Suspect arrested after hate-related assault on 8th Street in Northwest DC
WASHINGTON, DC — A verbal dispute in Northwest escalated into a hate-related assault this week, resulting in the arrest of a Southeast DC woman who allegedly attacked another individual while using homophobic slurs, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.
The incident occurred around 2:50 p.m. on August 27 in the 1900 block of 8th Street, Northwest. Police say the suspect and victim were engaged in a verbal altercation that quickly turned physical. During the assault, the suspect reportedly used anti-LGBTQ+ language before being taken into custody by responding officers.
The suspect, 27-year-old Ashley Frederick of Southeast DC, was arrested the same day and charged with Simple Assault (Hate/Bias).
The MPD has designated the offense as potentially motivated by hate or bias, pending further investigation. While the department’s designation does not determine how the case will be prosecuted, it enables specialized units, such as the Special Liaison Branch, to assist in the investigation.
Authorities clarified that a hate crime designation by police may change as more evidence becomes available and is not binding for prosecution purposes.
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Key Points
- A woman was arrested for assault and alleged use of homophobic slurs during a confrontation in Northwest DC
- The suspect, Ashley Frederick, was charged with Simple Assault (Hate/Bias)
- The case is under review as a possible hate crime, with assistance from MPD’s Special Liaison Branch