YPD busts Mahopac man for menacing with a gun as a hate crime

YORKTOWN, N.Y. — A 59-year-old Mahopac man is facing a felony charge after a road rage incident involving a handgun and racial overtones.

According to Yorktown PD, James P. Brown was taken into custody on Feb. 11 following an incident in which he allegedly pointed a gun at another driver while using a racial slur during a traffic dispute on Route 6 in Yorktown.  He has been charged with second-degree menacing as a hate crime, a class E felony. 

While Yorktown Police received a report from the State Police that the incident occurred in Yorktown, both individuals were found in the area of 302 Sommers Commons. After identifying Brown as the suspect, police reportedly found a firearm matching the victim’s description in Brown's possession. 

Brown was arrested, processed, and arraigned in Yorktown Justice Court, where a temporary order of protection was issued for the victim. The victim has not been identified. 

Brown is due back in court at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25.