Jackson Police Department News Release

Bias Investigation Update

This is an update to the release regarding the September 14th incident which took place on Louisiana Parkway.

Jackson Police Detective John Rodriguez recently completed his follow up investigation to this incident and as a result of that investigation, the following complaints were signed:

The teenaged male driver who was initially charged with harassment and bias intimidation in the incident was additionally charged with simple assault for an attempt by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. The matter will be forwarded to the Family Court.

Juvenile complaints were prepared charging a teenaged male passenger of the vehicle with bias intimidation and harassment. The matter will be forwarded to the Family Court.

An adult male passenger of the vehicle was charged with bias intimidation and harassment on a summons complaint.

– The media and the public are reminded that any persons arrested or charged with any offenses or crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

On Saturday September 14, 2019, officers responded to a residence located on Louisiana Parkway on the report of a bias incident.

It was reported that 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. As the vehicle passed, the occupants of the vehicle were reported to have been yelling obscenities and insults in reference to their religion at the residents. The vehicle drove down the street and turned around and came back, swerving at the two a second time as the occupants again yelled obscenities and insults at the two. A nearby resident who observed the incident then called police headquarters to report it.

Police Officer Stephen Cilento investigated the incident and was able to identify the driver of the vehicle after being provided with the license plate. The teenaged male driver was later identified and juvenile complaints charging him with harassment and bias intimidation were prepared. The matter will be forwarded to the Family Court.

The investigation is ongoing at this time and additional complaints may be signed as it proceeds.

  • The media and the public are reminded that any persons arrested or charged with any offenses or crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Captain Steven Laskiewicz
Investigations Division Commander
Public Information Officer
Jackson Police Department
September 30, 2019

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