Vernon Davis. (Associated Press)

Michael Davis, the 19-year-old arrested last night in Petworth after allegedly striking a woman with a claw hammer, is the younger brother of San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis.

D.C. police announced Friday morning that Michael Davis is being charged with aggravated assault in last night’s incident. Additionally, police are investigating whether Davis might also be responsible for a string of violent attacks earlier this week in the neighborhood. On Tuesday evening, Gary Diedrichs, a 66-year-old visitor from Denver, was found badly beaten in an alley on the 900 block of Emerson Street NW and later died from his wounds. Diedrich’s death was followed a few hours later by another assault later Tuesday evening that left one victim in critical condition and an attack Wednesday evening that left a victim in serious condition. All four incidents appeared to be assaults and not robberies, police said.

Michael Davis’ relation to Vernon Davis was first confirmed by WJLA, which picked up on a tweet the star tight end sent out Friday morning:

Vernon Davis is one of five alumni of Dunbar High School currently playing in the NFL, along with his brother, Vontae, a cornerback for the Miami Dolphins; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Joshua Cribbs; Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Arrelious Benn; and Saints linebacker Nate Bussey.

Michael Davis is only charged right now with Thursday evening’s assault, but he is being questioned about the other three incidents. But the string of assaults and one homicide has jarred the Petworth neighborhood. Yesterday, D.C. police officers visited with residents and advised people to walk in groups.

Filed Under: assault, metropolitan police department, michael davis, petworth, san francisco 49ers, vernon davis,