D.C. Police Failed to Report Violent Attack

Seven Washington, D.C., police officers may be fired after refusing to report an attack on a group of lesbians, according to the Washington Blade.

The incident occurred on July 30 after a man called a group of five women "dyke bitches." He and another man then proceeded to punch the women in the face and body. The women said the attack occurred after they politely ignored the men as they tried to flirt with them.

Yazzmen Morse, one of the women who was attacked, claimed that seven police officers arrived at the crime scene after a bystander called the police. Although one of the suspects was detained, he was released shortly thereafter. In addition, none of the officers reported the assault until three days later, when a mother of one of the victims called the police to complain about the ordeal.

Police Chief Cathy Lanier met with a local LGBT group, Gay and Lesbians Opposing Violence, last Thursday in a private meeting. A.J. Singletary, the chair of the organization, detailed the meeting with Lanier.

Singletary told the Blade, "It's possible that [the officers] may be fired. That depends on what the investigation determines."

In an August 5 statement, Lanier said she was appalled upon learning about the incident and the officers' conduct.

"Obviously, this is not the kind of service that the Metropolitan Police Department provides," she said. "I have spoken with [the] victims in this case and I want to assure them and the public that the incident and the conduct of the officers are being investigated thoroughly."

During the meeting with Gays and Lesbians Opposing Violence, Singletary said Lanier indicated that the police department would possibly make arrests within a few days.