VIRGINIA DEMOCRAT DELEGATE SHOWED UP AT PROTEST AND HARASSED POLICE: Del Lee Carter caught up in tear gas as two officers were injured by bricks hurled by rioters.
Prince William Police reported on May 31, 2020 that on May 30 at 8:11 PM, Prince William County police declared an unlawful assembly in the area of Sudley Rd and Sudley Manor Dr in Manassas in response to a protest that became unruly.
The demonstration, which reportedly began around 5:00 PM, started peacefully as protesters exercised their right to assemble uninhibited by police. The crowds increased significantly and became violent as some of the protesters proceeded into Sudley Rd, stopping traffic, and throwing objects at passing motorists and officers. Some of the protesters were also observed standing on top of motorist’s vehicles that were stopped as a result of the obstruction and atop businesses in the area.
As the protest transitioned to unruly, an unlawful assembly was declared. Prince William County officers, with assistance from the Virginia State police, attempted to regain order as crowds were estimated at approximately 250 during its peak. As a result, Sudley Rd was closed from the I-66 interchange to Sudley Manor Dr.
At several points during the incident, the unlawful assembly declaration was repeated, and the crowds were given the opportunity to disperse peacefully. Additional officers from the Sheriff’s Office, Manassas City police, Fairfax County police, and Haymarket police were also called to assist in a support capacity during the unrest. On May 31 at approximately 1:00 AM, crowds dispersed, and order was restored in the area.
During the protests, multiple businesses along the Sudley Rd corridor sustained damage and two small fires were reported to shrubbery and a trash receptacle. Numerous police vehicles were also reportedly damaged throughout the evening.
Four Prince William County police officers were injured during the unrest, one sustaining a significant head injury requiring treatment at an area hospital.
In total, five arrests were made, including the driver of a vehicle charged with DUI and other offenses for driving through a police perimeter, nearly striking officers posted at the location.
The other charges placed as a result of the disturbance included unlawful assembly and obstruction of justice. A significant number of officers assisted during the approximate five-hour unrest period following the unlawful assembly declaration.
Arrested on May 30-31:
Shiine Viniece JACKSON, 35, of 9330 Caspian Way, #202 in ManassasCharged with felony eluding, driving under the influence, obstruction of justice, unreasonable refusal, unlawful assembly, and possession of marijuana count Date: June 30, 2020, | Bond: $3,000 unsecured
Carl Haskele BERRY II, 39, of 15641 Three Otters Pl in ManassasCharged with obstruction of justice and unlawful assemblyCourt Date: October 15, 2020 | Bond: Unavailable
Arsheki BERRY, 36, of 15641 Three Otters Pl in ManassasCharged with unlawful assemblyCourt Date: October 15, 2020, | Bond: Unavailable
Landon Michael PARKER, 39, of no fixed address charged with obstruction of justice and unlawful assembly Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable
Shaquila CAMPBELL, 38, of unknown address charged with unlawful assemblyCourt Date: June 30, 2020 | Bond: Unavailable
Rony Huriel RAMIREZ MELGAR, 23, of 7616 Monitor Ct in ManassasCharged with disorderly conductCourt Date: September 17, 2020, | Bond: Unavailable
Commercial Burglary | Unlawful Assembly – On June 1 at 12:09 AM. Officers assisting with an initial lawful demonstration in the area of Liberia Ave and Signal Hill Rd responded to Walmart, located at 9401 Liberia Ave in Manassas, Va., for a burglary-in-progress.
After an unlawful assembly was declared by Manassas City police, a small group forced entry into the business through the front doors. Officers were able to quickly mobilize and respond to the business. Entry was confirmed into the store and two arrests were made. The damage was reported inside the store. One man was detained in front of the business and was determined to be intoxicated. A second man was detained after removing merchandise from the business. The crowd quickly dispersed, and no other persons were located inside the store.
Following the investigation, Prince William Police say that both men were arrested.
Arrested on June 1:
Franklin Alexander ORTIZ, 26, of 11009 Kinship Ct, #104 in Manassas
Charged with burglaryCourt Date: July 8, 2020, | Bond: Unavailable
Julio Cesar SOTO, Jr., 22, of 12303 Tanalian Falls Ln in Bristow Charged with unlawful assembly and public intoxicationCourt Date: September 2, 2020, | Bond: Unavailable
VIRGINIA STATE POLICE: Within a short period of time, the protesters turned violent and began throwing bricks, rocks, and bottles at passing vehicles and then at law enforcement. One state police trooper was struck in the head with a brick but suffered only a minor injury as his helmet took the brunt of the impact. A second trooper suffered a minor injury when struck in the leg with a rock.
RIOT IN VIRGINIA SUBURBS: Virginia State Police trooper hit in head during riot in Prince William County
FINAL: Crowds have dispersed in the area along Sudley Rd in Manassas. Officers are assessing the damage reported in the area. A statement is expected later this morning as details are confirmed.
POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
Update: PWC Police lied to me about not having CS gas. I inhaled some, and they flashbanged me <90sec after I identified myself. Then VSP sprayed CS directly into my left eye after refusing to answer basic questions for ~45min.
— Lee 😷 Carter (@carterforva) May 31, 2020
Flashbang was thrown directly at my feet. https://t.co/RZ9wyWiYNP
When the PWC Police deemed the protes in Manassas an unlawful gathering did you plead to the crowd as a leader for the people to disperse & go home for a peaceful ending? You are an elected official intended to uphold the law, right?
— Paul (@pspisak) May 31, 2020
I think it's hilarious. You showed up after PWC Police ordered the crowd to disperse, declared the action of blocking the street unlawful, and you rushed the line, chest bumped the police shields, made contact, and got OC'ed. I saw it first hand. That's hilarious.
— C Bradshaw (@CBradshaw00001) May 31, 2020
FROM PRINCE WILLIAM TIMES: After confronting police officers during a protest in Manassas Saturday night, Del. Lee Carter appeared to have been sprayed by some kind of chemical agent by police.
Meanwhile, at least two state police officers were struck by thrown objects, including a brick and a rock, during the protest, according to Virginia State Police.
Carter, D-50th, was filmed attending the protest on Facebook live video at about 10 p.m. Saturday night.
Carter could be seen asking the officers a series of questions before kneeling down in front of a line of police for several minutes. The officers stood shoulder-to-shoulder on what appeared to be the edge of Sudley Road; most held riot shields in front of their faces.
Manassas attorney Shawn Stout advertised his services on Twitter during violence on May 30th
Shawn Stout has dedicated his career to the defense of individuals against the government. Shawn has helped people through hundreds of misdemeanor and felony cases of most every type in the courts of Northern Virginia. He opened a law practice in 2010 with classmates from the George Mason University School of Law and worked hard to become a zealous and highly effective advocate for the people he represents. Now at The Irving Law Firm, Shawn continues to provide high quality individualized representation to people charged with all kinds of criminal offenses.
Police can't "declare" shit. Unlawful assembly is an element of an offense that would have to be proved in court. Happy to help anyone charged.#ManassasProtesthttps://t.co/73tA1msFlR
— Shawn Stout (@iniquitousme) May 31, 2020
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2020 11:05 PM
FROM VIRGINIA STATE POLICE:
PWC Police and other Law Enforcement Agencies are on the scene of a civil disturbance in the area of Sudley Road (VA-234) and Sudley Manor Drive in Western PWC. An unlawful assembly has been declared; all persons must vacate the area. If you live in the area, please shelter in place indoors until further notice.
Virginia State Police personnel responded Saturday evening (May 30) to the area of Sudley Manor Road to assist Prince William County police with traffic and crowd control due to a very large gathering of protesters.
Within a short period of time, the protesters turned violent and began throwing bricks, rocks and bottles at passing vehicles and then at law enforcement. One state police trooper was struck in the head with a brick, but suffered only a minor injury as his helmet took the brunt of the impact. A second trooper suffered a minor injury when struck in the leg with a rock.
The protesters were given repeated verbal commands to disperse at that location, but have refused. In an effort to safely disperse the violent crowd, state police has utilized non-lethal tactics, such as OC “pepper” spray and powder.
State police will remain on scene through the night to assist Prince William County Police.
Manassas Va, May 30 2020. The police is the military.#Manassas pic.twitter.com/JOJfoasZgh
— Youssef (@Youssefier) May 31, 2020
This is a DIFFERENT SUV that's been set on fire, also on the 1700 block of I Street NW.
— Kevin Lewis (@ABC7Kevin) May 31, 2020
It had initially been broken into by rioters. I stuck my head inside after the break in and saw equipment belonging to Fox News.
No word if Fox was targeted or of it's merely a coincidence. pic.twitter.com/5ySuRvjkMC
A vehicle has been set on fire on I Street NW, between 16th and 17th Streets. pic.twitter.com/jcA9m3mcmY
— Kevin Lewis (@ABC7Kevin) May 31, 2020
Hey @NYCMayor: Now would be a good time to stop talking about how to fix America and start talking about what’s wrong in your city on your watch. pic.twitter.com/oyqBZPOcZq
— Anand Giridharadas (@AnandWrites) May 31, 2020
