Billerica Man Accused Of Lobbing Racial Slurs, Beer Bottle At Man

Chelmsford MA

19 May, 2021

10:23 AM

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BILLERICA, MA — A Billerica man accused of lobbing racial slurs and then a beer bottle and a chair at a Black man this week has been charged in connection with the May 15 assault, according to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Billerica Chief of Police Daniel Rosa. "Incidents of hate-based violence have no place in our communities. These intention actions, meant to intimidate and discriminate, leave the victim and the victim's entire community feeling fearful, vulnerable and victimized," said District Attorney Marian Ryan. "Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in these incidents, and it is important to address them and hold accountable the perpetrators. We are committed to continuing working with legislators to close the loopholes in our statutes and increase safety for the members of our communities who are the target of hate crimes." Jacey Bonaiuto, 44 of Billerica, was arraigned on May 17, in Lowell District Court of charges of civil rights violation causing injury, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct. Bonaiuto was released on $200 bail with the conditions that he have no contact with the victim. Someone called Billerica Police about a fight outside the Playoffs Bar and Grill on Middlesex Turnpike on the night of May 15. According to prosecutors, a 24-year-old man was waiting for a Lyft ride on the Middlesex Turnpike near the bar when Bonaiuto reportedly started to yelled racial slurs from the patio of the restaurant at the man. Prosecutors say Bonaiuto then threw a bottle of beer and a metallic chair at the man, hitting him. That devolved into a fight, during which Bonaiuto continued to use racial slurs, according to prosecutors. Police found Bonaiuto walking away from the bar and after a subsequent investigation placed him under arrest. The other man was evaluated by paramedics and subsequently transported to an area hospital to be treated for the injuries sustained during the altercation. Bonaiuto is set to return to court June 24.