A man is in custody after police say he choked a 1-year-old girl and assaulted a woman on a Northwest D.C. block late Thursday afternoon. Both victims were found conscious and breathing, and the infant was taken to a hospital for evaluation, according to authorities.
What police say
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded to the 1300 block of Shepherd Street just after 5 p.m. and found a 1-year-old girl and an adult woman who had both been assaulted. As reported by DC News Now, the child was transported to a hospital for evaluation, while the woman was treated at the scene. MPD told the outlet the offense is being investigated as a domestic case. A man was arrested at the location in connection with the incident, authorities said.
Scene and investigation
Detectives are still working to piece together what led up to the alleged assault, and police have not released further information about the suspect, including his identity. Cases involving very young children or domestic allegations are often handled by MPD’s Special Victims Unit, which has overseen similar juvenile investigations in the past.
Support and resources
Neighbors and families shaken by incidents like this are not on their own. Anyone affected by domestic violence or child abuse can seek confidential local help. The DC Victim Hotline (1-844-443-5732) and Network for Victim Recovery DC offer advocacy, coordination for forensic exams and legal assistance to survivors and their families.
