Kosher Bagel Shop Dispute Being Investigated As Bias Incident

TEANECK, NJ - A man who allegedly walked into a popular Kosher bagel shop in Teaneck and confronted several customers Wednesday morning is being investigated as a bias incident, authorities said.

Police were called to Sammy's Bagels shortly after 11:45 a.m. after receiving a call reporting an altercation inside the store, according to Police Chief Glenn M. O'Reilly.

Further investigation revealed a man entered the shop and confronted two customers, the chief said.

"He engaged in a verbal dispute with the first patron by using an expletive while telling him to take off his hat. He confronted a second patron inside the store using the same language," O'Reilly said. "The second confrontation turned into a shoving match, at which time the patron received a scratch to his face."

The suspect left the store and made his way to Palisade Avenue, where he confronted a third individual and made the same comment, the chief said.

Responding officers found the man, whom the chief said they recognized from past encounters, and he was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

"Preliminarily, this appears to be an isolated incident," the chief said. "The Township will not tolerate any acts of Bias and will use all available resources to investigate and prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law."