A mob of “masked, tough-guy wannabe thugs” trapped a Virginia police officer inside his patrol car, jumped on the hood and tore it apart, then one driver mowed down another officer who came to his aid.
Shocking body camera footage of the out-of-control “street hijacking” showed hundreds of people retaliating against officers who broke up a car rally at 3am on Sunday. According to Fairfax County Police.
“There’s a bunch of spectators. They’re getting hit by cars,” the distressed police officer can be heard saying as he radios for backup.
One person climbed on top of the police car while dozens of others knocked on the windows and tried to open the car door. A person was also seen trying to remove the rear license plate.
A man was also seen brandishing a rifle while hanging out the window of a car driving around recklessly in what Police Chief Kevin Davis called “utter chaos and disorder.”
The masked figures even filmed themselves carrying out the dastardly attack.
Dozens of police officers responded to their colleagues’ Mayday calls, but eventually found themselves at the center of the group’s attack.
One driver was walking toward surrounded police when he struck them, causing what he described as a “broken wrist.”
Another police officer attempted to pursue the suspect, but ultimately gave up the dangerous chase.
“We believe we narrowly escaped a death-in-the-line scenario of our own, because one of our officers was surrounded by masked tough-guy wannabe thugs, surrounded her car, and committed a criminal attack. Because of what he did, and I’m telling you, it will never happen again in Fairfax County.” Davis said on wednesday.
A group of “cowards” came to the attention of a female police officer after she spotted them driving recklessly in a car park.
Police say they were speeding and doing donuts.
“I think they were trying to pull her out of the car,” Davis said. “Fortunately, they didn’t get into the car, and we’re very grateful for that.”
Four people were identified thanks to incriminating video.
Ronal Urrea Hernandez, 18, was behind the wheel when he allegedly struck the officer and fled the scene. Police obtained a warrant for charges including felony hit-and-run.
Carlos A. Matinez Jr., 18, was charged with reckless driving after police said he was also involved in a collision with a police cruiser.
Dylan Heckard, 20, was also charged with numerous charges, including kidnapping, assault on a law enforcement officer and obstruction of justice. Police said the man was identified after he posted a selfie on social media with his middle finger up, which police found.
Detectives also plan to identify a 17-year-old Arlington man and charge him with disorderly conduct and kidnapping for allegedly jumping into a police cruiser and preventing her from leaving.
The Fairfax County Police Department then created a civil disturbance team to identify locations where such street takeovers are planned and respond to incidents before they become dangerous.
They plan to use helicopters to track down people who try to speed away.
