Man Arrested for Hate Crime at Cape Coral Chabad Center

By COLlive reporter

A man was arrested Friday in connection with an incident of vandalism at the Chabad Center of Cape Coral, Florida on a Shabbos last month.

Maron Mark Raymon, a 50-year-old white male, was arrested for the malicious and targeted hate crime towards the Jewish community, Police Chief Anthony Sizemore said during a press conference.

“Our Major Crime Unit spent countless hours piecing together evidence and information ultimately leading to Mr. Raymon as being our suspect,” Chief Sizemore said.

Raymon was arrested in connection with the attack on the Chabad Center on Shabbos while congregants were still inside.

Shliach Rabbi Yossi Labkowski says the perpetrator used bricks to try and bust in the front door just after their Shabbos morning davening ended.

He wasn’t able to break through the impact-resistant glass, so he turned his attention to the Rabbi’s car sitting in the parking lot. Again, using bricks to smash the front windshield and passenger side door.

Mr. Raymon was arrested for violating F.S.S. 810.02(4) – Attempted Burglary and F.S.S. 806.13(2) – Criminal Mischief to a Place of Worship.

This criminal act was a targeted incident directed at the Jewish Center, therefore meeting the legal requirements of a Hate Crime enhancement outlined in F.S.S. 775.085, Evidencing Prejudice While Committing an Offense, police said.

“This type of prejudice will not be tolerated in our community,” the Chief said.

“We would like to express our gratitude to G-d above all else. We are grateful for His protection and guidance throughout this difficult time. We also extend our thanks to the Chief of Police, the detectives, and the Cape Coral police department for their unwavering dedication and persistence in bringing the perpetrator to justice,” said Rabbi Yossi Labkowski, Director of Chabad of Cape Coral.

“We firmly believe that bigotry and hate have no place in our society, nor in our beautiful community of Cape Coral. We are heartened by the outpouring of support from people of all backgrounds and walks of life, which demonstrates that unity and compassion triumph over prejudice. Together, we comprise this wonderful city.

“We have complete trust and confidence in our law enforcement agencies and the justice system. Once again, we express our deep gratitude to God and to all those who have supported us during this challenging time,” Rabbi Labkowski said.