Manassas Police: Victim Chased Attacker in Van, Involved in Major Crash Friday

Four people were injured Friday after a victim chased a suspect who tried to steal his van, Manassas Police Sgt. Tim Neumann said.

The incident began in Fairfax County when a resident went outside to warm up a vehicle.

The person went back to check on the vehicle and discovered someone had jumped in and drove off, Neumann said.

The suspect drove the stolen car into Manassas where he spotted what he thought was an unoccupied van near Mathis Avenue. Police said the man apparently decided to take the van.

When the suspect got in the van, he discovered the owner was sleeping in the backseat, Neumann said.

A scuffle ensued and the would-be carjacker ran back to the first car he'd stolen, according to police reports.

The victim chased the suspect and both vehicles collided with several other vehicles, causing a five-car crash at Prince William and Main streets at about 7:30 a.m.

Four people were transported to hospitals. The suspect was airlifted to a Fairfax hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Neumann said.

Neumann didn't release the name of the suspect, but said charges would be filed.