Shooting victim, 20, taken to hospital after altercation at Woodbridge party escalates

Prince William County VA Police Department;s report of incidents for Aug. 1, 2016:

**INCIDENTS**

Malicious Wounding – On August 1 at 1:39AM, officers responded to a residence located in the 2500 block of Miranda Ct in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed that a large party was going on at the home. During the party, an altercation took place in front of the residence which escalated. At one point, three men, all described as black males in their 20s, brandished firearms and the victim, identified as a 20 year old man, was shot in the upper body. Two other homes in the immediate area were also struck. No other injuries were reported. The suspects left the area in a red sedan. Occupants of the home followed the suspect vehicle to the area of Jefferson Davis Hwy and Powell’s Creek Blvd were additional rounds were fired. The initial shooting victim was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. The investigation continues.

Residential Burglary – On July 31 at 12:00AM, officers responded to a residence located in the 8400 block of Impalla Dr in Manassas (20109) to investigate a burglary. The homeowner reported to police that the burglary occurred between 8:00PM and 11:15PM on July 30. The investigation revealed that entry was made into the residence through a window which was found damaged. Several interior rooms were ransacked and multiple collectible items were reported missing.

Residential Burglary – On July 29 at 9:44PM, officers responded to a residence located in the 7800 block of Amherst Dr in Manassas (20111) to investigate a burglary. The homeowner reported to police that the burglary occurred between 8:30AM and 9:44PM on July 29. The investigation revealed that there were no signs of forced entry into the residence. Entry is believed to have been made through an unsecured window. Several interior rooms were forcibly entered and ransacked. No property was reported missing.

Residential Burglary – On July 29 at 10:15AM, officers responded to a residence located in the 3600 block of Wharf Ln in Triangle (22172) to investigate a burglary. The homeowner reported to police that the burglary occurred between 7:00AM and 8:00AM. The investigation revealed that entry was made into the residence through a basement door which was found damaged. No property was reported missing. A neighbor reportedly witnessed two unknown men attempting to enter the home. One of the men was described as a white male in his early 20s wearing a hooded sweatshirt while the second suspect was unable to be described to police.

Commercial Burglary – On July 28 at 5:31PM, officers responded to Hellwig Park located at 14420 Bristow Rd in Manassas (20112) to investigate a burglary. A County Park Ranger reported to police that a snack bar near the baseball fields had been burglarized. The investigation revealed that sometime between 12:00AM and 4:00PM, entry was made into the snack bar through the main door which was found damaged. Money from the cash register was reported missing.

Residential Burglary – On July 28 at 10:43AM, officers responded to a residence located in the 17500 block of Deweys Run Ln in Dumfries (22026) to investigate a burglary. The homeowner reported to police that the burglary occurred between 11:00PM on July 27 and 9:30AM on July 28. The investigation revealed that entry was made into the residence through a basement window which was found damaged. No property was reported missing.

**ARRESTS**

Murder Investigation – Suspect in Hospital—Altercation at party escalates On July 30 at 8:35AM, officers responded to the 7400 block of Willoughby Ln in Manassas to investigate a double stabbing. The investigation revealed that the accused allegedly went to the Willoughby Ln address where he forcibly entered the victim’s apartment. Once inside the residence, the accused stabbed two victims. A male victim died as a result of his injuries and a female victim, identified as a 27 year old woman, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. During that encounter, the accused also sustained injuries before fleeing the scene in his vehicle. The accused was later apprehended near I-66 a short time later. Officers provided first-aid on the accused before he was also transported to an area hospital for further treatment. Responding officers also attempted CPR and first-aid on the male victim at the Willoughby Ln location before rescue crews arrived and pronounced him deceased. All parties involved in the incident were known to one another. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Manuel Ernesto GAITAN, was charged. The accused remains hospitalized. At the time of the incident, this was Prince William County’s 13th homicide for 2016*.
Charged on July 31: [No photo available]
Manuel Ernesto GAITAN, 35, of 13781 Marsden Ct in Chantilly
Charged with murder, aggravated malicious wounding, and burglary while armed
Court Date: Pending | Status: Suspect Remains Hospitalized

Identified:
The deceased male victim was identified as Jose Juan PORTILLO-ARGUETA, 35, of Manassas

*Note: Homicide numbers are subject to change based on case reclassification.

Strangulation – On July 30 at 8:48AM, officers responded to the 1800 block of Old Post Tr in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate an assault. The victim, a 21 year old woman, reported to police that she and the accused, an acquaintance, were involved in a verbal altercation which escalated. During the encounter, the accused repeatedly struck the victim and, at one point, grabbed her by the throat. After the assault, the victim called police and the accused left the area. Following the investigation, officers obtained warrants for the arrest of the accused, identified as Anthony D’Antely MCARTHUR. The accused was eventually arrested on July 31.
Arrested on July 31:
Anthony D’Antely MCARTHUR, 21, of the 1800 block of Old Post Tr in Woodbridge Charged with strangulation and assault & battery
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable

Malicious Wounding – On July 28 at 12:05AM, officers responded to a residence located in the 3400 block of Tendril Ct in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate an assault. The victim, a 38 year old man, reported to police that the accused, an acquaintance, entered his room while he was sleeping and cut him with a knife to the upper body. The incident appeared to have stemmed from a previous argument earlier in the day. Officers arrived and detained the accused without further incident. Minor injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Ben WESTER, was arrested.
Arrested on July 30:
Ben WESTER, 65, of the 3400 block of Tendril Ct in Woodbridge
Charged with malicious wounding
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

Attempted Malicious Wounding | Domestic Assault & Battery – On July 30 at 12:26PM, officers responded to the B-Thrifty Store located at 13412 Jefferson Davis Hwy in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate an assault. Witnesses reported to police that an altercation took place between the victim, a 41 year old woman, and the accused, an acquaintance. During the encounter, the accused was allegedly armed with knife and grabbed the victim to the upper body. Officers arrived and detained the accused without further incident. No injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Akbar Mohammad TAHMAS, was arrested.
Arrested on July 30:
Akbar Mohammad TAHMAS, 66, of the 14100 block of Doris Ct in Woodbridge
Charged with attempted malicious wounding and domestic assault & battery
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable

**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•