State police to investigate immigrant's assault claim

A Salvadoran immigrant’s claim of assault by a police officer has prompted a Virginia State Police investigation and a march scheduled for Monday. But Manassas Park police say the immigrant has yet to file an official complaint about the officer.

Agueda Dominguez told several media outlets last week that she was beaten by Lt. Rupert Prinz during a Feb. 2 traffic stop at the Apex Mart at the corner of Manassas Drive and Mathis Avenue in the city.

Two days later, Manassas Park police said that an internal investigation would be conducted into the incident, in which Prinz was also injured.

That investigation has now been turned over to state police, Manassas Park Maj. Mark Mathews said.

He added that the department has yet to actually receive formal notice of Dominguez’ allegations.

“We do not have an official complaint from her,” Mathews said.

State police spokeswoman Corinne Geller on Thursday acknowledged that the agency is looking into the matter, but she said it was too early to comment on the investigation.

Meanwhile, the pro-immigrant group Mexicans Without Borders has planned a march Monday at 4 p.m. for those who want to show their support of Dominguez, said Eva Marun, a translator for the organization.

“Trust between the immigrant community and police is at an all-time low,” stated an announcement of the march on the group’s Web site. “The recent brutal beating of Agueda Dominguez by a Manassas Park police officer is a graphic illustration of how bad things have gotten.”

Marchers will gather at the shopping center across Manassas Drive from the Apex Mart, and then walk down Mathis Avenue and on to the Prince William County courthouse. There a rally and candlelight vigil will be held at 5:30 p.m.

Marun said she got involved because Dominguez is a friend and business client.

“I’m just supporting her with everything,” she said.

Dominguez has not responded to interview requests from the News & Messenger, but the 38-year-old told Washington television stations that she was stopped about 6:30 p.m. for having a broken headlight. She did not have her driver’s license, but she said she gave Prinz her Social Security card and work permit.

Manassas Park police said Dominguez was charged with having defective equipment on her car, not possessing a driver’s license and resisting arrest after she refused to sign a traffic summons.

Dominquez said she didn’t sign the ticket because she can’t understand English. She said she was pepper-sprayed and thrown to the ground.

Television footage showed cuts and bruises on Dominguez’ arms, leg and face, and a press release on Manassas Park’s Web site said that “the officer and the suspect sustained minor injuries” during the traffic stop.

Dominguez was treated at Prince William Hospital and released, police said, and she is due in court March 12.

Staff writer Jonathan Hunley can be reached at 703-369-5738.