Prince William County Police Department INVESTIGATIVE MERIT AWARD

OnDecember 16, 2022, a 13-year-old female reported to Officer R. Carpio that she was sexually assaulted by an unknown male. Detectives S. Long and S. Weddel were assigned the case. The victim advised the male suspect approached her while she was riding her bicycle on Hoadly Road and offered her a ride. The victim entered the vehicle where he sexually assaulted her and prevented her from leaving the vehicle. Eventually she was dropped off and police were contacted. A photograph of the suspect vehicle was obtained and disseminated internally and externally by Crime Analyst G. Gebhardt and First Sgt J. Perok. Soon after, information was received about a potential suspect. The suspect vehicle was located by Officer S. Hunsberger. Crime Analyst

B. Luciani conducted a background on the suspect which provided invaluable information to detectives and assisted them in making contact with the suspect. Officer T. Gomez Melendez assisted in translation during the interview with the suspect, during which he confessed to his role in the incident. He was subsequently charged with abduction, carnal knowledge, attempted rape, aggravated sexual battery, and attempted strangulation. The team effort of everyone involved showcased the dedication and professionalism required to close a case of this magnitude. The suspect posed an immediate and continued danger to the public until he was located and taken into custody. The efforts of everyone involved in this case will be able to hopefully allow the victim to begin the arduous process of recovering from this horrendous crime.