Hammer-wielding attacker sought after assault inside Northwest DC building
WASHINGTON, DC – A quiet Sunday evening turned violent in Northwest when a man inside a Newton Street building was assaulted by a suspect carrying a hammer, prompting police to release surveillance footage as they search for the individual involved.
The assault occurred around 5:50 p.m. on November 21 inside a building in the 1400 block of Newton Street NW. Investigators said the suspect approached the victim, displayed a hammer, and struck the victim before fleeing. The extent of the victim’s injuries has not been disclosed.
Nearby surveillance cameras captured the suspect, and Metropolitan Police have released video in an effort to identify him. The footage shows a man walking through the building shortly before and after the attack. Police have not indicated a possible motive or whether the suspect and victim knew each other.
Detectives continue to canvass the area for additional video and witnesses. No arrests have been made. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.
The incident adds to a series of recent assaults reported in residential corridors near Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant, where police have urged residents to remain aware of their surroundings when entering or exiting buildings.
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Key Points
- A suspect struck a man with a hammer inside a Newton Street NW building on November 21
- Surveillance video captured images of the suspect fleeing the scene
- Police are offering up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction
