Hate crime suspect to police: Chinese people look like measles

A 67-year-old grandmother described how a man suckered punched her and left her with bruises on her face and injuries from her head to her chest.

In an exclusive interview with ABC7 News, Hoa Nguyen said the man attacked her as she walked down a street in Brooklyn during a trip to the grocery store to take advantage of a senior discount.

“We are human beings, it doesn’t matter what country you come from, we’re same blood but we’re different color,” Nguyen said. “We can’t help it.”

Nguyen said she called her son who immediately contacted 911. New York police responded quickly and made an arrest.

According to the arrest record, the man stated he “doesn’t like how Chinese people look; thinks Chinese people look like measles; and doesn’t like Chinese people looking at (him).”

Nguyen is actually a refugee from Vietnam who came to the U.S. in 1981.

Police charged a homeless man, 51-year-old Mercel Jackson, with felony hate crime and assault charges.

“When that guy hurt me, I didn’t want him to go to jail at all,” Nguyen said. “You can’t carry with the problem all your life. Just let go.”

The family has started a Go Fund Me campaign. They are pledging all funds will go to charity to stop anti-Asian hate.

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