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On July 11, on the corner of Parsons Boulevard and 72nd Avenue, Bell is accused of slapping a 63-year-old Asian woman in the face and removing the victims’ mask.
By Michael V. Cusenza
A Fresh Meadows woman has been charged in four separate attacks on people of Asian descent in Flushing over the past three months, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Saturday.
Maricia Bell, 25, has been arraigned on a complaint charging her with robbery in the second and third degree as a hate crime, assault in the second and third degree as a hate crime, grand larceny in the fourth degree as a hate crime, petit larceny as a hate crime, aggravated harassment in the second degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Bell was ordered to return to court on Aug. 16.
According to the charges, at approximately 8:55 a.m. on May 23, inside the parking lot of 71-43
Photo Courtesy of Google
Last Wednesday, Bell was on 71st Avenue and Parsons Boulevard, at approximately 7:30 a.m., when she allegedly attacked a 75-year-old woman. The victim was struck in the head with a hammer causing a laceration and bleeding.
Kissena Blvd., Bell is observed on video surveillance approach the 24-year-old victim, punching him in the face, removing his glasses and then fleeing.
On June 16, the defendant was inside a bodega located at 70-63 Parsons Blvd. around 6:14 p.m. when she allegedly struck an Asian woman in the back of her head. On July 11 around 8 p.m., on the corner of Parsons Boulevard and 72nd Avenue, Bell is accused of slapping a 63-year-old Asian woman in the face and removing the victims’ mask.
Just this past Wednesday, July 21, according to the charges, Bell was on 71st Avenue and Parsons
Boulevard, at approximately 7:30 a.m., when she allegedly attacked a 75-year-old woman. The victim was struck in the head with a hammer causing a laceration and bleeding.
“I am deeply disturbed by the rise in hate crimes against Asian New Yorkers — especially in the communities I represent. No one should ever have to walk in fear of of their lives because of their race, religion, or sexual orientation. These shocking and disturbing acts of violence against Asians will not be tolerated. Thankfully, Bell is being held without bail and is facing a hefty sentence in prison, where I hope she will be for a long time,” City Councilman Jim Gennaro (D-Hillcrest) said. “I vow to continue working with the 107th Precinct to increase police presence in my council district, and to continue partnering with DA Katz to ensure anyone who commits such a despicable crime is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
If convicted, Bell faces up to 25 years in prison.
