The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating a suspect linked to a serious assault that took place in Northwest D.C. early on New Year's Day. According to the department release, the incident occurred at around 2:00 a.m. in the 1700 block of Florida Avenue, Northwest, where the victim was allegedly attacked with a hateful slur before being subjected to physical violence. Having fled the scene, the suspect remains at large, while the victim was taken to a local hospital by D.C. Fire and EMS for treatment.
In their efforts to apprehend the individual responsible, the MPD has released photos of the suspect. The investigation is being conducted with the consideration that the assault may have been motivated by hate or bias. They clarify that although the current designation does not guarantee how prosecutors will approach the case, it can impact the course of the investigation as more information surfaces. The Special Liaison Branch has also joined the efforts to support the investigation, ensuring thorough examination and sensitivity to the potential hate crime elements of the case, as detailed by MPD release.
The department is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect. For those with knowledge regarding the assault, the MPD has advised not to approach the individual but to contact the police at (202) 727-9099 or to submit a tip via text to the TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.
