MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A South Florida man says he was attacked by a person whereas he was strolling his canine Sunday morning.
The assailant allegedly approached James Garcia, requested him if he was homosexual and when he didn’t get a reply, he punched him within the face.
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Garcia says it occurred within the 2700 block of N Ocean Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale.
The alleged attacker, Maurice Antwan Charles, is now in custody.
Past mugshot for Maurice Antwan Charles. (Source: Florida Department of Law Enforcement)
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But Garcia says he’s nervous as a result of police haven’t but charged the suspect with a hate crime.
Charles was launched from jail in December of final 12 months.
He was convicted of aggravated battery with a lethal weapon in 2017 and had an aggravated battery case in 2008.
Tuesday night time, he’s dealing with yet one more aggravated battery cost.
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Officials are nonetheless investigating to resolve if they need to cost Charles with a hate crime as effectively.