HOBOKEN — A 22-year-old Wayne, N.J. man was arrested and charged with bias intimidation, and simple assault after allegedly using a racial slur toward a black victim and striking the victim in the back of the head, according to a police report. The alleged incident took place near the corner of Hudson Place and River Street at approximately 3 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28.
The victim told police he was waiting for a taxi when Mitchell Lares looked directly at him and allegedly yelled a racial slur. The report states Lares allegedly struck the man and grabbed the victim and the two began to struggle. The police arrived on the scene and witnessed Lares allegedly throw the victim to the ground, according to the report.
The victim stated he did not know the attacker, and alleged that he was attacked simply because of his race, according to the report.
An on-scene witness came forward and gave the same account as the victim.