White Plains, NY (WRGB) — Carl Jones, a 57-year-old resident of Spartanburg, South Carolina, has been charged with a hate crime following a reported assault on a Hispanic man at a gas station in Mamaroneck, New York. Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced the arrest, stating that Jones was arraigned on charges of Assault in the Third Degree as a Hate Crime, a class E felony, and Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, a class A misdemeanor.
The incident reportedly occurred on the evening of August 9, when Jones reportedly attacked the victim while they were both waiting in line.
According to court documents, Jones targeted the victim based on his identity, telling him to “go back to your country” and questioning his immigration status.
According to a release, during a bail hearing, prosecutors requested that Jones be held on bail, but Westchester County Court Judge Melissa Loehr denied the application. Instead, Jones was released on his own recognizance and ordered to meet with a social worker for a needs assessment.
District Attorney Cacace condemned the reported actions, stating,
It is unconscionable that anyone would be targeted for assault because of who they are or where they come from. Westchester is home to one of the most diverse populations in New York State, and hate will never be allowed to take root here.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Brittany J. Burk of the Hate Crimes Unit, following an investigation by the Village of Mamaroneck Police Department. Jones is scheduled to return to court on August 28.