Family members reported as victims in two cases involving alleged assaults

Arrests reported by Prince William County VA Police Department on Monday, August 29, 2016

Aggravated Sexual Battery – On August 27 at 11:59PM, detectives from the Special Victims Unit responded to investigate a sexual assault which was reported to have occurred at a residence in Woodbridge (22192). The investigation revealed that the victim, a 12-year-old girl, was sexually assaulted by the accused, identified as a family member, on more than one occasion over the past 2 years. The victim recently disclosed the assaults to another family member who contacted police. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Irvin Randolph PETTIFORD, was arrested without incident.
Arrested on August 28:
Irvin Randolph PETTIFORD, 64, of the 3000 block of Seminole Rd in Woodbridge
Charged with 2 counts of aggravated sexual battery and 2 counts of indecent liberties
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

Assault & Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer [LEO] – On August 27 at 3:39PM, officers responded to a residence located in the 14400 block of Village High St in Gainesville (20155) to investigate a domestic assault. The victim, a 51-year-old woman of Gainesville, reported to police that she and the accused, a family member, were involved in a verbal altercation in front of their residence. The encounter escalated when the accused picked up a rock and threw it at the victim while she was sitting inside her vehicle. The rock struck the victim’s window and narrowly missed her face. Officers arrived on scene and subsequently arrested the accused.

While escorting the accused to a police cruiser, he became increasingly agitated and began to resist. During the encounter, the accused kicked one of the officers in the head, causing minor bruising. The accused also damaged a police cruiser as result of the struggle with officers. The accused was eventually detained and transported to the Adult Detention Center in Manassas without further incident. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Lemel Wayne COVINGTON, was charged with the below offenses.
Arrested on August 27:
Lemel Wayne COVINGTON, 24, of the 14400 block of Village High St in Gainesville
Charged with assault & battery on a LEO, domestic assault & battery, obstruction of justice, and destruction of property
Court Date: October 20, 2016 | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

**END**

Anyone with information regarding the incidents listed in this report is asked to contact Prince William Crime Solvers anonymously by calling 703-670-3700 or 1-866-411-TIPS, texting “PWC” plus your tip to 274637, submitting a WebTip, or by using the app for Android or iPhone.

•YOU COULD EARN UP TO A $1,000 CASH REWARD IF THE INFORMATION LEADS TO AN ARREST•