Potomac News Online | Manassas man charged with attacking deputies
A 32-year-old Manassas man was arrested after allegedly fighting with two Prince William County Sheriff’s Deputies after bypassing courthouse security Friday afternoon, the Prince William County Sheriff’s office said.
Jose Evaristo Cruz-Martinez was charged with two felony counts of attempted assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest, said Lt. Louis DeRamus III, Sheriff’s Office spokesman.
Cruz-Martinez was unarmed and not believed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, DeRamus said, and deputies are unsure of why he tried to enter the courthouse the way he did.
Cruz-Martinez allegedly walked past the metal detector and X-ray screening area around 4:55 p.m., DeRamus said.
Two deputies who were guarding the courthouse entrance approached him, but Cruz-Martinez fought with them and tried to run up a stairway into the building, DeRamus said.
Cruz-Martinez then fought with deputies until they could subdue him and take him into custody, DeRamus said.
Cruz-Martinez was found guilty in June of 2002 of assault and battery on a police officer and sentenced to 12 months in prison, with 11 of those suspended.
Staff writer David Stegon can be reached at (703) 878-8065.