Fight Over Dog Poop Escalates to Racial Charges

Judy Lorraine Syrek, 56, of Grand Rapids is free on $50,000 bond – allowed with the condition she not go near neighbors she allegedly peppered with racial slurs. (Kent County Jail photo)

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A neighborhood spat over dog poop escalated recently in Grand Rapids, and now a 56-year-old woman faces ethnic intimidation and felonious assault charges.

Police said Judy Lorraine Syrek, became upset about dog feces in her yard and confronted three of her neighbors on July 27, according to The Detroit Free Press.

Police said Syrek hurled racial slurs at her neighbors and brandished a pellet gun in a menacing manner. She didn’t fire the gun, police said, but the manner in which she displayed it justified the charge of felonious assault, which carries a prison term of up to four years.

“She was upset over the neighbor’s dog and feces in their yard,’’ Grand Rapids Police Sgt. Terry Dixon said. “Apparently those neighbors were not addressing that particular problem. She got upset and felt the need to bring out a long gun and then point it at several subjects.’’

Syrek was arraigned last week in Grand Rapids District Court and is due back in court Friday for a probable cause hearing. She is free on $5,000 bond, allowed with the condition that she not go near her neighbors.