Sayreville man charged with brutal, race-based beating of Asbury Park Press freelancer

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Authorities have charged a Sayreville man with beating a longtime Asbury Park Press freelance photographer May 1 in Freehold Towship then running the man over with his vehicle.

Jamil S. Hubbard, 25, is charged with attempted murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose — the motor vehicle — and first-degree bias intimidation. The attack on Jerry Wolkowitz, 55, of the township took place in the parking lot of the Harding Road apartment complex where Wolkowitz lives.

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Authorities said Hubbard did not know Wolkowitz. Hubbard targeted Wolkowitz because of his race, authorities said.

Hubbard is black and Wolkowitz is white.

At 7:15 a.m. in May 1, police found Wolkowitz lying in the parking lot area with injuries to his head and body. Medics rushed him to an undisclosed hospital where he remains in critical condition. Wolkowitz has worked as a freelancer for the Press for more than 30 years.

Freehold Township police officers and investigators from the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office found that Hubbard attacked Wolkowitz from behind, punching him in the head and face then dragging him into the parking lot. Hubbard drove his gray Chevy Malibu over Wolkowitz then stole Wolkowitz's blue Kia Forte, authorities said.

The Forte was later found abandoned on Bordentown Avenue in Sayreville. Sayreville police officers arrested Hubbard, a manager at an Advance Auto Parts store, at his Winding Wood Drive home later the day of the attack.

Hubbard is being held at the Monmouth County jail.The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion to keep Hubbard incarcerated until trial.

This detention hearing is scheduled for July 10 before Superior Court Judge Paul X. Escandon.

Ken Serrano: 732-643-4029; kserrano@gannettnj.com