LAUDERHILL — A man was taken into custody on Saturday afternoon on suspicion of assaulting an elderly man due to his religious beliefs in Broward County.

Authorities in Lauderhill announced in a press release on Sunday that Trevor Rodney was apprehended and charged with battery against a person aged 65 or older, as well as committing a third-degree felony involving prejudice.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., law enforcement officers were called to the area of 6900 Northwest 44th Street following a reported battery incident. Upon arrival, they discovered the elderly victim with numerous injuries, including “bruised eyes, minor facial abrasions, and significant body pain.” The victim recounted being attacked without provocation by an unidentified individual while walking along the 6400 block of the street.

The victim alleged that the assailant, later identified as Rodney, directed a “racial slur” at him during the assault. A passerby witnessed the attack and intervened by shouting at Rodney to cease his assault on the victim. Rodney subsequently fled the scene but was apprehended shortly afterwards. He is currently detained at the Broward Sheriff’s Office Main Jail.

Lauderhill Police disclosed that the victim, a man over the age of 65, was attired in clothing traditional to his faith. He was transported to the hospital with injuries that were deemed non-life-threatening. The attack reportedly occurred in close proximity to a synagogue, according to search results from Google Maps.

“Based on our preliminary investigation, this unusual incident does not align with the typical calls for service in this community,” stated Lauderhill Police. “In light of this incident, we emphasize the importance of fostering a community that embraces and promotes a higher quality of life, where individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds can coexist peacefully.”

Lauderhill Police urge anyone with additional information about the incident to contact them at (954) 497-4700 or reach out to Broward County Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-8477 (TIPS).