Suspects Charged After Fireworks Set On Vienna Officers

VIENNA, VA — Two suspects have been identified and charged in the fireworks setting incident that injured two Vienna police officers.

Around 9:20 p.m. on Sept. 26, Vienna Police had responded to a fight with a large group of high school students at the McDonald's at 544 Maple Avenue West. The location is near Madison High School, which had its homecoming football game that night against Marshall High School.

Police say officers were dispersing the crowd when fireworks were set off in their direction. Two officers got minor injuries, were treated on scene and remained on duty. Police determined the fireworks were intentionally activated near the officers.

In a news release, Police Chief Jim Morris said, "the deliberate targeting of our officers with explosive devices is not only unacceptable but also a serious criminal act that endangers both our officers and the public."

An investigation led by a detective with multiple interviews and search warrants led police to identify the suspects.

Melanie Pedraza-Gutierrez, 18, of Falls Church, was arrested and charged with two counts of malicious bodily injury to law enforcement officers, two counts of malicious bodily injury by use of an explosive or fire, two counts of throwing a missile at an occupied vehicle, two counts of throwing a missile at an occupied building, one count of disorderly conduct, and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

A 16-year-old was arrested and charged with two counts of malicious bodily injury to law enforcement officers, two counts of malicious bodily injury by use of an explosive or fire, two counts of throwing a missile at an occupied vehicle, two counts of throwing a missile at an occupied building and one count of disorderly conduct.

Police said Fairfax County Police, Virginia State Police and information from the public provided assistance with the case.