The Fourth Squad reports the arrest of a North African Asylum Seeker for an incident that occurred on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 1:08 pm in Hewlett.

According to Detectives, a resident on Steven Drive observed a 26-year-old male subject walk onto his property and remove a flag and banner that he had been displaying outside his home. The flag was a combination of the United States and Israel flag and the banner stated “In This Home We Stand With Israel”. The homeowner confronted the subject and a physical altercation occurred. The homeowner was punched in the face and body causing substantial pain. The victim however was able to regain his property until he was attacked again. The subject then forcibly removed the flag and banner from the victim hands and began jumping and stomping on the flag and banner while stating his dislike for Jewish people. The homeowner immediately called 911.

Subsequent to the investigation, Defendant Bechir Lehbeib, 26, who resides in a Migrant Shelter located at 535 N. Gannon Avenue, Staten Island was located and arrested without incident. No other injuries were reported. The victim refused medical attention.

Defendant Bechir Lehbeib is charged with Assault 2^nd Degree, Robbery 2^nd Degree and Criminal Mischief 4^th Degree. He was arraigned on Monday, February 5, 2024 at First District Court 99 Main Street, Hempstead and is being held on $50,000 cash and $100,000 bond.

Details: Det. McEntee / 4^th Sqd                                                               02/04/24/2100/8963