Security Guard Beaten By Mob In Manassas

MANASSAS, VA — A security guard was left hospitalized after being severely beaten with his own baton by four men Saturday afternoon at Westgate Plaza, 8035 Sudley Road, according to Prince William County Police. One of the men, Walter David Varela, 27, of Garner Drive, was found shortly thereafter and charged with malicious wounding, malicious wounding by mob and public intoxication. He's being held without bond.

Shortly after 3 p.m., police responded to the scene for a reported assault. They found that a security guard, 35, was patrolling the parking lot when he came across four men just standing around the lot. When they were told to leave, one of them hit the guard in the head. They then took his baton and began beating him. (For more local news, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts. Also, like us on Facebook, and if you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

The guard finally was able to use pepper spray, and the suspects fled on foot. The whereabouts of the other three suspects is unknown. The guard was hospitalized with serious injuries but not of the life-threatening variety.

Photo: Prince William County Police