Manassas City Police Department INVESTIGATIVE MERIT AWARD

OnSeptember 16, 2022, Patrol officers were dispatched to a shooting in progress in a townhome community. Due to the large amount of blood and spent shell casings, officers were able to locate the general area where the shooting occurred. Through the initial investigation, it was learned that a male was shot in the parking lot and was transported by an unknown person and vehicle to a local hospital before the Police arrived. The investigation also revealed that the suspect fled the area immediately after the shooting. Master Detective Petitt responded to the scene and proceeded to conduct interviews. Detective Petitt then learned that the male victim was in critical condition and was being flown to a regional trauma center. Detective Petitt then contacted Master Detective L. Armas to assist with the investigation due to the multiple crime scenes. Master Detective Dranko also responded and assisted with interviews and crime scene processing. The detectives received conflicting information as to the motive of the shooting and were unable to speak with the victim due to his injuries. Due to the extensive interviews and follow-ups, the Detectives identified numerous witnesses and the shooting suspect in less than 48 hours. The Detectives proceeded to obtain numerous Felony warrants against the suspect. The Detectives continued tracking the suspect, and on October 27, the suspect was arrested in Maryland while possessing three firearms. On November 11, Detectives Petitt and L. Armas extradited the suspect to Manassas. Due to their professionalism and experience, the detectives were able to obtain a full confession from the suspect. Based upon the relentless investigative approach by Master Detectives Petitt and Master Detective L. Armas, a violent suspect was identified, criminally charged, and apprehended. It should be noted that these types of cases are difficult to investigate as they require extensive investigative follow-ups, detailed crime scene processing, and significant evidence collection.