Hate Crime Charges Levied Against Long Island Detective. “He Attacked Me. He Harassed Me. He Assaulted Me,” Victim Says.

CBS New York
By Jenna DeAngelis
11/20/24

Hate Crime Charges Levied Against Long Island Detective. "He Attacked Me. He Harassed Me. He Assaulted Me," Victim Says.

A cellphone company technician says he was attacked earlier this month by a Long Island law enforcement officer while he was just doing his job.

The suspect, identified as 40-year-old John Murphy, a detective, was charged was charged with two counts of criminal mischief as a hate crime, a felony, and aggravated harassment, a misdemeanor, and has since been suspended from the Rockville Centre Police Department.

The victim asked that CBS News New York only identify him as "Derick."

"I was in fear of my life," he said.

Here's what Derick says happened on Nov. 3

The cellphone company worker explained he was parked in a Manorville neighborhood after just completing tests on the cell tower which looms above it. While in his car, police say he was approached by a man who questioned why he was there.

"He gets agitated. His first words, 'You're lying, you're lying.' I'm like, 'What do you mean I'm lying? You see my work ID hanging in the vehicle. You see the siren,'" Derick said.

Police said the suspect refused to look at the worker's credentials.

The situation escalated from there, Derick said, adding the man, who told him he was a law enforcement officer, kicked his door and ripped a light off his car.

"He threw it. It hit the door, and it broke up in fragments. One of the fragments hit my cheek. At that point, I got scared because I was under attack," Derick said.

Message from Executive Director Laura A. Ahearn, ESQ, LMSW: Please visit our website at crimevictimscenter.org for news, information, and resources in your community.