South Carolina Man Charged And Released In Hate Crime At Mamaroneck Gas Station: DA

VILLAGE OF MAMARONECK, NY — A county court judge has released, on his own recognizance, the man accused of an unprovoked, hate-fueled, violent attack at a Westchester convenience store.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that 57-year-old Carl Jones, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was arraigned on Sunday on felony third-degree assault as a hate crime, and misdemeanor criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. The charges are connected to Saturday's violent incident at a Mamaroneck gas station, when Jones was arrested and charged in an attack, according to the DA.

SEE ALSO: Felony Hate Crime Charges After Violence At Mamaroneck Gas Station

A Mamaroneck Village Court justice issued a temporary order of protection on behalf of the victim. Jones is due back in court on Aug. 28.

At a bail hearing on Wednesday before a Westchester County Court judge, prosecutors requested that Jones be held on bail in the amount of $20,000 cash/$50,000 fully secured bond/$75,000 partially secured bond at 10 percent. The judge denied the bail application, instead releasing Jones on his own recognizance and requiring him to meet with a social worker to determine whether he needs any services, according to the district attorney.

"It is unconscionable that anyone would be targeted for assault because of who they are or where they come from," DA Cacace said. "Westchester is home to one of the most diverse populations in New York State, and hate will never be allowed to take root here."

According to court documents, around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jones attacked a Hispanic man while they were both waiting in line at a Mamaroneck gas station. Jones is accused of targeting the victim because of his identity, telling him, "Go back to your country," and asking the victim if he had a green card.

At a court hearing, prosecutors alleged that Jones admitted to police that he had made a joke to the victim about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Jones is also accused of grabbing the victim's throat and squeezing it.

The district attorney urges anyone victimized by an act of hate to call her office's Hate Crimes Unit at 914-995-TIPS (8477).