Jewish Man's Attacker Charged With Hate Crimes, Brooklyn DA Says

FLATBUSH, BROOKLYN — A man who choked a Jewish man while spewing anti-Semitic insults and curses has been arrested and charged with hate crimes, prosecutors said.

James Vincent, 40, screamed “You f***ing Jew” at the 52-year-old man he saw leave a synagogue near Rutland Road and East 46th Street at about 1 p.m. on April 21, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office.

Vincent followed his victim and ranted, “You Jews took my house and mortgage,” then ran up from behind to grab the 52-year-old by his neck, said prosecutors.

He then repeatedly punched the Jewish man, whose head he squeezed between his arms, according to prosecutors.

Two good Samaritans pulled Vincent away from his victim, who quietly picked up his yarmulke as Vincent screamed insults about his faith, prosecutors said.

Vincent was arrested on April 27 after investigators found surveillance footage of him buying ice cream in a nearby store and using a credit card with his name on it, said prosecutors.

The 40-year-old was arraigned on charges of strangulation as a hate crime and assault as a hate crime in Brooklyn Criminal Court Wednesday, prosecutors said.

Vincent was held on $50,000 bail and ordered to return to court on Aug. 15, said prosecutors. He could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

Photo courtesy of the NYPD