A South Carolina resident allegedly spit at and choked a Hispanic man in an “unprovoked” attack at a gas station in Mamaroneck on Sunday night, after telling him to go back to his country, police said.
Carl B. Jones, 57, approached a 22-year-old Hispanic man in line at the Speedway gas station, located at 731 Mamaroneck Ave., on the evening of Aug. 9 and allegedly asked him if he had a green card and made a joke about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to officials.
Jones, who is Black, then supposedly told the man to go back to his country.
The Hispanic man “attempted to defuse the situation by laughing off the comment,” Mamaroneck police reported, but Jones “became increasingly aggressive.”
He allegedly began spitting on the victim, and then put his hands around his throat to choke him. The man then struck Jones in self defense, according to police, but Jones “retaliated” further by punching the man in the face and throwing him to the ground.
Police responded to the scene and arrested Jones for the assault.
“It is unconscionable that anyone would be targeted for assault because of who they are or where they come from,” Democrat Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace said. “Westchester is home to one of the most diverse populations in New York State, and hate will never be allowed to take root here.”
Jones was charged with felony hate crime assault, as well as misdemeanor criminal choking in what police are calling an “unprovoked verbal and physical attack.” Cops said the perpetrator also has prior felony convictions in New York, but Mamaroneck Police Lt. Mark Gatta declined to divulge Jones’ alleged criminal history.
Mamaroneck police reported that video surveillance and eye witnesses corroborated the victim’s recollection of the incident. Medical services also responded to treat the victim.
The county DA’s office announced prosecutors requested Jones be held on a $20,000 cash, $50,000 fully secured, and $75,000 partially secured bond at 10 percent. However, the judge denied the bail application, instead releasing Jones with the requirement to meet with a social worker.
Police Lt. Gatta confirmed this was the first hate crime reported in Mamaroneck this year.
Hate crimes are outlined in New York state law as a crime committed against another person based on that person’s race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, religious practice, age, disability, or sexual orientation.
Because of Jones’ prior felony convictions in New York, he was remanded to the Westchester County Jail, police said. He is next due in court on Aug. 28.
This story was updated at 3:20 p.m. on Aug. 18.
