LOWELL – A 44-year-old Billerica man was charged in the Lowell District Court on civil rights violations, injuries, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and disorderly behavior related to allegedly screaming racist slurs and was indicted earlier this month in Billerica One Attacking 24 year old black man.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Billerica Police Chief Daniel Rosa announced the case against Jacey Bonaiuto on Wednesday morning. The suspect was charged on May 17.
Judge John Coffey ordered $ 200 bail on condition that he stay away and have no contact with the victim. The next date in this case is June 24, 2021.
At around 9:20 p.m. on May 15, Billerica Police responded to the Playoffs Bar and Grill in the 512 Middlesex Turnpike area for a report of a fight.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a 24-year-old man was allegedly waiting for a Lyft ride on the Middlesex Turnpike near the bar when the defendant allegedly started yelling racist slurs from the terrace of the other man’s restaurant.
Bonaiuto reportedly threw a bottle of beer and a metal chair at the 24-year-old man who hit him. Ultimately, there was a physical altercation in which Bonaiuto continued to use racial slurs.
Officials were able to track down the defendant when he allegedly walked away from the bar and arrested him after a subsequent investigation.
The victim was examined by paramedics and then taken to a local hospital for treatment for injuries sustained during the confrontation.
“Incidents of hate-based violence have no place in our communities. These willful acts of intimidation and discrimination leave the victim and the victim’s entire community fearful, vulnerable and harassed, ”Ryan said. “These incidents have increased in recent years and it is important to address them and hold the perpetrators accountable. We are committed to continuing to work with lawmakers to fill the loopholes in our bylaws and increase safety for members of our communities who are the targets of hate crimes. “
This investigation is being carried out by the Middlesex Public Prosecutor and the Billerica Police Department.
This is a developing story.
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