PWC Police ask community for help in July 18 Manassas homicide investigation

* Homicide Investigation – On Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 8:23PM, Prince William County officers responded to the area of Pineview Rd and Cregger Ln in Manassas (20111) to investigate a shooting. Officers arrived on the scene and located an 18-year-old woman in a nearby wooded area suffering from gunshot wounds to the upper body.
The woman was pronounced dead on the scene. No other injuries or property damage were reported, and no suspects have been located at this time.
Detectives are actively investigating the incident to determine what led up to the shooting and are seeking to speak with anyone who can aid in the investigation. Preliminarily, the incident does not appear to be random. More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.
Identified:
The deceased was identified as Ashlin Yamileth PAZ, 18, of no fixed address.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Prince William County police at 703-792-6500 or submit a tip online at pwcva.gov/policetip.

• Strong-Arm Robbery – On Friday, July 19, 2024,  at 2:34AM,  Prince William County officers responded to the 14500 block of Gideon Dr. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a robbery. The initial investigation revealed the victim, a 45-year-old man, was behind a local business when he was approached by three unknown men. During the encounter, a struggle ensued when the suspects took headphones, a phone, and tobacco products from the victim’s backpack. The suspects drove away in a grey Nissan Maxima. The victim eventually reported the incident to police. Minor injuries were reported. There were several inconsistencies in the victim’s account of the events. The suspects were only described as black males, one of whom had tattoos on his hand while another reportedly had dreadlocks.

ARRESTS
• Assault & Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer [LEO] – On Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 12:49PM,  Prince William County police officers responded to the Auto Zone located at 13270 Foulger Sq. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a shoplifter. Once on scene, officers located the shoplifter, later identified as the accused, who fled on foot. After a short foot pursuit, a struggle ensued before the accused was detained. During the apprehension, the accused struck an officer and provided false identifying information. Minor injuries were reported. The accused was also found in possession of suspected illegal narcotics. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Lawrence Dawntai JOHNSON, was arrested.
Arrested on July 17: 
Lawrence Dawntai JOHNSON, 37, of 1406 Bayside Ave. in Woodbridge
Charged with assault & battery on LEO, obstruction of justice, possession of a schedule I/II drugs, and false identification to LEO
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

• Brandishing of a Firearm – On Tuesday, July 18, 2024 at 3:18AM, Prince William County VA Police officers responded to West Beach in the Montclair community located at 4616 Spalding Dr. in Dumfries (22025) to investigate a trespasser. The investigation revealed the victim, a 46-year-old man, and another man, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated at the boat launch area. During the encounter, the accused brandished a firearm before the parties separated. No shots were fired during the incident. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Ryan James EDWARD, was arrested.
Arrested on July 18:
Ryan James EDWARD, 32, of 4612 Spalding Dr. in Dumfries
Charged with brandishing of a firearm and carrying a concealed weapon
Court Date: Pending | Bond: $5,000 Secured

• Residential Burglary – On Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 10:16PM, Prince William County VA Police officers responded to a residence located in the 7500 block of Alleghany Rd. in Manassas (20111) to investigate a burglary. The investigation revealed earlier that morning, a man, later identified as the accused, entered the residence through an unsecured basement window and took a PlayStation 5 and gaming controllers before leaving the home. Later that day the stolen items were pawned at a local pawn shop. Detectives identified the person who pawned the items as the accused. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Josias Suriel ZAVALA, was arrested.
Arrested on July 19:
Josias Suriel ZAVALA, 24, of 7516 Alleghany Rd. in Manassas
Charged with burglary and obtaining goods by false pretenses
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable

• Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor – On Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 8:58AM, Prince William County VA Police officers responded to the Dale Forest Apartments located in the 14300 block of Westway Ln. in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a child neglect. The investigation revealed three boys, between the ages of 2-8 years old, were left unsupervised inside an apartment. While PWC Police were at the residence, the mother of the children, later identified as the accused, returned to the home. The accused reportedly left the apartment earlier that morning, leaving the children unattended. The children were uninjured and released to the custody of known parties. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Maitta KANU, was charged.
Charged on July 18:
Maitta KANU, 28, of the 14300 block of Westway Ln. in Woodbridge
Charged with 3 counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor
Court Date: Pending | Status: Released on a Court Summons
-end-

Anyone with information regarding the incidents listed in this report is asked to contact the Prince William County Police Department tipline at 703.792.7000 or submit a webtip to: pwcva.gov/policetip.