CARY POLICE CHARGE THREE TEENS WITH ETHNIC INTIMIDATION

CARY , NC – The Town of Cary Police Department has charged three Cary Teens each with one count of ethnic intimidation and one count of simple assault.  Matthew Salvatore Luongo, 16, of 103 Marvista Court was arrested today at 12:02 p.m. after surrendering to police for harassing a 15-year-old male near Lochmere Lake; Police have filed warrants on two additional suspects, ages 16 and 17, who are expected to come forward willingly.  The three suspects are white; the victim is black.

On July 13, 2006 , the victim and his cousin were fishing at the boat ramp on Lochmere Drive in Cary when the suspects allegedly played blaring music with racially-charged lyrics.  The suspects then verbally and physically taunted the victim, pushing him and telling him to leave the area since he did not “belong” there, even though the victim is a Lochmere resident. 

“ Cary is a community that embraces and is strengthened by our diversity, and we will do everything possible to protect the rights and dignity of all our residents,” said Captain Dave Wulff.  “We hope parents will use this unfortunate incident to talk with their children about the importance of every human being regardless of race.” 

Ethnic intimidation carries a maximum of 150 days in jail; simple assault carries a maximum of 60 days in jail. 

Luongo was transported to the Wake County Public Safety Center where he is being held under a $2,500 bond.

Cary Crime Stoppers pays up to $2,500 for additional information related to this crime.  If you have information, contact Crime Stoppers at 226-CRIM(E), or contact Captain Dave Wulff at (919) 469-4017. All calls will be kept CONFIDENTIAL at caller's request.

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