Cop Assaulted At Manassas Mall: Police

MASASSAS. VA—An officer trying to break up a fight Saturday night outside Manassas Mall was assaulted by one of the combatants, according to Prince William County Police. Tara Lee Lavender, 47, of the 11600 block of Iron Brigade Unit Avenue in Bristow, was charged with assault and battery on a law enforcement officer, domestic assault and battery, obstruction of justice and public intoxication. Raymond Lee Heptinstall, 41, of the same address, was charged with resisting arrest, obstruction of justice and public intoxication.

Shortly before 11:30 p.m., an officer was patrolling the mall parking lot at 8300 Sudley Road when she came upon a fight between a man and a woman. She found them to be intoxicated and attempted to detain them. But that's when they resisted, and Lavender hit the officer. No injuries, however, were reported.

Photos: Prince William County Police