The Manassas City Police Department Employee of the Year will be recognized with the Sergeant John Conner Memorial Award at a special ceremony later this year. The recipient of this award is an individual who consistently honors Sergeant Conner’s sacrifice in their daily duties by dedicating themselves to the ideals of police service.
More in a Manassas City Police Department press release:
We are pleased to announce that the 2023 recipient of the Sergeant Conner Memorial Award is Master Detective Andrew Speights. His selection was made following an intensive review of all commendations received throughout 2023 as well as memos submitted to the Peer Relations Advisory Committee.
Master Detective Speights was selected based on one of those memos submitted:
- Master Detective Speights has worked tirelessly over the past year in his capacity as a detective which has resulted in the arrest and prosecution of numerous criminals. Despite the dissolution of his previously assigned Task Force, Master Detective Speights took the opportunity to invest himself into not only taking a primary investigative role outside of his normal assigned duties but also taking the opportunity to assist and mentor other detectives in the Division.
- Master Detective Speights led by example, by obtaining the highest
amount of warrants in the Investigative Services Division. In each case, he worked vigorously to ensure that the case was carried to a conclusion and
that the victims were treated with the utmost care and professionalism.- Master Detective Speights, in addition to his regularly assigned duties, also has worked with the Prince William County Gang Response Intervention Team (GRIT). In his capacity as a Detective and gang expert, he provided training and presentations to educate the community on growing trends and to help foster strong relationships between law enforcement and the community.
Throughout the past year he has investigated cases and obtained charges against individuals for serious offenses including but not limited to: criminal gang participation, assault by mob, rape, abduction, abuse/neglect of children, threats to commit arson, aggravated malicious wounding and
robbery to name a few. While some investigators may never prosecute this range of cases throughout their entire career, Master Detective Speights worked all of these within just the past year.Please join us in congratulating Master Detective Speights on his selection as the Sergeant John Conner Memorial Award Recipient/ Manassas City Police Department 2023 Employee of the Year.
Manassas City Police Department acknowledges Master Police Officer M. LaClair as the Field Training Officer (FTO) of the Year for 2023. An FTO is the senior training officer accompanying new or lateral police officers during their training period.
MPO LaClair exceeds FTO expectations, adopting a cautious approach to his role, according to a city police spokesman. He consistently seeks to challenge trainees, incorporating additional training and extracurricular requirements to bolster their knowledge, skills, and abilities. MPO LaClair exemplifies the Department’s core values and fosters connections between trainees’ work and the Department’s mission.
During the orientation phase, MPO LaClair contributed to training graduating recruits and collaborated with other FTOs to ensure proper completion of DCJS forms for probationary officers. His passion for field training is evident, and he consistently performs with utmost effort, a spokesman adds.
Navigating the complexities of being a Field Training Officer presents numerous challenges, which MPO LaClair embraces, proving himself an invaluable asset to the organization. His enthusiasm, dedication, and expertise equip new officers for successful careers, setting a commendable standard for others to follow.
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On February 23, 2024, the silence in the 9200 block of Bayberry Avenue in Manassas was shattered by the sound of gunfire as police responded to a shots fired call at 6:52 p.m.
What began as a routine response quickly escalated into a tense standoff as officers encountered multiple rounds being discharged from within a residence.
According to reports from the Manassas City Police Department, officers rushed to the scene upon receiving the initial call, only to find themselves under fire upon arrival. The officers, in turn, returned fire as they attempted to gain entry into the besieged residence.
The situation intensified as the unidentified individual inside the home barricaded himself inside a single-family home, creating a standoff with law enforcement. However, after a period of negotiation, the individual surrendered to the police.
The individual was found to have sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and was promptly taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
The circumstances surrounding the gunshot wound remain unclear. It is yet to be determined whether the injury was inflicted by police gunfire, self-inflicted, or the result of a prior incident, police said.
In light of the officer-involved shooting, authorities have enlisted the support of the regional Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) to oversee the investigation independently, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.
At present, the incident is contained, and there is no ongoing threat to the surrounding community. However, residents are advised to remain vigilant as authorities continue their inquiries into the events that unfolded on Bayberry Avenue.
The Virginia State Police issued a missing/endangered alert on behalf of the City of Manassas Police Department on February 22, 2024, at 7:15 p.m.
Sultan Abdu Menfot is a 44-year-old Black male, standing 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds. Menfot has brown eyes and black hair.
He was last seen on February 17, 2024, at 17:17 hours in the 6800 block of Frontier Drive, Springfield. At the time of his disappearance, Menfot was wearing an olive green jacket, khaki pants, and a black and white striped shirt. Authorities believe he is on foot and not operating a motor vehicle.
The Manassas Police Department has expressed grave concern for Menfot’s well-being, indicating that his disappearance poses a credible threat to his health and safety.
Residents are urged to contact the Manassas at 703-257-8000 with any information regarding Sultan Abdu Menfot’s whereabouts.
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The arrest of Jose Rafael Lizama, a 47-year-old resident of Manassas Park, has stirred concerns following the death of Justin Burns on December 2, 2023.
Burns, a beloved figure known for his altruism and community service, was fatally struck by a drunk driver while walking the streets near Old Town Sports Pub in Downtown Manassas.
Prince William County Adult Detention Center Superintendent Peter Meletis shared pertinent details regarding Lizama’s time in custody. Police arrested Lizama immediately following the crash on December 2, 2023, when he was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Astonishingly, he was released the very next day on a personal recognizance.
This decision now raises questions from the victim’s mother, Kim Burns, about how this case was handled.
Police arrested Lizama a second time on February 2, 2024, when Lizama, this time facing charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection to Burns’ death. However, Lizama was released on February 5, 2024, upon posting a $5,000 secured bond, said Meleits.
Potomac Local asked Prince William County Commonwealth Attorney Amy Ashworth why Lizama was released from jail and about the timeline and circumstances surrounding Lizama’s initial arrest. If Lizama was indeed arrested on December 2, 2023, as indicated in preliminary reports, questions abound as to why he was released expeditiously despite the gravity of the allegations against him.
Reviewing camera footage from the crime scene took weeks, including cell phone video. Police had to obtain warrants to view some of the video, which prolonged the investigation, said Manassas police Sgt. Brett Strumpf.
Moreover, questions regarding the measures taken by the court to ensure Lizama’s compliance with legal proceedings and to mitigate the risk of recurrence while he’s out on bond have arisen. Concerns regarding Lizama’s propensity for driving under the influence and the potential dangers posed to the community necessitate proactive measures to safeguard public safety and uphold the law.
“This is an active case, and therefore, I will not make any statement to the media until the matter is concluded,” Ashworth wrote in an email to Potomac Local.
The top prosecutor forwarded our list of questions to her Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) officer, who also stonewalled our investigation, noting our records order was denied due to provisions in § 2.2-3706.1, which exclude disclosure of criminal investigative files related to ongoing cases. The office aims to promote governmental transparency and confirm compliance with the request, she added.
Justin Burns lived in Blackstone, Va., and was an Osbourn Park High School graduate in Manassas. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from West Virginia University.
On the night of his death, Burns had planned to meet with some high school friends at the Old Town Sports Pub, who were in town for a class reunion, Burn’s mother told Potomac Local.
He was deeply involved in his community, volunteering with organizations such as the City of Manassas Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and founding Succor Solutions, Inc., a nonprofit specializing in disaster recovery and economic development.
Burns was remembered as a Renaissance man dedicated to service, adventure, and compassion. He is survived by his parents, Roger and Kim, sister Clare Davitt, brother Nicolas, nephew Nicolas Montgomery, and numerous extended family members.
Lizama is due in Prince William County General District Court on March 8, 2024, on charges of inventory manslaughter and DWI at 11:30 a.m. The open proceeding will occur at the courthouse, 9311 Lee Avenue in Manassas.
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Manassas City Police responded to a 911 hang-up call on February 9, 2024, about 7:50 p.m. in the 8600 block of Bruton Parish Court.
Upon arrival, officers encountered a group of individuals who attempted to flee the area. One individual was observed discarding a firearm under a nearby vehicle, leading to their immediate detention by law enforcement, police said.
The detained individual, identified as 28-year-old William Bradley Runion, was found to be a convicted felon during the subsequent investigation, police said. A search conducted following his arrest revealed Runion to be in possession of a suspected schedule I/II controlled substance. He was promptly taken into custody and transported to the Prince William County Adult Detention Center, where he remains held without bond, police said.
Runion faces multiple charges, including felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, reckless handling of a firearm, and carrying a firearm in possession of schedule I/II substances, police said.
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Tens of thousands of Fentanyl pills are off our local streets today thanks to the good work of area police.
In a joint operation, the Manassas City Police Department, working in collaboration with the Prince William County Vice Narcotics Task Force, Prince William County Street Crimes Unit, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), successfully executed arrest and search warrants leading to the apprehension of four individuals involved in the possession and distribution of narcotics, as well as illegal possession of firearms within Manassas.
During the operation, law enforcement arrested four individuals, revealing a significant cache of illegal narcotics and firearms in their possession. Subsequently, a search warrant was executed at a home in Manassas, resulting in the seizure of additional contraband, Manassas police state in a press release.
The seized items during the investigation include over $6,500 in U.S. currency, $40,000 worth of high-end jewelry, 66,000 Fentanyl pills, 2,300 grams of marijuana, 40 grams of Psilocybin mushrooms, 142 grams of cocaine, and six guns.
The arrested individuals are facing multiple criminal charges, including several counts of distribution of schedule I/II narcotics, possession of narcotics while in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana, and possession of a stolen firearm.
Police didn’t identify those charged, calling it an ongoing investigation.
A collaborative effort between the Manassas City Police Department, private security firms, and local businesses has significantly improved Canterbury Village shopping center safety. The positive developments were spotlighted in an email from Kenny Loveless, proprietor at Tangs Alterations, to the city government.
Loveless commended the proactive response from the landlord, Rick Whealen, and the dedication of officers like Lt Plourde, stating, “Lt. Plourde constantly walks the beat and always makes a point to pop into the store to ensure all is well. His ‘feet on the street’ approach is a crucial part of our community’s safety.”
Loveless described the escalating issues at the Sudley Road shopping center in early to mid-2023: “Some regular panhandlers made this their shopping center of choice and worked the patrons as they parked.”
“They became so brazen they would even work the cars that were in line at the Starbucks drive-through,” stated Loveless.
Further complications arose with small groups engaging in coordinated shoplifting and grab-and-run incidents, including targeting business tip jars. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the landlord took proactive steps to involve the Manassas City Police Department.
Police intervention included organized meetings for all shop owners, educating them on effective incident reporting methods. Loveless highlighted the impact of increased police presence.
“This, along with a stronger police presence both in patrol vehicles and patrolman walk-throughs, has abated the problems about 90%,” said Loveless.
Manassas Acting City Manager Douglass Keen, who served as police chief until taking the interim role last fall, expressed gratitude for the positive feedback, noting, “Kenny, thanks for the positive feedback,” wrote Keen.
Canterbury Village has 20 stores and restaurants. In 2023, Gov. Glenn Youngkin and The Fox News Channel visited Jukebox Diner twice.
Tang’s Alterations has been a fixture at Canterbury Village since 1999.
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In connection with the shooting incident in the Brentwood neighborhood on January 14, 2024, Manassas City Police have arrested 33-year-old William Callaway. He was apprehended on January 25, and was found illegally carrying a concealed weapon at the time of his arrest, said police spokeswoman Alexis Williams.
Callaway is currently held without bond at the Prince William Detention Center, facing charges of Aggravated Malicious Wounding and Carrying a Concealed Weapon. This arrest follows the earlier incident where a 31-year-old male victim was shot in the leg near the intersection of Digges Road and Forum Way.
Callaway is charged with malicious wounding and with the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is due in a Prince Wiliam County General District Courtroom for a bond hearing on Monday, January 29, 2024, at 8:30 a.m.
The investigation, led by Detective J. Agule of the Manassas City Police Department, is ongoing. Residents with information about the incident are urged to contact Detective Agule at 703-257-8040.