Everett man facing hate crime charges for alleged road rage incident

An Everett man is facing hate crime charges after allegedly assaulting a man and yelling racial slurs at him following an alleged road rage incident.

John Thomas McNeil, 41, was arraigned Tuesday on charges of assault and battery to intimidate based on race, a civil rights violation, operating with a suspended license, and reckless operation of a motor vehicle, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Everett Chief of Police Paul Strong said in a statement Wednesday.

The incident occurred March 16 when McNeil and another driver were stopped at a red light at an intersection on Route 16, according to the statement. When the light turned green and McNeil did not start driving, the other driver beeped his horn.

McNeil allegedly followed the man, driving aggressively and blocking him from entering his driveway when he reached his home, the statement said.

McNeil then allegedly exited his vehicle and yelled racial slurs at the man. When the man exited his vehicle, McNeil allegedly assaulted him, pushing him and striking him in the face while continuing to yell racial slurs, according to the statement.

McNeil fled the scene but was later identified, the statement said.

“In Middlesex County we are committed to appropriately charging and holding accountable those who threaten and assault others because of their race or ethnicity,” Ryan said in the statement. “Such random violence, especially when coupled with hate, is extraordinarily dangerous, to individuals and to our communities. We will not tolerate this conduct.”

McNeil was arraigned Tuesday in Malden District Court, and his bail was set at $500, according to the statement. He is scheduled to return to court May 28.

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