Police say they've arrested three people on hate-crime charges after a man was attacked while walking down a street in Monsey, N.Y.
Ramapo town police say at least two of the suspects said they were targeting Jews.
The police report says two young men approached a 19-year-old from behind on Monday night in Monsey. It says they hit the victim in the head with a double-sided knife. Police say the attackers ran off when the victim shouted for help, but police caught one of them.
The victim, who is from Brooklyn, spoke with NBC New York Tuesday after the suspects were arraigned.
"There are some people who aren't the greatest people out there," he said. "So far, I think it's a very safe community. We get along with most people. There are bad apples out there."
Eighteen-year-old Stanley Joseph, 20-year-old Jennifer St. Amand, and 19-year-old Qwesi Wlliams were arraigned Tuesday afternoon. They face more serious hate crime charges, including assault or robbery as a hate crime for Williams and Joseph.
"It's a predominantly Jewish neighborhood, and there are tensions," said Jonathan Gruenebaum, an area resident. "But there's no basis for it. Good for the cops for getting them."
The victim was not hurt during the attack because the knife was sheathed. A fourth man, Marco Landino, was also arrested Tuesday for providing the weapon.
Attorney information for the suspects was not immediately available.
