D.C. police arrested an 18-year-old man Wednesday on charges that he intentionally drove a compact car into a transgender woman in the early-morning hours of July 5.
The 26-year-old victim remains in "critical but stable" condition a week after sustaining multiple injuries when she was run down about 3:20 a.m., said Acting Capt. Anthony Haythe of the homicide branch.
"We believe the vehicle was used as a weapon. Our victims received some very serious injuries," Haythe said at a news conference Wednesday night.
Detectives arrested Startwaune Anderson Wednesday after police obtained an arrest warrant Monday. Authorities charged him with aggravated assault while armed.
Her friends remain worried about her condition and her long-term recovery. The victim has endured a rough week and can communicate only by blinking her eyes, said Adriana Carter, a close friend of 12 years.
"She's breathing better. It has been a very tough six days," Carter said in an interview.
The accident happened in an area frequented by young people in the transgender community, activists said, but authorities don't know whether the incident was bias-related. Investigators say words were exchanged before the vehicular assault, but it was not immediately clear whether the driver or the victim had been arguing or knew each other.
"We cannot definitively say at this point that it was a hate crime. But we have not ruled that out and we are still investigating," Haythe said.
Officials declined to release many details of the investigation until Anderson has his first court appearance.
"This crime should be a bias-related crime. Let's not kid ourselves," said Ruby Corado, founder of Casa Ruby, an LGBT organization that has helped the victim over the past several years. Corado said the victim has volunteered for the group and has been close to the community, especially the outreach manager.
"We're targets. Every summer we face violence right here in our own homes," Corado said. "What we do know is someone is getting justice today, and that is the most important thing for us, given we still have to walk and live in this city."
Police said they recovered the striking vehicle, which they described as a compact car with damage to the windshield. Investigators used surveillance video and witness statements to help obtain an arrest warrant, but still seek the public's help, Haythe said.
The Washington Post
Thu Jul 13 2017
Officials declined to release many details of the investigation until Anderson has his first court appearance.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.