MCPD Employees of the Year Responded to Fatal Triple Shooting

The Manassas City Police Department has announced its 2011 employees of the year:  Sergeant S. A. Morbeto and Sergeant T. J. Rodriquez.

The two were selected for the honor based on actions they took during a triple murder that occurred in February 2011. According to a press release issued by the department:

 “On Thursday, February 10, 2011, the City of Manassas and its police department experienced one of the most horrific and tragic events in the city’s history. At approximately 7:20 p.m., reports came pouring into the emergency dispatch center of a shooting incident with multiple victims.  As the evening police patrol units arrived, two crime scenes were identified where there were multiple gunshot victims and one deceased victim.  These patrol units, led by Sergeant Morbeto, quickly gained control of a volatile and emotional situation, and were able to secure both crime scenes and gather suspect and suspect vehicle information.  A detailed lookout was broadcast and given to surrounding agencies.  During this initial incident, emergency communications staff fielded multiple calls from victims, neighbors and family members and maintained a calm and professional manner.  The initial responding patrol units then continued the preliminary investigation phase interviewing and identifying multiple victims and witnesses as investigative detectives were en route.

In less than 30 minutes from the initial tragedy, the evening events only became more devastating when a second shooting came into the dispatch center involving the same suspect and two additional victims.  At this scene, Sergeant Rodriquez developed an exigent plan to quickly make entry into a residence to locate and attempt to aid the additional victims.  At his direction,  units were then able to quickly secure the crime scene, where rescue personnel could provide assistance to the victims.  Those on-scene, to include units from the Prince William County Police, worked expeditiously with detectives to collect evidence and canvas the neighborhood for possible witnesses. It was during this same time when it was reported and confirmed that the Prince William County Police had located the suspect and his vehicle based on the earlier lookout infromation given gathered at the first shooting scene.  The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

The incident involved a great deal of collaboration and excellent teamwork by all members involved to come to such a successful conclusion so quickly.  However, the Peer Review Committee wishes to highlight the contributions made by the two on-scene street supervisors, Sergeants Morbeto and Rodriquez, who oversaw the entire evening’s tragic events.  Numerous decisions had to be made and resources had to be mobilized in a very short period of time to address one of the most violent and tragic situations that has ever occurred in Manassas. The relatively new supervisors were able to control and manage a quickly changing and volatile situation as well as demonstrate critical decision-making and leadership skills in an unprecedented time of crisis.  They are a true credit to this agency and this profession.”

The selections follow an intensive review by a 'peer review' committee, as well as all commendations received throughout 2011, the release said.