A Virginia man has received a sentence of more than 150 years in prison in connection with a 2023 abduction that concluded with a shootout involving law enforcement officers.
According to Patch Manassas, Brandon Joe Williams, 37, of Gainesville, was sentenced on Friday, May 24, in Prince William County Circuit Court. The sentence follows his conviction on 15 charges, including abduction with intent to defile, carjacking, attempted capital murder of a police officer, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
The incident began in July 2023 when Williams abducted a woman from a shopping center in Gainesville. Authorities stated that Williams then drove the victim to a secluded area in Manassas, where he committed sexual assault.
Prince William County police officers located Williams's vehicle and attempted a traffic stop on Dumfries Road. Williams failed to yield and led officers on a pursuit that ended when his vehicle crashed near Minnieville Road and Old Bridge Road.
Following the crash, Williams engaged in a shootout with officers. Law enforcement returned fire, and Williams was struck and apprehended. No officers were injured during the exchange.
The victim was safely recovered after the incident. The charges against Williams stemmed from the abduction, sexual assault, carjacking, and his attempt to murder a police officer during the confrontation.
Williams's conviction and subsequent sentencing close a significant case involving multiple serious felonies within Prince William County.