A 16-year-old girl was killed and a 21-year-old man was seriously injured after gunfire erupted Friday night during a crowded First Friday event in Old Town Manassas, police said.
The shooting happened at about 9:30 p.m. near the train depot as thousands of people were attending the summer event in the downtown area.
The teenage girl was an innocent bystander, according to Manassas Police Chief Doug Keen. A second victim, a 21-year-old man, was taken to a Fairfax County hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The girl was identified as a student at Patriot High School, according to a statement shared by a Prince William County School Board member.
Police Say Two Shooters Exchanged Gunfire
Investigators believe two people were shooting at each other before leaving the area, police said. Authorities have continued working to determine exactly what led to the gunfire and identify everyone who may have been involved.
A man identified as 21-year-old Tasheem Douglas was later taken into custody at a local hospital. Police said he is suspected of shooting the victim who died.
The investigation remains active, and detectives are still working to determine whether additional people were involved.
Witnesses described a sudden rush to get away from the gunfire.
Shawn Hines, who was in the area with friends, said he heard several shots and immediately began ducking and running away from the scene.
The shooting occurred during one of Old Town Manassas’ busiest First Friday events. Keen estimated that between 8,000 and 10,000 people were in attendance.
Shooting Shocks Crowded Community Event
First Friday events are held regularly in Old Town and draw large crowds during the warmer months. The gatherings include entertainment, food and other activities, with an area allowing adults of legal drinking age to carry open containers.
Keen said the shooting was an unusual and serious departure from the types of incidents police typically handle during the events.
Authorities said previous First Fridays have generally been peaceful, with police more commonly responding to incidents such as public intoxication or disorderly conduct.
The death of a teenager who police believe was not involved in the shooting has added to the shock felt by residents and officials.
“I’m just not sure how you come back from losing a child,” Keen said, expressing sympathy for the girl’s family.
Another resident, Robert Bagrowski, described the loss of life as horrifying.
Police Ask Public to Preserve Photos and Videos
After the shooting, authorities initially asked people to avoid the Old Town area while investigators processed the scene.
A reunification location was also established at the Farmers Market lot at 9024 Prince William Street for people trying to locate family members who may have been attending the event.
Detectives are now asking anyone who witnessed the shooting or was in the area at the time to provide information that could help investigators.
Police are particularly interested in photos and videos recorded around the time of the shooting, including footage from doorbell cameras and other recording devices.
Investigators have also asked people who may have relevant recordings not to publicly post them before submitting them to police.
Authorities have established a secure online portal for people to submit potential evidence.
Anyone with information can also contact Detective Urey at 703-257-8043 or [email protected].
The investigation is ongoing. Police said additional information will be released when it can be made public without interfering with the case.
