Edward C. Mathews of Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, was arrested this week after being caught on camera using racist language and harassing his neighbors.
Mathews was taken into custody at his home on Monday hours after protesters confronted him on his front lawn, reported ABC 7 NY.
The ordeal started after footage showing the New Jersey man using racist language and harassing his neighbors went viral. The Associated Press reported an elderly white woman called the police on Mathews after walking up to her door and demanded to speak to her Black husband. When a neighbor, a Black man, intervened on her behalf, a shouting match ensued.
While the men were arguing, Mathews used the n-word and “monkey” to address his adversary and other bystanders. He was also seen pushing the other man with his chest. Towards the end of the video, the 45-year-old said his full address and invited viewers to “come f–king see me.”
Well, several people showed up at his doorstep on Monday, wanting all the smoke. Protesters stayed there for hours until the police finally took Mathews into custody. As they walked him out, onlookers threw ice and water bottles at him.
Best. Arrest. Ever. #EdwardCagneyMatthews #MountLaurelNewJersey #Racist pic.twitter.com/9Lr2Z4tfbc
— AGirlHasNoPresident (@AGirlHasNoPres) July 6, 2021
Hours before the incident in the video, another person accused Mathews of racism and harassment. The Associated Press reports a Black woman called the police on Mathews Friday and told them he came to her door shouting racial slurs. After the police arrived and spoke to Mathews, he allegedly brought his dogs to the unidentified woman’s home, used more racist language, and made vulgar gestures toward her.
Before this incident, an unidentified woman told law enforcement she suspected Mathews of “criminal mischief” involving her car. He was initially charged with biased intimidation and harassment, but he wasn’t arrested.
After investigators reviewed the footage, a warrant was issued on Monday, and an assault charge was added to his charges, reported CBS Philly.
Mathews will remain in jail until a hearing on Friday.
