N.J. Man Allegedly Punched Because He's White: Newark Suspect Arrested

A Newark man allegedly punched a Caucasian, 66-year-old Bayonne man in the head last week because of his ethnicity, a report says.

The alleged racial bias crime took place around 8:16 a.m. on Feb. 24 in Bayonne, when Pedro J. Figueroa, 28, of Newark, reportedly approached a local man and asked him for directions, NJ.com stated.

The victim told police that Figueroa then allegedly punched him twice in the head and chased him through traffic on Broadway until he eventually escaped to the safety of the Lighthouse Restaurant at the intersection of 31st Street, NJ.com reported.

Police apprehended Figueroa shortly after the alleged assault. At that time, he allegedly told officers that he assaulted the 66-year-old because he is white, NJ.com stated.

Authorities charged Figueroa with assault and bias intimidation and transported him to Hudson County Jail.