Overview
- The alleged attack occurred April 29 at the NYCHA Baruch Houses playground when a man reportedly shouted anti‑gay slurs at a 12‑year‑old and struck him with a belt, leaving the child with minor injuries.
- Kevin Maxwell, 37, was taken into custody just before 1 a.m. on Sunday, July 5, after remaining at large for months following the incident.
- Police charged Maxwell with multiple counts including two counts of hate‑crime assault, three counts of assault, acting in a manner injurious to a child, hate‑crime menacing, and menacing.
- Investigators had circulated a sketch of a bearded man in a hooded sweatshirt while the case was active, and Maxwell is being held on a $30,001 bond as the prosecution and investigation continue.
- Prosecutors must prove the attack was motivated by bias for hate‑crime enhancements to apply and the case lands against a backdrop of reported increases in anti‑LGBTQ+ hate incidents in New York City.