A 33‑year‑old man is facing hate‑crime charges after spewing an antisemitic slur, slapping her in the back of the head and spitting in her face before stealing her cellphone, according to Miami Beach police.
Slemons Graves, who has been charged with strong‑arm robbery and battery with prejudice, is accused of attacking the woman near Lehrman Community Day School, about 7:40 a.m. in the 500 block of 77th Street, on Tuesday, police said.
Cellphone smashed during attack
Police said Graves smashed the victim’s cellphone, shattering it. The woman, wearing a Star of David necklace, ran to safety and fled to the school, where a coworker contacted police.
Graves, who police said is homeless, was arrested around 11 a.m. after investigators spotted him nearby. He confessed to the crime, according to police, and was booked into jail.
The victim was verbally and physically assaulted after parking her vehicle and while walking toward the school, police said.
“It’s important to note that the victim was wearing a Star of David on her necklace, and that’s how we believe the offender labeled her in the Jewish community – and this attack – this is not something that we tolerate,” police spokesperson Chris Bess said.
Chief vows zero tolerance
In a news release, Chief Wayne A. Jones said his department has “zero tolerance for acts of hate, violence, or intimidation in our community.”
“The swift arrest in this case reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting our residents, visitors, and faith‑based institutions,” Jones said. “Miami Beach will always stand firmly against antisemitism and any form of hate.”
CBS News Miami will provide updates as more information becomes available.
