Metro Seeks Public's Help Investigating L'Enfant Beating

Man attacked while reading in station Sunday night

An increased police presence is in place at the L'Enfant Plaza Metro station in downtown Washington in the wake of the beating of a passenger, according to Metro.

Allen Haywood, 47, was reading a book Sunday evening at the station when he was beaten for no apparent reason, Metro spokeswoman Cathy Asato said. An anonymous post on Unsuckdcmetro.com from someone claiming to be Haywood's sibling said the culprits were young. No one responded to the victim's cries for help, according to the post, and the attackers fled when Metro police arrived.

A video of the beating has appeared on YouTube. (WARNING: The video includes graphic language.) Haywood told NBC Washington's Pat Collins that he believes it was filmed by a associates of the attackers.

The girl in the group of attackers was the worst, Haywood said.

"They were so brazen," he said. "They need to be identified and brought in."

Metro Police Deputy Chief Ronald Pavlik said the attackers were not provoked and had no apparent motive.

Police are investigating the incident and want any witnesses to call Metro police at 202-962-1792.

The victim suffered minor injuries and declined medical assistance, Metro said. Two individuals were reported to have struck the man.
 


Fan, Follow and Text: Get the latest from NBCWashington.com anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Sign up for our e-mail newsletters and get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text DCBREAKING to 622339 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us