Man Tries to Run Over Cop with Truck

Police in Prince William County arrested the driver of a dump truck after he tried to run over the officer who had stopped to investigate a potential car crash the vehicle was involved in. 

It happened Saturday, May 14, just before 9 a.m. in the area of Lomond and Garner drives in Manassas (20109).

As the officer was assessing the crash, the driver of the dump truck, identified as Ralph Perry Tanks, 56, of 15123 Concord Drive in Woodbridge, exited the truck and aggressively approached the officer, police said.

The accused returned to his truck after being instructed to do so by the officer. But as the officer continued his investigation, Tanks again exited the truck and aggressively approached the officer.

Tanks returned to his vehicle for the second time and started the truck. That’s when he proceeded towards the officer who had to quickly get out of the way to avoid being struck, police said.

Tanks was arrested without further incident and is being charged with attempted malicious wounding of an officer and obstruction of justice. His court date is set for July 21. He is being held without bond.