MANASSAS, Va. – A 13-year-old boy was seriously injured Thursday night after being attacked and robbed by a group of juveniles outside Benton Middle School following a football game, police said.
An off-duty Virginia State Trooper intervened in the assault and detained one suspect, identified as a 14-year-old boy from Manassas.
Two additional suspects, both described as teenagers wearing ski-style masks, remain at large.
Key Points
- A 13-year-old boy was attacked and robbed outside Benton Middle School in Manassas.
- An off-duty state trooper stopped the assault and detained one suspect.
- The victim was hospitalized with serious injuries; two suspects remain unidentified.
Attack followed school football game
Police said the incident happened around 7:24 p.m. Thursday at 7411 Hoadly Road, after a football game at Benton Middle School. The 13-year-old victim was approached by three other juveniles for what began as a consensual encounter before one suspect struck him from behind. The victim was knocked to the ground, and his shoes were stolen.
Off-duty trooper intervenes in violent assault
A Virginia State Trooper who witnessed the altercation stepped in and detained one of the attackers as the others fled. Officers arrived shortly after and began a K-9 search for the remaining suspects, who were not located.
Juvenile suspect charged with multiple felonies
Police arrested the detained 14-year-old boy and charged him with aggravated malicious wounding, robbery, and assault by mob. He is being held at the Juvenile Detention Center pending a court date.
Victim recovering as investigation continues
The 13-year-old was taken to a local hospital for treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the assault or has video footage from the area during the football game to contact the Prince William County Police Department.
