JACKSON-A Jackson teen has been charged with harassment and bias intimidation after an incident this weekend in the Brookwood section of town.
According to police, on Saturday, officers responded to a residence located on Louisiana Parkway on the report of a bias incident.
“It was reported that two Jewish residents were standing near the curb in front of the residence when a passing vehicle swerved at them, forcing them to jump onto the curb to safety. As the vehicle passed, the occupants of the vehicle were reported to have been yelling obscenities and insults in reference to their religion at the residents,” police said. “The vehicle drove down the street and turned around and came back, swerving at the two a second time as the occupants again yelled obscenities and insults at the two. A nearby resident who observed the incident then called police headquarters to report it.”
Witnesses to the event said the 9-1-1 caller who observed the incident was not a member of the Orthodox Jewish community.
Police Officer Stephen Cilento investigated the incident and was able to identify the driver of the vehicle after being provided with the license plate. The teenaged male driver was later identified and juvenile complaints charging him with harassment and bias intimidation were prepared. The matter will be forwarded to the Family Court.
The investigation is ongoing at this time and additional complaints may be signed as it proceeds.