From Cody Telep. Follow him on Twitter @codywt, email him at cody[AT]borderstan.com.

The Metropolitan Police Department is asking for assistance in identifying the suspect in a vicious assault that occurred in an alley behind 1418 W Street NW last Thursday afternoon. According to a report from NBC Washington, a building resident asked the suspect to throw his beer can in the trash instead of littering in the street.

DC Police on patrol in the alley between V and W Streets NW. The building on the right is 1418 W where the victim lives. (Cody Telep)

In response, the suspect began beating and striking the victim’s head and body, resulting in very serious injuries. The assault was captured on a surveillance camera and police have released two images of the suspect, who is described as a black male 18 to 20 years old and about 5’6” tall with a twist in his hair.

A reward of up to $1,000 is available for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call Third District Detective Michael Pepperman at 202-673-6918.

Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) reported that a large crowd gathered at Tuesday night’s Police Service Area (PSA) 301 community meeting asking for more information on the case. New PSA Lieutenant Nicole Lindsey (New Lieutenant Named for Police Service Area 301) told attendees that some progress had been made but the investigation is ongoing.

Graham is calling for a more police activity in the area, including more foot patrols on the 1400 block of W Street NW and surrounding streets, increased enforcement of curfew and public drinking laws, and the use of flood lights to reduce loitering. The Guardian Angels have also stepped up patrols in the area surrounding 14th Street NW and W Street NW.

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