MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Miami Beach police arrested a homeless man on Wednesday after accusing him of committing an antisemitic attack against a Jewish day school teacher the day prior.
According to police, the attack happened at 7:40 a.m. Tuesday, just blocks away from where the victim works, Lehrman Community Day School at 727 77th St. on North Beach.
Investigators said the victim was wearing a Star of David necklace and using her cellphone when Slemons Graves, 33, snatched her phone, hit her and spat on her.
According to an arrest report, Graves told the teacher, “Move, you dirty Jew.”
The victim ran to the school and Graves ran away, police said.
Jerry Klein, who has grandchildren attending the school, said he is troubled by what happened.
“I think it’s disgusting,” Klein said. “You have to watch your back.”
Police said with the help of surveillance video and drone technology, they arrested Graves on Wednesday.
“It’s horrifying, but I’m thankful he was arrested,” Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner said.
Graves, facing charges of battery with prejudice and strong-armed robbery, was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight with a bond listed as “to be set” as of Wednesday afternoon.
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