PW Police arrest another man in July 9 Manassas Mall shooting; fourth suspect still being sought

UPDATE #4

Malicious Wounding *ADDITIONAL ARREST | WANTED SUSPECT – Over the course of the investigation, detectives have identified and charged two additional men in connection to the shooting that occurred at Manassas Mall located at 8300 Sudley Rd in Manassas (20109), on July 9. One of those men, identified as Eric Ronaldo BENITEZ, has since been taken into custody.
The second suspect, identified as Tayvion Omari THORNTON, is currently being sought and attempts to locate this individual have been unsuccessful. At this time, investigators believe the main suspects involved in the shooting have been identified and charged. Additional individuals are being sought as potential witnesses to the incident. Three other adult men were previously arrested in connection to this incident. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Prince William County Police Department tipline at 703-792-7000 or submit a webtip to: pwcva.gov/policetip. The investigation continues.
Arrested on July 10:
Eric Ronaldo BENITEZ, 22, of 7647 Croce Ct, #T3, in Manassas
Charged with 2 counts of malicious wounding, 1 count of willfully discharging a firearm in a public place, and 1 count of using a firearm in the commission of a felony
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable

Wanted:
Tayvion Omari THORNTON, 18, of the 14100 block of Cove Landing Dr in Woodbridge
Described as a black male, 6’0”, 160lbs with black hair and brown eyes
Wanted for 2 counts of principal in the 2nd degree malicious wounding, 1 count of carrying a concealed weapon, 1 count of principal in the second degree willfully discharging a firearm in a public place, and 1 count of using a firearm in the commission of a felony

Malicious Wounding *ARRESTS [Previously Released] – On July 9, Prince William County detectives charged three men in connection to the shooting that occurred at Manassas Mall located at 8300 Sudley Rd in Manassas (20109) earlier that day. Two of the men arrested were suspects initially detained by officers following a traffic stop shortly after the shooting had occurred. The third suspect charged was the 23-year-old man who was one of two men injured during the altercation and determined to be in one of the groups involved in the shooting incident. The third suspect remains hospitalized in police custody. Investigators are still seeking the identities of several other suspects. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to identify the pictured suspects or can otherwise aid in the investigation is asked to contact police at 703-792-6500. The investigation continues.

Shooting Investigation *SUSPECTS SOUGHT [Previously Released] – Prince William County detectives are seeking the identities of several parties in connection to the shooting that occurred at Manassas Mall located at 8300 Sudley Rd in Manassas (20109) on July 9. The investigation revealed two groups met at the mall near the food court where a physical altercation ensued. During the encounter, multiple firearms were brandished by both groups before the altercation exited into the parking lot. Once in the parking lot, outside the mall, shots were exchanged between both groups before the parties dispersed. No shots were fired inside the mall. One of the injured parties from the group, identified as a 23-year-old man, was driven by other associates to an area hospital where police were notified. An uninvolved bystander, identified as a 51-year-old man, was located at the scene and treated at an area hospital for a wound to the upper body (correction from the lower body in an earlier release). Both men are expected to survive. A search of the area by a police K-9, resulted in evidence including multiple firearms being recovered. Additionally, two men were detained nearby following a traffic stop shortly after the shooting. Charges are pending. Multiple resources from Manassas City police, Manassas Park police, the Prince William County Sheriff’s Office, Fairfax County police helicopter, and the Prince William County Department of Fire & Rescue responded to the scene to offer assistance. Detectives are actively seeking the identities of the pictured suspects in connection to this incident. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to identify the pictured suspects or can otherwise aid in the investigation is asked to contact police at 703-792-6500. The investigation continues.

Shooting Investigation [Previously Released] – On July 9 at 2:08PM, officers responded to Manassas Mall located at 8300 Sudley Rd in Manassas (20109) to investigate a shooting-in-progress. Arriving officers conducted a precautionary search of the building resulting in no active scene being identified. Preliminary indications are an altercation occurred outside the mall in the parking lot between two groups. At one point during the encounter, shots were fired, and the parties dispersed. Uninvolved parties and possible witnesses ran into the mall alerting others to the incident in the parking lot, sparking initial panic. Two injured parties have been identified, one was taken to an area hospital with a gunshot wound to the lower body where police were notified, and the other was located on the scene with a minor wound to the lower body believed to have been caused by a ricochet. No additional information is known about these individuals or their possible involvement, if any, in the incident. Both parties are expected to survive. A vehicle has been stopped near the incident and additional parties have been detained. Their involvement in the incident has not been confirmed at this time. Police remain on the scene. The incident is contained and is not believed to be random. Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information to aid in the investigation to contact police at 703-792-6500. General access to the mall may be restricted at this time as the investigation continues.