Hate Crime Spree in Williamsburg; Orthodox Man Sprayed With Fire Extinguisher

By Matis Glenn

(123rf)

Police are searching for a group of teens who allegedly committed two attacks on Orthodox Jews in Williamsburg over the weekend, Shomrim tells Hamodia. On Motzoei Shabbos, video shows two suspects chasing a Jewish man at around 12am on Lee Avenue between Taylor Street and Roebling Avenue. The youths are black men, one wearing a white T-shirt, black pants and a black cap; the other was wearing black shorts and a blue T-shirt. The victim’s Shtreimel fell to the ground, which was briefly picked up and waved as a trophy by the latter, as the other suspect continued chasing the victim.

On Sunday at around 6am, the suspect who was wearing a white T-shirt approached a Jewish man with three other teens, and after separating from the group, sprayed the victim twice with a chemical fire extinguisher, covering the victim from all sides. He then hurled the canister at the victim, but missed. He then struck the victim in his face, causing a minor wound. The attack happened on Roebling Street between Division Avenue and Lee Avenue. The victim, 66 years old, was on his way to shul.

The suspect then ran away, and rejoined his friends.

The victim did not require medical attention.

Shomrim responded to the scene of both incidents and is investigating; the NYPD is treating the attacks as possible hate crimes.

NYPD told Hamodia that police will increase their presence in the community, visiting shuls and yeshivos. “We take these incidents very seriously and will ensure safety for all,” a spokesperson said.

mglenn@hamodia.com

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