BROOKLYN, N.Y. – A 40-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a hate-motivated harassment incident that targeted a 14-year-old boy walking along Eastern Parkway last month, police said.
The NYPD announced the arrest of Nicholas Jones of 701 Van Siclen Avenue, who is now facing a hate crime and aggravated harassment charge.
The arrest follows an October 22 incident in which an unidentified man on a bicycle allegedly spat on the teenager before riding off toward Albany Avenue.
Key Points
- Nicholas Jones, 40, of Brooklyn, was arrested and charged with hate crime/aggravated harassment
- The incident occurred October 22 near Eastern Parkway and Albany Avenue in the 71st Precinct
- NYPD Hate Crime Task Force led the investigation after a teen was spat on by a cyclist
Teen targeted in unprovoked harassment
According to police, the 14-year-old victim was walking near Eastern Parkway and Albany Avenue around 5:50 p.m. when a man approached from behind on a bicycle and spat on him before fleeing westbound. No injuries were reported, but the act was immediately investigated as a potential hate crime.
Investigation leads to arrest
Detectives from the 71st Precinct and the NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force reviewed surveillance footage and community tips to identify the suspect. On Tuesday, officers arrested Nicholas Jones at his residence on Van Siclen Avenue without incident.
Hate Crime Task Force continues probe
Police confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors determine potential additional charges. Authorities have not disclosed what may have motivated the attack but reiterated the department’s zero-tolerance stance on bias-related crimes.
The NYPD continues to encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences hate-motivated incidents to report them immediately to ensure swift enforcement and community safety.