The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office says an Amazon
delivery driver was reportedly cornered and asked last month if he knew the neighborhood
he was in was racist before being threatened with a gun.
According
to authorities, John
Vincentini, 62, followed the driver back on Sept. 5 into a cul-de-sac in a Lacey Township neighborhood as the driver
was making deliveries and blocked the driver's car with his own.
Authorities say he then
asked why the driver was in the neighborhood and if he understood the
neighborhood was racist. Vincentini then asked the driver whether he wanted
him to go back to his car, get his rifle and shoot the driver in the head.
"Individuals that employ hatred, intolerance, and prejudice with a purpose to intimidate will be investigated and if warranted – prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," said Ocean County prosecutor Bradley Billhimer.
The incident has also gained the attention of CAIR (Counsel on American Islamic Relations).
"This is a deeply disturbing incident of racism," said CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut. "It's astounding that someone can boldly make such threats. While we are relieved that the incident did not escalate, we call on Amazon to provide better protection for its workers."
The driver reported the
encounter to police. Vincentini surrendered himself Wednesday to police. He was processed
and released on a summons pending future appearances in Ocean County Superior
Court.
Branden Baribeau, an Amazon spokesperson, issued a statement saying, “We’re thankful that the driver is safe. No one should be threatened with violence or be the target of racism, and we’re grateful to local law enforcement for their work.“
Vincentini was charged with bias intimidation and terroristic threats.