The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) arrested a 47-year-old man for assaulting a Rabbi with a wooden stake near the Silver Spring Jewish Center on Arcola Avenue in Silver Spring, in what is being investigated as a hate crime.
According to MCPD, “Officers from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 4th District, have arrested an adult male following an assault that occurred on Monday, October 14, 2024, in the 1400 block of Arcola Avenue.
At approximately 9:53 a.m., 4th District officers responded to the location for a report of an assault.
The investigation revealed that the victim, who is a Rabbi, was walking on the sidewalk on Arcola Avenue when he encountered the suspect.
For unknown reasons, the male suspect, identified as 47-year-old Junior Michael Reece, swung a wooden stake at the victim, striking him. Reece then left the area. This incident is being investigated as a hate crime.
The victim suffered minor injuries from the assault.
4th District officers located Reece and took him into custody a short distance from the incident. He was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
Once cleared, Reece, who has no fixed address, was transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where he charged with felony assault and related crimes.”