WASHINGTON — There is new information on a deadly assault outside a D.C. restaurant that ended the life of a well-loved tech CEO from Alexandria. WUSA9 has now learned Akedo’s operating license is in question after the police say the attack is related to the restaurant's security.
Police say 41-year-old Vivek Taneja was assaulted in the 1100 block of 15th Street, NW at 2 a.m. on February 2. According to investigators, the victim, and the suspect both attended a soft opening for Akedo. After the closing, police say the suspect approached Taneja, a verbal altercation got physical and the suspect punched Taneja who struck his head on the concrete and lost consciousness. He died at an area hospital a week later.
Police have not identified the suspect, but confirm charges are pending.
WUSA9 obtained a letter DC Police Chief Pamela Smith sent to the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration asking for a fact-finding hearing into Akedo. According to the letter, the Chief says the violent offense "is directly connected to the operations and security protocol at the establishment."
WUSA9 reached out to a spokesperson for Akedo who released a statement saying, "The altercation took place in the courtyard and the victim was found roughly 300ft away from our doors and outside of our sightlines.”
After we asked for a response to the chief's security concerns stated in the letter to ABCA, the spokesperson said they stand by their former statement and will cooperate with investigators.
The ABCA hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.
MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9
DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APP
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News on Apple
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android
HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "WUSA9" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.