MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – A suspect is in custody after three men wearing yarmulkes were attacked at a Dunkin' early Thursday morning in Miami Beach.
According to police, the attack happened at 341 W. 41st St. after 5:30 a.m.
A witness said a man came in and began attacking the three men with a rock. One of the men tried to restrain the suspect, who then ran off.
Police then set up a perimeter near Royal Palm Avenue and West 41st Street before capturing the suspect, who was then positively identified by one of the victims.
Michael Lefkowitz said the suspect, identified as Leroy Jennings, 32, approached him and asked him if he had heard about a woman who had been raped in another country.
"I said no, and then he took his hand out of his pocket and he whacked me," Lefkowitz said.
Lefkowitz said he doesn't know if he was attacked because of his Jewish faith.
"I don't know, but I was wearing my yarmulke, so who knows?" he said.
Police said one of the victims was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center with a bloody eye, while the other two victims were treated by paramedics at the scene.
The three victims go to the same kosher Dunkin' location each day at 5:30 a.m. as part of their routine.
"We will not be coerced not to do what we normally do and life goes on," Lefkowitz said.
But, he added, "I look forward to putting him in jail."