A suspect has been arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department for an alleged hate crime following a simple assault that unfolded in Northwest Washington, D.C. According to police, the confrontation took place near the intersection of 14th Street and R Street NW yesterday.
The report, provided by the Metropolitan Police Department, states that the suspect, identified as 39-year-old Marhsall Baxter of no fixed address, blocked the victim’s path and swung his fists aggressively, nearly striking them. During the assault, the suspect reportedly hurled a homophobic slur. Police officers responding to the scene managed to apprehend Baxter shortly after the incident occurred.
Baxter has been charged with Simple Assault (Hate/Bias), although the designation as a hate crime is subject to further investigation and can potentially change as more information comes to light. The incident, still under scrutiny by the MPD, is being considered as possibly motivated by hate or bias. A determination by the MPD to label an offense as a hate crime does not guarantee that prosecutors will pursue the charge in court…