Washington, D.C. — A 29-year-old man was arrested Saturday night following a knife-wielding assault on a food delivery driver in Northwest D.C., in what police are investigating as a possible hate or bias-related crime.
At approximately 9:58 p.m., officers from the Third District were flagged down in the 800 block of P Street NW. The victim reported being approached by two individuals. One suspect allegedly brandished a knife and chased the victim, while the other punctured the tires of the victim’s bicycle.
During the confrontation, both suspects reportedly made derogatory remarks toward the victim. Police did not specify the nature of the remarks but noted the offense is being investigated as potentially hate- or bias-motivated.
One suspect, identified as Pedro Sanmayoa-Garcia, who has no fixed address, was apprehended at the scene and charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Knife). The second suspect fled and remains at large.
Authorities are continuing their efforts to locate the outstanding individual involved in the assault.
Investigation continues as hate crime review underway
The Metropolitan Police Department is handling the case as a potential hate crime pending further investigation. Officials noted that the designation could be amended as more evidence is gathered. A determination by MPD does not guarantee the case will be prosecuted as a hate crime by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact MPD at (202) 727-9099 or anonymously text tips to 50411. A reward of up to $10,000 is available for information leading to an arrest and conviction in violent crimes.
The victim was not reported to have sustained injuries requiring hospitalization. Details regarding the motive and the relationship, if any, between the suspects and the victim remain under review.
The incident is part of an ongoing effort by the city to monitor and respond to hate-motivated acts across the District.
