Manassas City Police say Tasheem Douglas, 21, has been arrested and transferred to the Prince William County Adult Detention Center after investigators identified him as one of the shooters in Friday night’s Old Town Manassas shooting that killed a 16-year-old girl.
Police said Tuesday that officers were flagged down at 9:28 p.m. Sept. 4 in the 9400 block of West Street.
Officers found two injured people and provided emergency first aid before both were taken to local hospitals. The 16-year-old girl later died from her injuries. Police have described her as an innocent bystander.
Douglas was also wounded. Police later identified him as one of the shooters.
2-MINUTE BRIEF
ARREST: Tasheem Douglas, 21, has been arrested and transferred to the Prince William County Adult Detention Center.
CHARGES: Douglas is charged with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
VICTIM: Police say the 16-year-old girl who was killed was an innocent bystander struck during the exchange of gunfire.
NEW DETAILS: Police now say officers were flagged down at 9:28 p.m. in the 9400 block of West Street. Bystanders provided initial first aid and directed officers to the injured people.
INVESTIGATION: Police previously said two shooters exchanged gunfire. The Manassas Journal has asked whether another shooter or additional suspect is still being sought.
Police Say Douglas Was One of the Shooters
Police Chief Doug Keen said Saturday that investigators believed Douglas and another person exchanged gunfire near the railroad tracks in Old Town.
The 16-year-old girl was struck during the exchange. Police have described her as an innocent bystander.
Douglas was also shot and later collapsed near Battle Street and Prince William Street, Keen said.
When officers first encountered Douglas, they treated him as an injured shooting victim. Keen said detectives later identified him as a suspect using video and information provided by the community.
Asked Saturday whether investigators believed Douglas fired the shot that killed the girl, Keen said the evidence pointed in that direction at that stage of the investigation.
“That is what the evidence is telling us right now,” Keen said.
Police said the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office worked with investigators before Douglas was charged with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The charges are allegations and will be resolved through the court system.
Police said Tuesday that Douglas has been transferred to the Prince William County Adult Detention Center.
MCPD said a current booking photograph is not yet available because of a delay related to Douglas’ medical treatment. Police said it will be released when available.
Status of Second Shooter
Police said Saturday that investigators believed two people exchanged gunfire and were working to identify and locate the second shooter.
Keen said investigators were following leads but were not releasing a description because doing so could interfere with the investigation.
Police also said investigators had recovered at least one firearm and believed two guns were used.
Tuesday’s update described Douglas as “one of the shooters” but did not say whether police are still seeking another shooter or additional suspect.
The Manassas Journal has asked MCPD for clarification.
Bystanders Helped Before Officers Arrived
Police provided additional details Tuesday about the response immediately after the shooting.
MCPD said bystanders provided initial first aid and directed responding officers to the injured people. Officers then provided emergency first aid before both were transported to hospitals.
Police thanked those who assisted at the scene.
Crime Scene Closed About 12 Hours
MCPD said the crime scene remained closed for approximately 12 hours while investigators collected evidence.
Prince William County Police, Manassas Park Police and Virginia State Police assisted Manassas officers with crowd safety and preservation of the scene.
Police also thanked Manassas businesses that closed early to help secure the area.
Community Information Aided Investigation
Keen previously credited residents who provided photographs, video and other information after the shooting.
Police said Tuesday that investigators worked throughout the weekend and continue reviewing information submitted by the public.
The investigation remains active.
Victim’s Identity Remains Private
Police have not publicly identified the 16-year-old girl.
MCPD said Tuesday that the department has been in contact with her family and, out of respect for the family’s privacy, will not release her name.
The Manassas Journal has also chosen not to identify the teenage victim.
Keen said Saturday that he met with the family before police publicly announced Douglas’ arrest.
“Absolutely heartbreaking as I’m sitting there talking to that family this afternoon,” Keen said.
Douglas Had Prior Firearm-Related Arrests
Prince William County Police records show Douglas had been arrested in two previous firearm-related cases.
On Feb. 14, 2026, police responded to Manassas Mall after an argument in which Douglas allegedly brandished a firearm. Police said he fled when officers approached and ran onto the grounds of Westgate Elementary School, where he was detained.
Douglas, then 20, was charged with possession of a firearm on school property, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a loaded firearm in public areas and carrying a concealed weapon.
Prince William County Police listed his status at the time as a $5,000 secured bond with a court date pending. The Manassas Journal has not confirmed the final disposition of those charges.
Police records also show Douglas was arrested in April 2024 after an incident at a Burger King on River Ridge Boulevard in Woodbridge.
Police said Douglas allegedly brandished a firearm following an argument. No shots were fired and no injuries were reported.
He was charged with brandishing a firearm and assault and battery. The Manassas Journal has not confirmed the final disposition of that case.
Investigation Continues
Police said Tuesday that investigators continue working on the case and thanked residents who have submitted tips, photographs, videos and other information.
The Manassas Journal is awaiting clarification on whether another shooter or additional suspect remains sought.
