60°
The crowds gathered outside of Edward Cagney Mathews' condo in the Essex Place development for hours, three days after the 45-year-old resident was charged with harassment and biased intimidation.
Dozens of rioters jeered and threw objects at Mathews, who was escorted out of his home by police for unknown reasons.
Mathews' arrest came after a neighbor reported being continually harassed by him, police said.
It was around that time that a video showing Mathews spewing racial slurs at his black neighbors on Gramercy Way began going viral.
Police called the video offensive and denounced racism.
"The Mount Laurel Police Department does not tolerate hate or bias intimidation in any form," police said.
"This type of behavior is totally unacceptable. We can assure our residents that incidents like this are thoroughly investigated and that those who commit such offenses will be held accountable for their actions."
Videos of the protest show dozens of people gathered outside of Mathews' home at the Essex Place Condominiums.
Crowds cheered as police escorted him out of the apartment for unclear reasons.
Mount Laurel Township's elected officials released a statement Monday saying Mathews' actions do not reflect the values of the community.
“To say that we are appalled by the disturbing and vicious act of hate which was caught on camera would be an understatement,” it said.
“This man’s actions do not reflect who we are as a community nor out values. Nobody should be made to feel unsafe or unwelcome in their own neighborhood let alone in their hometown.”
Police are continually investigating other incidents involving Mathews.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Mount Laurel Police Department at 856-234-8300 or the confidential tip line 856-234-1414 Ext. 1599
Click here to follow Daily Voice Middletown and receive free news updates.
