BOCA RATON, FL– A Lake Worth man is facing a potential hate crime charge after attacked and robbed a Jewish person at a store.
The attack took place on April 28 in the parking lot of the Walmart off South State Road 7 in Boca Raton.
Investigators say 34-year-old Daniel Scanlan hit the victim from behind, removed his black yarmulke, and then spit into it before throwing it to the ground.
Scanlan then proceeded to strike the victim and at least at one point used a racial slur.
A woman noticed the attack and attempted to intervene. Scanlan, however, grabbed her phone and began using profane language against her. He then threw her to the ground, causing a minor laceration.
When the woman attempted to retrieve her phone, Scanlan threw it to the ground and left the scene in a white Kia.
Investigators were able to track Scanlan down and identify him.
He has since been booked into the Palm Beach County Jail and faces two counts of robbery and two counts of battery on a person 65 years of age or older.
Authorities say at least one of the charges may come with a hate crime enhancement.