Officers Dragged By Car While Investigating Stolen Car In Woodbridge

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Two officers were dragged by a car and were injured while investigating a stolen car report in Woodbridge Tuesday, according to Prince William County Police.

Police had responded around 4:12 p.m. Tuesday to the Summerhouse II Condos in the 1900 block of Gableridge Turn in Woodbridge. According to police, the suspect had stolen an acquaintance's car without permission from Dumfries, and officers learned the vehicle was in the parking lot in the 1900 block of Gableridge Turn.

On scene, officers found the suspect in another acquaintance's vehicle. When officers tried to detain the suspect, he drove off. That led to two officers being dragged a short distance by the car. The officers were able to separate themselves from the car, and the suspect drove away while striking another vehicle.

The officers had non-life-threatening injuries, with one being treated at the hospital and on at the scene.

Police obtained arrest warrants for the suspect, Gideon Owusu Jr., 31, of Stafford. On Wednesday, officers found the suspect returned to an area. As officers attempted a traffic stop, police say the suspect fled. The pursuit by police was ended when the suspect continued south on Interstate 95, but the suspect was soon arrested by Virginia State Police with help from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.

Owusu was charged with two counts of malicious wounding of a law enforcement officer, two counts of hit and run with injury, two counts of hit and run, one count of reckless driving, two counts of grand larceny, one count of eluding, and one count of obstruction of justice.

Below are other incidents Prince William County Police responded to in recent days. Anyone with information about an incident can contact the Prince William County Police Department tip line at 703-792-7000 or submit a tip to pwcva.gov/policetip.

Indecent Exposure: On February 12 at 1:19PM, officers responded to Zumiez inside Potomac Mills located at 2700 Potomac Mills Cl. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate an indecent exposure. The investigation revealed a female store employee was assisting a male patron in the fitting room when he exposed himself. The parties separated and the police were contacted. No physical contact was reported. The suspect was described as a man, mid-20s, wearing dark-colored clothing.

Reckless Handling of a Firearm: On February 12 at 4:24PM, officers responded to the 15000 block of Cherrydale Dr. in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed multiple gunshots were heard in the area. While checking the area, officers located a damaged community sign and multiple rounds.

Strangulation | Robbery: On February 11 at 7:28PM, officers responded to the Broadstone at River Oaks Apartments located in the 3100 block of Chesapeake Dr. in Dumfries (22026) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the accused forced entry into the apartment of a 38-year-old female acquaintance where he then assaulted the victim before grabbing her neck. When the parties eventually separated, the accused took the victim’s phones and purse before leaving the apartment. Non-life threatening injuries were reported. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Lee Otis Taylor, who was arrested on February 12.
Arrested on February 11: Lee Otis Taylor, 21, of Dumfries, charged with robbery, strangulation, and assault & battery
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable

Shooting Investigation: On February 10 at 11:23PM, officers responded to the 14100 block of Bay Vista Dr. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed a 23-year-old man was with a group of other men when they demanded his property. During the encounter, a round was fired striking the man before the parties dispersed. The man was transported to an area hospital with a gunshot wound to the upper body. No additional injuries or property damage were reported. This incident does not appear random. Detectives are actively investigating the incident to determine what led up to the shooting. More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.