NORTH BERGEN, N.J. (1010 WINS) — Officials charged a teenager after he allegedly choked and beat and a stranger into a coma at a New Jersey park "because he thought the man was gay," prosecutors said Wednesday.
José Tobias Carranza Serrano, 18, a Baltimore resident, was arrested on June 23, a day after the alleged attack that occurred at James J. Braddock North Hudson Park.
Serrano, who also goes by the name "Kevin Lopez," was charged with attempted homicide, bias intimidation, robbery, and aggravated assault, according to Attorney General Gurbir Grewal.
"This defendant is charged with attempting to kill a complete stranger because he thought the man was gay," Grewal said. "The victim was beaten and choked so badly that he was unconscious for several hours before a passerby found him and called for help."
Carranza Serrano allegedly punched and kicked the a 37-year-old, learning-disabled man into a coma, caused multiple fractures and knocking out several teeth.
He also allegedly took the victim's phone and $8 in cash before leaving, officials said.
The victim was found at 5 a.m. near the south end of the lake inside the park, the AG's Office noted.
"Whether this type of hate-fueled violence is directed against the LGBTQ+ community or other groups, it is terribly destructive to society and we must push back against it in every way possible," Grewal added.
