Bayonne Woman Yelled Racial Slurs At Neighbor, Followed Her: PD

BAYONNE, NJ — Police say a 60-year-old Bayonne woman followed another woman down the street, yelling racial slurs at her, on Monday of this week.

Claudia Emanuele, 60, of Bayonne has been charged with bias intimidation and harassment.

The incident unfolded at about 3 p.m. Monday afternoon: The victim, a 40-year-old woman who also happens to be Black, said she came out of her home on West 17th Street and saw Emanuele talking to their local mail carrier about the late delivery of mail.

The woman said she approached Emanuele and the mailman to offer what Bayonne police called "neighborly advice," and that's when Emanuele started shouting racially-charged expletives at her.

"As the victim attempted to calm Emanuele, Emanuele continued to shout racial slurs at (her), causing the victim to walk away feeling traumatized," said Bayonne police.

The victim left to walk towards a convenience store on Avenue C and Emanuele followed, all the while continuing to shout racial slurs at her, said police.

Along the way, a concerned citizen saw this and attempted to intervene, even walking with the victim to ensure her safety, said police. Once the woman arrived at the convenience store, a second concerned citizen was able to intervene and calm Emanuele, ultimately coaxing her to leave the area, said police.

The victim captured the incident on video, which she turned over to the Police Department for investigation. That video was circulating online, but appears to now be taken down.

Bayonne police said they immediately investigated after the victim contacted them and identified Emanuele as the actor.

"A special thanks is also extended to the concerned citizens that aided the victim during this horrible ordeal," said Bayonne police in a statement. "These citizens demonstrated bravery, courage, and a genuine concern for the safety of a fellow citizen."

Emanuele had recently relocated to Bayonne from Tennessee in September 2020, said Bayonne PD.