WASHINGTON (AP) — The D.C. chapter of the Guardian Angels has begun patrolling a new section of the 14th Street corridor in northwest after a beating in the area.

The group is focusing on 14th and W streets, less than a mile south of the Columbia Heights Metro station. The group says that its presence is designed to serve as a crime deterrent, but that it will make a citizen’s arrest if needed.

John Ayala, head of the D.C. chapter, says several people asked the group to patrol the area. Ayala says they plan to be there twice a week, for five to six hours.

Police say a 36-year-old man was beaten in the area last week after confronting another man over littering.

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