Bias Crimes Target 2 West Orange Businesses; Reward To Catch Suspects

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Authorities are offering a $10,000 reward to catch the suspects behind a series of bias crimes against two West Orange businesses.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office recently held a news conference to announce details about recent “bias incidents” – one involving sexual orientation and another involving race.

“In one, suspects twice threw bricks through the window of a West Orange cafe that was flying a Pride flag,” prosecutors said. “Investigators found evidence revealing bias against LGBTQ groups.”

The business – Harper’s Café – has previously shown support for the LGBTQIA+ community, according to the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, which noted that the glass on the front door was smashed, and black paint was smeared on the store-front plate glass window and on a Pride flag.

The first incident took place on the evening of July 12. The second incident took place on July 13 between 9:30 and 10:30 p.m., authorities said.

In another incident, the owner of a photo studio in West Orange received a racially biased phone call, during which she was questioned about her hairstyle (braids) and asked if her business is Black-owned.

When the business owner said she was Hispanic, the caller then told the owner to move to another neighborhood, threatening to harm the business, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office said.

Sheriff Armando Fontoura condemned the incidents, calling the area “one of the most diverse counties in the state,” where residents “are proud to live peacefully side by side.”

“We are shocked and surprised by these bias crimes,” Fontoura said. “They will not be tolerated, and law enforcement is working hard to apprehend the perpetrator(s) of these heinous actions.”

The Essex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers Program has since offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible. Anyone with information about either crime can contact the West Orange Police Department at 973-325-4000, or the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

Information about any bias incident in New Jersey can be reported to the New Jersey Attorney General's Office by calling 1-800-277-BIAS (2427).

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