Man Accused Of Burglarizing Home, Pouring Gas On Floor: Police

WOODBRIDGE, VA — A man was arrested over the weekend after he was accused of breaking into homes, stealing money, pouring gasoline on the floor, and assaulting officers who tried to take him into custody. The man, Carlo Peter Genova, is now being held without bond as he awaits an August court date, according to the Prince William County Police Department.

Officers with the Prince William County Police Department were initially called to home in the 1900 block of Winslow Court in Woodbridge to investigate a burglary around 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 29.

There, a homeowner told police that he saw an acquaintance outside of the house use rocks to force entry into the home through a sliding glass door. The homeowner retreated to another room and called 911; there was no contact between the acquaintance and the homeowner, according to authorities.

The acquaintance, who was later identified as Genova, took some money and property before fleeing the home, according to a report from the police department.

After they arrived on the scene, officers began to canvas the area to search for the accused. They found Genova nearby, but when officers attempted to detain him, he fled the area on foot, police said.

The accused continued to ignore officer's commands after the short foot pursuit, and he continued to resist officers after they caught up to him, according to authorities. Officers claimed that the accused pushed them and attempted to take an officer's electronic restraint device. Police also accused Genova of biting and striking an officer. The officer reported minor injuries.

More officers arrived on the scene and were able to take the man into custody, authorities said.

While officers investigated the incident, a homeowner from Powder Horn Terrace told police that the accused attempted to burglarize their house. Authorities investigated the claim, and determined that Genova shattered the sliding glass door at the rear of the home and poured gasoline on the floor.

The investigation into the second burglary is being handled by investigators with the Department of Fire and Rescue's Fire Marshal's Office.

Genova is charged with burglary with intent to cause arson, burglary with intent to commit larceny, property damage, attempted disarming of a law enforcement officer, assault on a law enforcement officer, and obstruction of justice.

He is being held without bond. His court date is scheduled for Aug. 19, 2021.