Police say a dispute between neighbors escalated into alleged derogatory remarks leading to criminal charges.
Lakewood, NJ – A 71-year-old Lakewood resident has been charged with bias intimidation following an incident earlier this week in which a neighbor reported being targeted with derogatory remarks while walking near her home.
Officers from the Lakewood Police Department responded Monday to a residence on Clydebank after receiving a report of harassment involving neighbors. According to police, the complainant told officers that a nearby resident had directed offensive and derogatory comments toward her as she passed by the property.
Key Points
- Lakewood police responded Monday to a harassment complaint on Clydebank.
- A 71-year-old resident, Sandra Eaton, was charged with bias intimidation.
- Eaton was issued a summons and is scheduled to appear in court.
Police said officers made contact with the neighbor identified in the complaint as Sandra Eaton, 71, of Lakewood. During the interaction with officers, Eaton allegedly continued making derogatory remarks, according to authorities.
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Following a review of the incident, criminal charges were approved against Eaton.
Charges filed after investigation
Eaton was charged with Bias Intimidation under New Jersey statute 2C:16-1A(1), with harassment listed as the underlying offense under statute 2C:33-4A.
Authorities said Eaton was served with a summons and will appear in court at a later date. Lakewood Police Chief Gregory Meyer addressed the incident, stating that the township’s diverse population requires vigilance when allegations involving targeted harassment arise.
“Lakewood is a diverse community where everyone deserves to feel safe and respected,” Meyer said. “Behavior that targets someone based on who they are has no place in our neighborhoods, and we will take appropriate action whenever incidents like this are reported.”
The charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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