Massachusetts driver crashed his car into an Asian male and drove 200 yards with him on the roof in an attack that the victim’s family claims was motivated by racism.
After the victim confronted John Sullivan (77) for driving too fast while there were children around, WVCB reported.
According to WCVB, the victim was seen standing outside the Quincy post office with his sister and three children just before 11 a.m. on Friday morning. Sullivan was driving down the street.
After the victim made a comment on his dangerous driving, Sullivan unleashed a racial tirade.
He said, “Go back to China.” I will go to the post office, and return in five minutes. Desiree Thien, the victim’s sister, said, “If you’re still there, I’m going kill all of you.”
Thien and her brother remained at Sullivan’s car and collected his information. Sullivan then got into his car.
“He ran into my brother. My brother rolled onto the roof and he held onto the hood. Thien stated that he went about 200 yards before braking and my brother fell off. Thien said that my brother was trying to balance when he struck him again, continuing his racist slurs.
Quincy police reported that Thien’s brother was tossing into a 10- to 15-foot ditch on a construction site. Sullivan fled the scene.
A witness followed Sullivan, providing updates to police on his location. This was relayed to Braintree’s police department, where Sullivan was eventually arrested.
Thien stated that he needs to understand that not everyone is a target and that not everyone will be intimidated.
According to WCVB, Sullivan was charged with two counts each of assault and battery using a dangerous weapon and reckless operation of a vehicle. Sullivan also faces a civil rights violation and leaving the scene after a collision with personal injury.
According to the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office, he pleaded not guilty at his Friday arraignment in Quincy District Court.
He is currently being held without bail, until Wednesday’s dangerousness hearing.
