An early morning argument in Navy Yard turned violent Sunday when a group attack left one person stabbed and another pepper sprayed, according to D.C. police. Medics treated one victim at the scene and rushed the stabbing victim to a hospital. Police say both are expected to recover. Investigators have released surveillance images and are offering a reward as they search for the suspects.
What police say and where it happened
The Metropolitan Police Department says the confrontation started in the 1300 block of Yards Place SE, near the Urby apartment complex, and involved a group assaulting two people around 1 a.m. on Sunday. Four of the six suspects appear in surveillance stills released by police as part of the investigation. As reported by FOX 5 DC, officers are asking anyone who recognizes the individuals to contact them.
How the public can help
MPD public notices state that the department "currently offers a reward of up to $10,000" for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of someone responsible for a violent crime. Anyone with tips is asked to call the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099 or text information to the department tip line at 50411. Police stress that members of the public should not confront anyone they believe to be a suspect and should instead share what they know with investigators.
Neighbors' reaction and the bigger picture
Residents told reporters they are frustrated by continued violence in the neighborhood and are calling for more patrols and faster detective follow up, according to FOX 5 DC. The incident lands in the middle of a larger citywide debate over juvenile curfew rules and how officials should respond to large late night gatherings, which local coverage has linked to so called "teen takeovers" in Navy Yard and other neighborhoods. For more on that ongoing policy fight and its impact on young people, see reporting by URL Media/TANTV.
