Suspected Abduction Attempt In Dean Park Was Misunderstanding: Manassas Police

MANASSAS, VA – Manassas police have concluded that a reported attempted abduction on Sunday was actually a case of intoxication and unfortunate sartorial choices.

Public tips, surveillance and help from crime analysts helped Manassas police identify 20-year-old Tony Rivas Nolasco as the masked man identified as a suspect in a reported abduction attempt in Dean Park on Sunday, the department said in a Thursday statement. Upon interviewing Nolasco, Manassas police determined that he was heavily intoxicated at the time of his interaction with the child in the park, and that he never intended to abduct her. Nolasco also said he understood that his clothing and behavior at the time could have caused concern, police said.

Manassas investigators found no evidence to support a charge of attempted abduction by Nolasco or the second individual reported to have been involved.

Nolasco was charged with wearing a mask in public and was released on his own recognizance by a magistrate.

Police thanked the public for their response to the case and said information provided by community members helped them identify Nolasco and come to a conclusion about the incident.