Coronavirus Bias Attack: Edison Teens Attack Asian Woman, PD Says

EDISON, NJ — A group of teens in Edison surrounded an Asian woman earlier this month and yelled racial slurs at her regarding the origin of the coronavirus, and also hit her in the back of the head, according to Middlesex County Acting Prosecutor Chris Kuberiet and Edison Police Chief Thomas Bryan.

The incident took place Saturday, April 4 in Edison: Police say a teen girl, from Edison, and a group of others surrounded a 55-year-old Asian woman. The teens yelled racial slurs regarding the origins of coronavirus at the victim, and the Edison teen girl then punched the woman on the back of the head, said police.

This occurred in the area of Inman Avenue and Grove Avenue in Edison.

Because the girl is under 18, she will not be named by police. She was arrested on Tuesday of this week, and charged with bias intimidation, riot, simple assault (a disorderly persons offense), harassment and disorderly conduct.

In addition, the Edison teen was also charged with violating the state's emergency order to not congregate in groups and to remain inside unless necessary.

The state Attorney General is also continuing to investigate this case as a possible bias crime.

Anyone with information is asked to please contact Detective Jeffrey Tierny of the Edison Police Department at (732) 248-7400, or Detective Jason Mendelson of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-5948.