Manassas

MANASSAS, Va. – Manassas City Police Chief Doug Keen has announced a new mission, vision, and set of core values for the department, describing the changes as a foundation for how the city will be policed in the years ahead.

Keen said his recent role as Interim City Manager gave him a broader perspective on the city’s operations and allowed him to reflect on the direction of the police department. While Manassas has earned national recognition through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA)—including flagship and gold standard status—Keen said it was time to reevaluate the department’s guiding principles.


Breaking News

The Manassas City Police Department, which has a school resource officer (SRO) stationed at the school, confirmed that the alert was a false alarm caused by a technology error. Police say they were already on the scene when the alert was issued and remained in constant communication with school administrators throughout the incident.

Manassas City Public Schools also confirmed that the building was secured as a precaution and that the “all-clear” was issued by 9:13 a.m. Normal school operations have since resumed.


Manassas

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Press Release

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.

The event, held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Leesylvania State Park, saw strong participation from local residents, law enforcement personnel, and sponsors. Funds raised during the Polar Plunge will support Special Olympics Virginia, providing athletes with opportunities to compete and receive essential services.


News

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.

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.


News

Today’s police blotter includes a burglary at a Woodbridge tobacco shop where a masked suspect broke in and stole merchandise. In Stafford County, a warrant service turned into a chase, leading to three arrests. Deputies also responded to fraud cases, a swatting incident, and vandalism involving a family dispute. In Prince William County, three juveniles at a shelter assaulted a staff member and stole his keys before fleeing, resulting in robbery charges. Meanwhile, Manassas City police responded to an increased presence at Pristine Court and Hood Road for an ongoing investigation, later confirming there was no threat to the public.


Manassas

A Prince William County resident, Bethany Selvage, has her car back nearly two months after an unlicensed tow operator stole it, according to police. On January 2, 2025, Manassas City Police located Selvage’s 2018 Nissan Sentra.

Police have since charged Michael Tillman, owner of Tillman’s Auto Salon in Manassas, with a third felony offense related to illegal towing and demanding exorbitant fees for vehicle release. This charge represents the third vehicle Tillman is accused of stealing, and authorities say more charges are likely as they uncover years of him towing without a license.

In the most recent case, police say Tillman took a 2018 Toyota Yaris from the Raising Cane’s parking lot on Liberia Avenue just outside Manassas under false pretenses. The Yaris owners had contacted their insurance company, which arranged for a tow truck. Police said Tillman arrived before the legitimate tow company, misrepresented himself as the insurance company’s provider, and obtained the vehicle.

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Manassas

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.


Manassas

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.


Manassas

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.


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