 9:15AM

MANASSAS, Va. – The Manassas City Republican Committee headquarters was vandalized on July 4, 2025, in an incident now under investigation by police.

Zachary Murphy, a committee member, discovered the damage shortly before 9:45 a.m., Saturday, July 5, while walking to the city’s farmers market. He had spent the morning decorating the headquarters at 9016 Center Street for Independence Day, hanging an American flag, and putting up patriotic bunting.

Manassas

Sudley Road Reopens After Downed Lines Repaired, Traffic Signals Restored

By Potomac Local News

Published June 30, 2025 at 3:42PM

MANASSAS, Va. – All lanes on Sudley Road are back open following an overhead communications wire issue that forced a full road closure earlier today.

Verizon completed repairs to the overhead lines by 3:29 p.m., and traffic signals are once again operating on their normal timing. City of Manassas Electric crews and police responded to the scene, with initial assistance from Verizon beginning around 1 p.m.