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Man arrested in LA for ripping wigs off heads of Orthodox Jewish women

A man was arrested in Los Angeles for allegedly ripping wigs from the heads of Orthodox Jewish women.

By The Algemeiner

A man who allegedly assaulted Orthodox Jewish women in Los Angeles has been arrested and is facing possible hate crime charges, the Los Angeles Daily News reported on Sunday.

Steven Szwet, 33, was taken into custody on Thursday night on suspicion of three counts of batter, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)  said.

It is believed Szwet was behind a string of recent incidents in the North Hollywood-Valley Glen area in which three Orthodox Jewish women had their wigs ripped from their heads in public.

“The suspect appears to have battered the women and targeted their wigs because of their religious beliefs,” the LAPD said in a statement. “Orthodox Jewish women often wear wigs, scarfs, or hats to cover their hair as a symbol of modesty.”

Bail for Szwet was set at $20,000 and he was freed from detention later on Thursday night.