County police report suspects used guns and knives in recent incidents

**UPDATES**
Armed Robbery | Malicious Wounding *ARREST – On August 21, detectives from the Prince William County Police Department’s Robbery Unit identified one of the suspects sought in connection to the shooting that was reported to have occurred at the Comfort Inn Suites located at 16931 Old Stage Rd. in Dumfries on August 19.

The suspect, identified as Leonard Charles GASKINS III, was subsequently arrested following a separate investigation. The investigation continues as detectives seek the identity of the second suspect involved in the incident.

Arrested on August 21:
Leonard Charles GASKINS III, 20, of 2125 Callao Ct in Woodbridge
Charged with robbery, malicious wounding, conspiracy to commit a felony, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Court Date: September 17, 2019 | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

Shooting Investigation [Previously Released] – On August 19 at 11:33AM, Prince William County police officers responded to investigate a shooting that was reported to have occurred at the Comfort Inn Suites located at 16931 Old Stage Rd. in Dumfries (22025) earlier in the morning. The initial investigation revealed the victim, a 30-year-old man of Woodbridge, was involved in an altercation with two unknown males. During the altercation, the victim was shot in the arm. The victim later responded to an area hospital where he was treated for serious, non-life-threatening injuries. At this point, this incident does not appear to be random. The investigation continues.

**INCIDENTS**
Shooting Investigation – On August 21 at 5:12PM, Prince William County police officers responded to the 15500 block of Chicacoan Dr in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a shooting. Several callers reported to police that gun shots were heard in the area and that a man was shot before he left the area in a vehicle. While officers were on scene, a 20-year-old man showed up at an area hospital suffering from non-life threatening gunshot wounds to the lower body.

The investigation revealed that the victim was walking in the area of Rippon Blvd when he was approached by two men. During the encounter, the victim was shot. The victim called an acquaintance who then picked up the victim and transported him to an area hospital where police were notified. At this point, this incident does not appear to be random. The investigation continues.

Armed Robbery – On August 21 at 6:14PM, officers responded to the area of Georgetown Rd and Patrick Henry Dr in Dumfries (22026) to investigate a robbery. The victim, a 19-year-old man, reported to police that he was driving when he became lost and stopped in the above area. While stopped, the victim was approached by three unknown men, one of which who knocked on the victim’s window. When the victim rolled his window down, a second man brandished a knife and demanded money. The suspects took the victim’s money before fleeing on foot. No injuries were reported. The victim went to his residence where police were contacted. The suspects were described as younger black males. The investigation continues.

Malicious Wounding | Abduction – On August 20 at 12:48PM, Prince William County police officers responded to investigate an assault that was reported to have occurred at a residence located in the 8300 block of Crackling Cedar Ln in Gainesville (20155) earlier that morning.

The victim, a 39-year-old woman, reported to police that she and an acquaintance, identified as the suspect, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the suspect physically blocked the victim from leaving the residence before striking her in the face. At one point, the suspect forced the victim to the bedroom where he held her down and continued to strike her face. The suspect also took the victim’s phone and broke it, preventing her from contacting police.

The suspect then went to the kitchen area where he retrieved a knife. The victim screamed which alerted another occupant of the home who then intervened and ordered the suspect to leave. The parties separated and the victim went to an area hospital where police were contacted.

Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the suspect, identified das Edwin CRUZ. Attempted to locate the suspect have been unsuccessful.

Wanted:
Edwin CRUZ, 28, of the 100 block of Walker Dr in Warrenton
Described as a Hispanic male, 5’6”, 255lbs with a heavy build, black hair, and brown eyes
Wanted for malicious wounding, abduction, and destruction of property

Residential Burglary –On August 21 at 6:29PM, Prince William County police officers responded to an apartment located in the 8900 block of Academic Lp in Manassas (20109) to investigate a burglary. The resident of the apartment reported to police that the burglary occurred between 8:30AM and 1:50PM. There were no signs of forced entry into the apartment. Credit cards and an undisclosed amount of money were reported missing.
**END**

Anyone with information regarding the incidents listed in this report is asked to contact the Prince William County Police Department tipline at 703.792.7000 or submit a webtip to: http://www.pwcgov.org/policetip