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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News

Police have arrested a suspect in connection to the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old man in the 8300 block of Sunset Drive near Manassas on January 9.

Marlon Osvaldo Bautista, 20, of Manassas Park, was apprehended on January 13 and charged with second-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Bautista is being held without bond, and a court date is pending.


News

Prince William County Police officers responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 6:19 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found no immediate signs of injuries or involved parties at the scene. However, shortly thereafter, they were notified that a 22-year-old man was being treated at a local hospital for gunshot wounds. Tragically, the man later succumbed to his injuries.

The deceased has been identified as Calvin Tyshaun Odell Batson, 22, of Woodbridge.


News

A man wanted in connection with a fatal crash in Nokesville has been arrested. On January 8, 2025, Prince William County Police apprehended James Francis Byrd, 62, of Woodbridge. Byrd faces charges of involuntary manslaughter – DUI related and DUI for his role in the crash that occurred on August 28, 2024, along Bristow Road near Windy Hill Drive.

Police reported that Byrd, the driver of a 2021 Toyota Tundra, had a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the legal limit at the time of the crash. The collision claimed the life of Thomas Spencer Stark, 63, of Nokesville, who was driving a 2003 Lexus GX. Byrd’s court date is pending, and bond information is unavailable.


Manassas

Prince William County Police Officer Latrell Guy, who was a member of the 50th class, said he now better appreciates the hardships people face in dealing with mental illness.

“I just have a better understanding of what the person themselves might be going through and get them the help they need rather than go to a more restrictive route,” Guy said. “We need to understand what they have to live with and how we can help them get through their day. It’s something everyone should take in general to be more knowledgeable about these situations.”


News

Investigators have yet to determine whether the man was struck by a vehicle or suffered injuries from another incident. An autopsy by the Medical Examiner’s Office is pending to ascertain the cause of death. Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. The investigation is ongoing.

The deceased was known to reside at the temple. Preliminary investigations suggest no signs of foul play. The cause and manner of death are under review by the Medical Examiner’s Office. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.


News

The Prince William County Police officers completed a 24-week course of training in several aspects of police work, including firearms, use-of-force decision-making, driver training, legal training, patrol techniques and investigations.

This is the most recent class of the county’s police academy, which started their training in July. The county hosts a new academy session in March, July and November of each year.


News

Two vehicles were traveling northbound at a high rate of speed when one of them, a 2013 BMW 650I, changed lanes and struck a 2020 Mercedes E-Class, which was not involved in the speeding. The Mercedes hit the guardrail, while the BMW struck the jersey wall, ejecting its driver. The Mercedes then struck the driver of the BMW.

The driver of the BMW, Kenneth D. Buckner, 35, of Washington, D.C., died at the scene. Police confirmed he was not wearing a seatbelt. A passenger in the BMW, Tyra Williams, 29, was partially ejected and sustained serious injuries. She was transported to an area hospital for treatment.


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