SOMERSET, NJ - A local man is facing multiple charges for grabbing an elderly man by the arm and throwing him to the ground because he was wearing a "Make American Great Again" hat, according to police.

Ryan M. Salvagno,19, of Somerset was arrested and charged with assault, disorderly person’s offense and harassment following an incident that took place on Monday at a local grocery store on Elizabeth Avenue, according to Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson.

Officers responded to a 9-1-1 call and found an 81-year-old unidentified local man suffering from injuries, according to Robertson.

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The victim told police after he purchased his groceries and left the store he was confronted by a man, who police later identified as Salvano, regarding his “Make America Great Again” hat, Robertson said in a statement.

"A brief verbal confrontation ensued, after which the victim attempted to leave the area," Robertson said in a statement. "As the victim turned to walk away, defendant Salvagno was able to grab the victim’s hat and the two struggled for sole possession of the hat. Salvagno then took the victim by the arm and threw him to the ground, tipping over the victim’s cart of groceries and ultimately throwing the hat to the side."

Police say their investigation led to them to Salvagno but did not specify how.

Salvagno is scheduled to appear a the Franklin Township Municipal Court on March 14 for arraignment, according to police.

Robertson asks that anyone with information on the incident to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100, or the Franklin Township Police Department at (732) 873-5533 or via the STOPit app.





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