A man is facing strangulation and hate-crime charges after allegedly attacking a Jewish man walking home from synagogue in East Flatbush.
The man received a 17-count indictment on may 23, which included strangulation as a hate crime, assault as a hate crime, and other charges, according to the district attorney’s office.
“This alleged attack against a religious person is disturbing and completely unacceptable,” said District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. “Brooklyn’s strength is in its diversity.”
Prosecutors said that on April 21, the 52-year-old victim was walking home after prayers on the Jewish sabbath near Rutland Road and E. 46th Street when the accused walked past him and allegedly yelled profanities at him, and also “you Jews took my house and mortgage.”
The man then allegedly ran at the victim from behind, squeezed his neck and head, and punched him in the head and body. Two passersby intervened while the man continued to yell about the victim’s religion, and the victim suffered injuries to his head and body, according to the district attorney’s office.
The police Hate Crimes Task Force used surveillance videos in the area to identify the alleged assailant, and arrested him on April 27.
The alleged attacker is currently in jail. He is due to return to court on Aug. 15, 2018, the office said.
