New Jersey Man Charged With Arson In Hate Crime Against Mexican Man
In Pleasantville, New Jersey, a man has been arrested and charged with intimidation to the first degree, aggravated arson, and criminal mischief in what appears to be a hate crime against a Mexican man.
Authorities say on Sunday afternoon (Apr 26), Robert Evans, 29, poured gasoline on a parked van and set it on fire, after he threatened the owner, a Mexican man. The incident happened in the westbound lanes of Route 40 under the Atlantic City High School overpass, as the victim stood on the shoulder fishing nearby.
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Atlantic City Police Department spokesman Sgt. Kevin Fair stated, “When confronted, Evans asked the owner if he was Mexican. After the owner said that he was, Evans threatened to assault the owner and set the van on fire, leaving the can directly in front of the van.”
Authorities say that the victim watch Evans pour the gasoline on the hood of his van and set it ablaze thereafter. Evans has been taken to the Atlantic County jail where faces the aforementioned charges.
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