A landscaper with a virulent hatred of Islam tried to run over two Muslim women at a Smithtown, L.I., gas station after threatening to kill them, police said.
Joseph Ballance, 23, pleaded not guilty yesterday to aggravated harassment in the Aug. 20 confrontation.
It came less than a week after an Ecuadoran man was beaten and robbed in an alleged bias attack in Suffolk County.
Ballance approached 49-year-old Chervern Cartier and her 20-year-old daughter, who were wearing traditional Muslim robes, in a Smithtown service station parking lot, authorities said.
After hurling epithets at the women and threatening to "chop you up into little pieces and kill you," Ballance spat on their car and drove his own toward them before driving off, according to police and a court complaint.
The self-employed landscaper later told investigators, "They don't belong here," Detective Sgt. Robert Reecks said.
Ballance is being held on $10,000 cash bond. If convicted, he could face up to four years in prison.
The women were not hurt.
Note from Blog Owner: I grew up in this small town and this has disappointed me beyond belief...
May Allaah protect our sisters from all harm and reward them for their courage and modesty, Aameen...
USBB
