Crime & Safety
Racial Confrontation At Hunter Woods Park Leads To Arrest: Police
A man faces five criminal charges after police said he pointed a handgun at soccer players in a Gaithersburg park and used racial slurs.
GAITHERSBURG, MD — A man faces five criminal charges, including first-degree assault, after authorities said he pointed a handgun at a group of soccer players in a Gaithersburg park and uttered racial slurs.
Jonathan Gabriel Boka, 26, of Gaithersburg was arrested and charged Friday in connection with the Oct. 8 confrontation at Hunters Woods Local Park in Gaithersburg.
According to Montgomery County District Court records, Boka is charged with first-degree and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, crime motivated by race or religion, and use of a firearm in a crime of violence. He is being held without bond.
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Maryland-National Capital Park Police said Boka rode an electric bike in the park, waved a handgun at the players and used racial slurs.
Authorities said tips from the community led to Boka’s arrest.
Find out what's happening in Gaithersburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The subject was identified as Jonathan Boka, 26, of Gaithersburg. He was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment, crime motivated by race or religion, use of a firearm in a crime of violence, and 1st degree assault. We thank the community for tips that led to his arrest. pic.twitter.com/kwjoVUmxoV
— Park Police MC (@ParkPolice) October 15, 2022
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