A 25-year-old suspect arrested in connection with the alleged BB-gun attack on a father and son who were leaving a kosher market in Meiers Corners was released under supervision despite the prosecution’s request for bail.
During his arraignment in Criminal Court on Wednesday morning for the alleged assault on Sunday against a 32-year-old man and his 7-year-old son, described by prosecutors as strangers to the suspect, Jason Kish of Catherine Street in Port Richmond stood on crutches and had a cast on his left leg.
The father and the son were dressed in traditional Jewish garb, like yamakas and rekels.
According to the criminal complaint and the prosecution, the youngster was struck in the ear, and the guy was hit in the breast.
The court issued protection orders for the victims at the prosecution’s request.
At around 4:15 p.m., Kish used a BB-type pistol to shoot two observant Jews wearing traditional attire in front of a Jewish market.
Prosecutors claim that on the 2200 block of Victory Boulevard close to Carmel Avenue.
From his car, the defendant allegedly fired shots at the victims before scurrying off, according to the prosecution.
Two counts, each of attempted assault in the second degree, attempted assault in the second degree, attempted assault in the third degree, criminal possession of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child, has been brought against the suspect.
Due to the suspect being charged with a felony, attempted assault in the second degree as a hate crime, prosecutors asked for bail for $75,000 bond/$25,000 cash.
Kish’s legal representative, Mark Fonte, fought against the prosecution’s demand for bail.
According to the state’s bail-reform regulations, the charges for which Kish is accused do not qualify for bail, Fonte said.
According to Fonte, the case’s facts demonstrate that this is not a hate crime. “Religious intolerance was not the driving force behind it.”
The state legislature’s law, which Fonte claimed to be quoting, states that “evidence of race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, and religious practice in and of itself does not qualify as a hate crime.”
There must be additional information.
Nothing else, the defense lawyer claimed, such as someone shouting a racist or religious slur at the moment of the shooting, occurred in this case, and Kish made no admissions to police that the incident was motivated by race or religion.
Public records show that Kish was detained on Tuesday, contrary to Fonte’s assertion that the suspect “is not a flight risk” because he voluntarily turned himself in to the police.
The defense lawyer insisted that his client has no criminal history, has never expressed hatred against any religion online or over the phone, and has never undertaken inflammatory Google searches.
Outside a car on Victory Boulevard, the shooter fired “non-dangerous water pellets,” according to Fonte.
“Chances are you’re going to hit someone of the Jewish inclination, the Jewish religion,” Fonte said.
“If you’re going to fire outside in Willowbrook on Victory Boulevard.” She said nothing suggests that they were singled out because of their religion.
According to the prosecution, the suspect was also detained on November 30 in New Jersey after allegedly fleeing and fighting arrest there.
In relation to the event, the NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force requested the public’s assistance in locating a male-operated, late-model, black Ford Mustang.
According to a flyer shared on the 121st Twitter feed, the out-of-state license plate that was only on the back of the car was obscured.
The victim, who requested anonymity, said that one of the pellets hit his son’s ear, causing swelling.
The 32-year-old was also shot in the torso, but he said his jacket lessened the blow’s force.
The man claimed to be leaving the Island Kosher market with his son.
The victim, 32, said, “We came out of the grocery. He came to a stop, fired at us, then took off.
Kish needs to return to Criminal Court on January 17.
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