RAMAPO, NY – Four suspects accused of driving around and shooting BBs and throwing eggs Jewish residents in Rockland County’s Orthodox Jewish enclave during last Saturday’s Shabbos observance have been arrested and charged for hate crimes.
In response, the RamapoPolice Department Investigations Division opened an investigation and developed information which led to identifying the vehicle and possible suspects.
On Wednesday, detectives from the Ramapo Police Department arrested four individuals; a 19-year-old from Valley Cottage, NY, a 19-year-old from Tomkins Cove, NY, and an 18-year-old eligible for Youthful Offender status. The accused were charged with the following; Attempted Assault (Felony) as a hate crime, Reckless Endangerment as a hate crime, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Conspiracy, Aggravated Harassment & Endangering the Welfare of a Child. One defendant was sent to the Rockland County Jail, two were released on bail, and the other was released to their parent pending a Family Court Youth Division appearance.
Their names were not released by police.
The attacks occurred during the Shabbos. During this time, Orthodox Jewish residents are prohibited by Jewish law to drive vehicles and must walk to and from prayer groups.
Last Saturday, the Ramapo Police Department said multiple pedestrians were struck by objects in several related incidents by a passing vehicle. According to police, the suspects allegedly were driving a white Ford F-150 pickup truck.
A Jewish woman pushing her child in a stroller along Route 306 was also egged. In two other cases, the suspect shot a BB gun at Jewish women. One was struck several times.
“When you walk home at the end of a day of rest, calm schmoozing, and not expecting anything bad, imagine us talking and all of a sudden eggs coming flying our way,”Yossi Gestetner, a Hasidic Community spokesman, told ABC News. “I think it’s a problem.”
Adam Devine Contributed to the Original Police Blotter Article Used in This Article.