A Rockville Centre police detective is facing hate crime charges after an altercation in Manorville, Long Island. The encounter, which occurred on the evening of November 3, involved the detective, John Murphy, 40, reportedly behaving in a racially charged manner towards a Black subcontractor working for AT&T.

According to CBS News, the subcontractor was operating out of a GMC Terrain at the intersection of Sylvan Court and Weeks Avenue when approached by Murphy, who aggressively questioned what the worker was doing in the area, refusing to verify the man's credentials. The incident escalated when Murphy kicked the worker's SUV and dislodged an exterior light, throwing it at him while uttering a racial slur.

Murphy, a veteran detective with 15 years on the force, was charged with criminal mischief as a hate crime and aggravated harassment. "The victim here was just trying to do his job, when the defendant allegedly harassed him and damaged his vehicle. To make matters worse, the defendant is a sworn law enforcement officer, responsible for protecting the rights of citizens, rather than violating them, as is alleged here," stated Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. These insights were shared by ABC7NY.

Murphy's actions have been widely condemned, as officials underscore the gravity of such offenses, especially when committed by someone entrusted to uphold the law. "Hate has no place in Suffolk County," Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine told CBS News, standing firm on the county's position against intolerance and affirming that hate crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

As the case moves forward, Murphy is scheduled for a court appearance earlier today. The charges contribute to an unsettling tally of 17 hate crimes and 68 hate incidents Suffolk County has seen to date.