Man Chased Down by Manassas Construction Workers after Allegedly Breaking Into Vehicle

Prince William County Police officers responded to a report from Chatsworth Park Apartments on Juliet Lane to investigate a possible theft from a vehicle Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 10:25 a.m.

The caller, who identified himself as a maintenance worker at the complex, told police he saw the accused rummaging through an unoccupied vehicle parked in the parking lot. When the construction worker confronted him, the accused fled from the vehicle on foot. The caller and two other workers reportedly followed the accused to his vehicle and attempted to stop him from leaving.

During the encounter, the accused reportedly bit one of their arms before accelerating his vehicle toward another worker, though the worker was able to get out of the way without being struck. A third worker attempted to use a golf cart to block the accused, though the accused continued to move forward and struck the golf cart.

Officers arrived and were able to detain the accused without further incident. The accused was found to be in possession of a stolen cellphone, though no other property was reported missing from the initial vehicle, which was reportedly accessed through an unlocked door.

Rony Huriel Ramirez Melgar, 18, of Manassas was arrested Oct. 7 and charged with malicious wounding, attempted malicious wounding, destruction of property, tampering with a vehicle and grand larceny. Ramirez Melgar’s court date is set for Nov. 10 and he is being held without bond.

Image: Rony Huriel Ramirez Melgar. Courtesy of Prince William County Police.