NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — A man who was seen on video last year chasing Black Lives Matter protesters in Queens while wearing a glove of four serrated-edged blades has been indicted on attempted murder, reckless endangerment and other charges.
According to prosecutors, 55-year-old Frank Cavalluzzi, of Flushing, was driving through Whitestone back on June 2 when he spotted a group of peaceful demonstrators calling for justice in the killing of George Floyd.
He pulled over, jumped out of his SUV and yelled, “You are in the wrong neighborhood” and “I will kill you.”
Prosecutors said he chased after a man while wearing the bladed glove "in a threatening manner and shouted at the victim in anger."
Cavalluzzi allegedly got back in his SUV, made a quick U-turn and then drove the vehicle up onto the sidewalk where the protesters were standing.
"The defendant then drove down the length of the sidewalk as the protesters ran into the street and climbed fences in order to avoid being hit by the defendant’s vehicle," prosecutors said. "Cavalluzzi allegedly revved the engine and even maneuvered between a fence and a street light pole trying to get the victims who were running away in fear."
No one was injured.
“The defendant in this case became enraged when he spotted Black Lives Matter protesters demonstrating in the neighborhood. The moments that followed were sheer terror for the victims," Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement. "As alleged, the defendant donned a glove made of knives – something resembling a horror movie prop – and chased the peaceful protesters on foot. Then with people running for their lives, he allegedly stepped up the attack by getting back in his SUV and tried to run the victims over with the nearly two-ton vehicle.”
Cavalluzzi turned himself in last year, but was arraigned Wednesday on a 39-count indictment.
He faces up to 25 years in prison for each victim if he's convicted.
His next court date is May 5.
Follow WCBS Newsradio 880
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram