Bias Charge Filed After Teen Driver Swerves At 2 Men: Jackson PD

JACKSON, NJ — A teenage driver is facing a charge of bias intimidation after he twice swerved his vehicle at two Jewish men and screamed obscenities and religious insults at them, Jackson police said Monday.

The teenager, whose identity was withheld because he is a juvenile, will face the charges in family court, Jackson Capt. Steven Laskiewicz said Monday.

The incident happened Saturday afternoon on Louisiana Parkway, Laskiewicz said, and was reported to police by a resident who witnessed the incident.

Two Jewish residents were standing near the curb in front of the residence when a passing vehicle swerved at them, forcing them to jump onto the curb to safety, the resident told police. As the vehicle passed, its occupants were yelling obscenities and insults that referenced the Jewish religion, the resident said.

The vehicle drove down the street and turned around and came back, swerving at the two a second time, with the occupants again yelling obscenities and insults, the resident told police.

Police Officer Stephen Cilento investigated the incident and was able to identify the driver of the vehicle after being provided with the license plate, and the teenaged male driver was later identified and juvenile complaints charging him with harassment and bias intimidation, Laskiewicz said.

The investigation is continuing and additional complaints may be signed as it proceeds, he said.

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