A 37-year-old Brooklyn man has been arrested and charged after New York City police say he hurled an anti‑gay slur at a 12‑year‑old and struck the child with a belt outside a Lower East Side playground on April 29.
Charges, arraignment and custody
Authorities identified the suspect as Kevin Maxwell. On Sunday the New York Police Department took him into custody, and the New York Daily News reported he faces charges including second‑degree assault, menacing and acting in a manner injurious to a child. Public records show Maxwell was held at the Eric M. Taylor Center on a bail set at $30,001.
WPIX later reported that Maxwell pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and was released on bail.
Alleged incident and investigation
Police say the child was outside a public housing development playground on the Lower East Side when the suspect approached and shouted an anti‑gay slur. According to reporting by the New York Daily News and amNY, the exchange escalated after the youth tried to ignore the verbal abuse and the assailant returned and struck him with a belt. The boy suffered minor pain and swelling, officials said. The child’s name and other identifying details were withheld in line with standard practice involving minors.
“Are you stupid or something? You gay f**got!”
The incident prompted a months‑long search that was referred to the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Unit. Police released a sketch in June seeking public assistance in identifying the suspect.
Context and broader trends
The arrest comes amid reports of an increase in reported hate crimes in New York City this year. Local reporting cited by police noted a nearly 70% year‑over‑year rise in hate crimes related to sexual orientation, a figure that has drawn attention from law enforcement and advocacy groups. The city has recently seen several high‑profile prosecutions involving anti‑LGBTQ+ violence, including the conviction in June of a Brooklyn man on manslaughter hate‑crime charges in the fatal stabbing of gay choreographer O’Shae Sibley.
- Suspect: Kevin Maxwell, 37
- Alleged victim: 12‑year‑old boy (not publicly identified)
- Charges: Second‑degree assault, menacing, acting in a manner injurious to a child
- Bail: $30,001
Next steps
Maxwell has pleaded not guilty. The case is expected to proceed through the criminal justice system, where prosecutors must present evidence supporting the charges and the defendant may contest them. The NYPD Hate Crimes Unit continues to investigate incidents involving alleged bias, and police and prosecutors in the city have emphasized both enforcement and outreach in response to rising reports of targeted violence.
The presumption of innocence applies to Maxwell as he awaits further court proceedings.
