Crime & Safety

Manassas Police Make Cold Case Sexual Assault Arrest

Incidents date back to 1970s; investigation started in 1997.

Lawrence E. Runion, 64, has been arrested in connection with a sexual assault investigation that has lasted more than 10 years, Manassas City Police officials said Tuesday.

Investigators believe Runion was involved in crimes against two underage victims between 1975 and 1977. An investigation into those 1970s crimes started in 1997, and police identified Runion as a suspect in 2009, according to police. 

In 2009, Runion was serving time in Florida on separate charges, police said. He was released earlier this year, extradited to Virginia and served with warrants for the 1970s cases.

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Manassas City Police Department officials announced Tuesday that they arrested Runion, of Acadia, Florida on May 20. He is charged with two counts of aggravated sexual battery, two counts of forcible sodomy, and two counts of taking indecent liberties with a child. He is being held without bond. 

Police are asking local residents with any information about the 1975 - 1977 incidents to contact the Manassas City Police Department Investigative Services Division at (703) 257-8092.  A confidential 24-hour tip line is available by calling (703) 330-0330. 

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