WASHINGTON — Part of a Manassas neighborhood had to be evacuated Thursday night after a shooting that police say was connected to a drug deal.
Officials were concerned by high-powered weapons discovered in a nearby home also connected to the shooting.
The discovery was made after witnesses saw two people shooting at a passing car in the 9600 block of Aspen Lane at around 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Two parked cars — one with someone inside — and the townhouse the shooters lived in were hit by bullets.
Manassas City spokeswoman Patty Prince told WTOP that an anonymous source said there might be “high-powered rifles or automatic weapons inside the home.” She added, “The ATF [Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms] became involved because of the nature of the firearms.”
Police evacuated 25 nearby homes because of the danger those weapons presented. Children who lived in that section of Georgetown South were kept at their respective schools while police were on scene.
“The investigation revealed that it was related to a drug deal,” Prince explained.
A tip led police to identify and arrest 23-year-old Manuel Gonzalez at a restaurant near Potomac Mills.
Police continue to investigate the shooting. Prince says investigators are searching for a second suspect in the case.
