JUST IN: Arrest Made in Swastika-Carving, Bias Intimidation Incident

swastika leisure vOcean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Lakewood Police Chief Robert C Lawson today announced the arrest of Scott F. Cooney, 45, of Lakewood. Cooney is charged with Bias Intimidation, Harassment and Criminal Mischief. Judge Francis R. Hodgson, Jr, J.S.C. set bail at $25,000.

The arrests stems from a report made to Lakewood Police Department on August 10, 2014, and which was exclusively reported by TLS last night.

The victims reported that they have been victimized by Cooney for several months. They allege that Cooney has on many occasions verbally harassed and threatened them in the past. They allege further that at approximately 1:30 pm on the 10th they observed Cooney on their front yard using what appeared to be a lead pipe to carve something into their lawn. The victims, not wanting to provoke a confrontation, stayed safely within their home. Once Cooney departed they went outside to find that he had carved a swastika into the lawn. The victims took a photo and immediately responded to the Lakewood Police Department.

cooneyLakewood Police Detective Leroy Marshall conducted the investigation that subsequently led to the arrest.

Just after 11am this morning Det. Marshall, assisted by Lakewood Police Sgt. Greg Staffordsmith located Scott F. Cooney at his residence in Leisure Village, 81 East Dorchester Drive, Lakewood, and executed the arrest warrant.

During processing at Police Headquarters, Cooney complained of chest pains and was subsequently transported to Monmouth Medical Hospital Southern Campus where he was treated and released. Cooney is currently awaiting transport to Ocean County Jail.

[TLS]

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8 COMMENTS

  1. He must live with someone over 55 if this is in leisure village if not he is living there against the “rules ” of the 55+ community

  2. Bias Intimidation, Harassment and Criminal Mischief. I would add Criminal Trespassing and Terroristic Threats. Chest pains? Heartburn!

  3. Do you feel like the Lakewood Police Department likes the Jewish community?? I sure do. They do a wonderful job keeping our community safe. What a great quick response. May the victims sleep in peace tonight..

  4. Eliana, I’m not sure what you mean about “liking” the Jewish community. While liking people is nice and all, the police are professionals, who take their responsibility to protect everyone seriously, whether they like them or not. I would hope they treat everyone equally.

  5. Eliana, clarify your rambling please. Your comment sounds like you are straddling the fence. So, are you expressing dislike for the Orthodox or not? Either way, just let us know. Please.

Comments are closed.